Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Rutgers Hillel ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://rutgershillel.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Statement By Rutgers Hillel Board of Directors](https://rutgershillel.org/statement-by-rutgers-hillel-board-of-directors/) - As members of the Board of Directors of Rutgers Hillel, we reject recent calls for Hillel Director Andrew Getraer to apologize for “Islamophobic remarks.” Such claims are based on false charges made more than a year ago. The charges were proven false then and they remain so today. The so-called “Islamophobic” characterization derived from a - [Bringing Theater Back to Rutgers Hillel](https://rutgershillel.org/bringing-theater-back-to-rutgers-hillel/) - The arts have been a subject which, for a long time, have held great importance to the students who make up the community at Rutgers Hillel. In the past, there were frequent opportunities for students to produce and appreciate art. Over the last few years, this work has been sadly not possible, largely due to - [Condolences to Rav Avi and Sara Schwartz](https://rutgershillel.org/condolences-to-rav-avi-and-sara-schwartz/) - Dear Rutgers Hillel Community, As many of you have already heard, Rabbi Avi and Sara Schwartz’s beloved daughter, Kiki, Yakira Leeba, passed away yesterday. Kiki, just a few weeks shy of 4, was a joyful and loved child who brought light and laughter to her family, caregivers, and all those who knew her. Born with - [How can the Reform Movement Revitalize its Presence on College Campuses? by Sarah Joselow](https://rutgershillel.org/how-can-the-reform-movement-revitalize-its-presence-on-college-campuses-by-sarah-joselow/) - (This article was originally published here and is being posted on our website with permission of the author.) Although Reform Jews represent the majority of American Jewry today, Reform Judaism is drastically under-represented on college campuses. The numbers speak for themselves: though Reform Judaism makes up by far the largest American Jewish movement, representing 35% of - [Jewish, Christian and Muslim Dialogue: “Night of Encouragement” by Manya Goldstein ’19](https://rutgershillel.org/jewish-christian-and-muslim-dialogue-night-of-encouragement-by-manya-goldstein-19/) - Dozens of students filed into the Graduate Student Lounge on the cold evening of January 27, ushered in by the low lighting and warm atmosphere. They were greeted by the aroma of pizza—both kosher and Halal varieties—as some walked around greeting each other and others took seats among peers. The Jewish, Christian and Muslim Dialogue - [Jewish group expands trips to Israel for Rutgers students by Jacob Green ’19](https://rutgershillel.org/jewish-group-expands-trips-to-israel-for-rutgers-students-by-jacob-green-19/) - Originally published in The Daily Targum on March 3, 2016 By Jacob Green, Class of 2019 Birthright Israel, a group that helps Jewish students travel to Israel, is ramping up outreach at Rutgers and other college campuses with large Jewish populations. This outreach program is being picked up at college campuses with large Jewish populations - [Rutgers Hillel Helped Me Build a Jewish Life – And Eventually Become a Jewish Wife by Bethany Mandel ’08](https://rutgershillel.org/rutgers-hillel-helped-me-build-a-jewish-life-and-eventually-become-a-jewish-wife-by-bethany-mandel-08/) - When I arrived at Rutgers in the fall of 2005, I was dating a (very nice) non-Jewish guy from high school and my last name was Murphy. Despite that, I had always considered myself Jewish. I grew up with my father’s last name, Horowitz, and was the only Jew in my rural town in Upstate - [Coming Together – Interfaith Shabbat Dinner by Alex Hamilton ‘16 and Mudassar Zaidi ‘17](https://rutgershillel.org/coming-together-interfaith-shabbat-dinner-by-alex-hamilton-16-and-mudassar-zaidi-17/) - Alex Hamilton is a senior in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences majoring in Jewish Studies and Middle-Eastern Studies. He is also the Rutgers Hillel Student Board President. Mudassar Zaidi is a junior in the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Quantitative Economics. He - [My Bar Mitzvah Experiences with Rutgers Hillel by Robert Schenker ’19](https://rutgershillel.org/my-bar-mitzvah-experiences-with-rutgers-hillel-by-robert-schenker-19/) - When I first arrived at Rutgers University for the Fall 2015 semester, I had no idea what Jewish identity truly meant for me. I had always felt a strong link to Judaism, but never had the opportunity or the willingness to explore what it really means to be Jewish. However, my life changed when I - [Chocolate, Chocolate Everywhere! By Jaclyn Platt ’18](https://rutgershillel.org/chocolate-chocolate-everywhere-by-jaclyn-platt-18/) - Class of 2018 Rutgers Hillel Student Board Conservative Community Chair 2015-2016 As a young child Passover was always my favorite holiday. At the same time, I always felt like I was missing out when my other friends at school who belonged to other synagogues would talk about their mock seders in their Hebrew Schools. While - [Building Bridges on Campus By Alex Hamilton ’16](https://rutgershillel.org/building-bridges-on-campus-by-alex-hamilton-16/) - Rutgers Hillel Student Board President 2015-2016 When I started this year, I set out to do three things: to connect more organizations to Hillel, to encourage more inter-Hillel work, and to help the Rutgers Hillel Student Board continue to create amazing programs. I am incredibly pleased with how the Student Board performed this year. Hillel - [It’s a Small World After All by Sami Brandspiegel ’17](https://rutgershillel.org/its-a-small-world-after-all-by-sami-brandspiegel-17/) - Rutgers Hillel Student Board Vice President 2015-2016 Rutgers Hillel Student Board President 2016-2017 “Oh, you must know her! She’s Jewish!” is a common phrase that I hear when I am talking to synagogue members, friends from home, or friends at Rutgers. Jews and non-Jews alike have this preconceived idea that all Jews know each other, - [Rutgers Hillel Leadership Training Day](https://rutgershillel.org/rutgers-hillel-leadership-training-day/) - I’m Max DuBoff, and I’m incredibly excited to serve as Koach/Conservative Community Co-Chair for 2016-2017. I’ve had plenty of experience with Jewish organizations over the past few years, but this is my first year on the Rutgers Hillel Student Board, and so the Leadership Training Day on May 4 provided a fitting and useful introduction - [The Trip of a Lifetime](https://rutgershillel.org/the-trip-of-a-lifetime/) - 10 days – 12,000 miles in the air – 75 miles on foot – 1 incredible experience There is no better way to characterize the incredible nature of a Birthright trip than with the numbers that spell out just how much one can accomplish in ten days with a bit of determination. There is, of - [Rutgers Hillel as “Bookends” for my College Career](https://rutgershillel.org/rutgers-hillel-as-bookends-for-my-college-career/) - To say that Hillel has been an important part of my college career would be an understatement. Hillel has not just been a part of my college experience, it literally began and ended my four undergraduate years at Rutgers. After I moved in to my dorm, the first place I remember going to was Hillel - [10 Extraordinary Days on Birthright](https://rutgershillel.org/10-extraordinary-days-on-birthright/) - I was never a religious person, and I don’t plan on becoming one. However, my birthright trip made me feel closer to the Jewish people and made me embrace my Jewish heritage. It’s an extraordinary experience that words can’t describe. You must check it out for yourself to understand what I’m saying. Here’s what I - [A Home Away from Home: Reflections on Four Years with Rutgers Hillel By Michael Guggenheim ’16](https://rutgershillel.org/a-home-away-from-home-reflections-on-four-years-with-rutgers-hillel-by-michael-guggenheim-16/) - For many people, college can be a time of extreme change. People both discover and lose interest in their passions, make friends from all different walks of life, and broaden their horizons. The experience for Rutgers students is no different. If anything, it’s even more amplified by Rutgers’ large student body and deep cultural roots. - [Welcome & Welcome Back! By Sami Brandspiegel ’17](https://rutgershillel.org/welcome-welcome-back-by-sami-brandspiegel-17/) - I remember my first weekend at Rutgers Hillel like it was yesterday, and believe me, sometimes I wish that it was still my freshmen year. For all current students, other than my fellow seniors, no one remembers or even knows the uniqueness that was 93 College Avenue. But for me it will always be the - [A Great Way to Kick Off the Year by Leila Gordon ’17 and Jacob Holdowsky ’17](https://rutgershillel.org/a-great-way-to-kick-off-the-year-by-leila-gordon-17-and-jacob-holdowsky-17/) - Leadership Day 2016 was the start to what is sure to be a great year for Rutgers Hillel. Although exhausting, the Hillel Board spent all day planning future events and discussing the exciting year to come. With a board of 18 members, there can be many differing opinions. However, Leadership Day proved that our 2016-17 - [Israel Changed Me Forever](https://rutgershillel.org/israel-changed-me-forever/) - For me Birthright was an eye opening and life changing experience. Before going on Birthright I felt little to no connection to the Jewish Community, and really had no idea what to expect from this trip. I had heard from several people that after participating in Birthright they had felt a sudden connection to the - [What Being Jewish Means to Me](https://rutgershillel.org/what-being-jewish-means-to-me/) - This is the first of two blog posts written by students who spoke during the Rutgers Hillel Kol Nidre service for Yom Kippur. Yonkel goes to his rabbi and says, “Rabbi, I want you to make me a Levite.” The rabbi replies, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that,” to which Yonkel immediately answers, “How about - [What Being Jewish Means to Me By Samantha Goldstein ’19](https://rutgershillel.org/what-being-jewish-means-to-me-by-samantha-goldstein-19/) - This is the second of two blog posts written by students who spoke during the Rutgers Hillel Kol Nidre service for Yom Kippur. In the Jewish community, the holiday Yom Kippur represents a time to reflect on the bad deeds and choices you may have made in the past year. And while this may seem like - [First Student Board Gathering in the New Building](https://rutgershillel.org/first-student-board-gathering-in-the-new-building/) - On Monday, January 16, the Rutgers Hillel Student Board met for the first time of the new secular year for our January Leadership Day. Leadership Day is an intensive training day for the Rutgers Hillel Student Board that is held 3 times per year: once before the fall semester, once before the spring semester, and once - [Thoughts on Yom HaShoa – Holocaust Memorial Day](https://rutgershillel.org/thoughts-on-yom-hashoa-holocaust-memorial-day/) - I will never forget the day that my wife Jean and I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was a slate grey day in late fall/early winter. There was no color in the sky, on the ground, anywhere. No life. After the museum and tour of Auschwitz we walked alone the nearly two miles to Birkenau, Auschwitz’s partner - [Andrew Getraer Shares Thoughts About Jerusalem, 50 Years After](https://rutgershillel.org/andrew-getraer-shares-thoughts-about-jerusalem-50-years-after/) - 50 years ago today, June 7, 1967, Jewish sovereignty was returned to Jerusalem, our holy city and eternal capital, for the first time since the 2nd Jewish Commonwealth was conquered by the Romans in 70 CE. It is hard to explain just how momentous an event this is. From the perspective of the ages, the - [A Truly Life Changing Experience By Forrest Butensky ’17](https://rutgershillel.org/a-truly-life-changing-experience-by-forrest-butensky-17/) - Where can I start? If I really wanted to lay out my entire Birthright experience, you’d be reading for hours. I’ll keep it simple and pick out my most memorable experiences from the trip. Just a heads up: if you’re thinking about going on Birthright or are hesitant about going on the trip, book your - [An Israeli Perspective on the Kotel Decision By Aviv Ayash](https://rutgershillel.org/an-israeli-perspective-on-the-kotel-decision-by-aviv-ayash/) - As the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow at Rutgers Hillel, I believe I have responsibility to my American Jewish students but also to the Jews who live in Israel. That’s why a few days ago I wrote on my Facebook wall what I think about the conversion bill. It was in Hebrew so my Israeli friends - [Rutgers Hillel Statement Regarding Prof. Mazen Adi](https://rutgershillel.org/rutgers-hillel-statement-regarding-prof-mazen-adi/) - The revelation that Rutgers University hired a former spokesperson for the genocidal Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad to teach, of all things, international human rights law, has become a national embarrassment to the University. Not only was he an official in a regime that has murdered hundreds of thousands of civilians, including gassing entire cities, - [Rutgers Hillel: A Safe Haven for Observant Students Living Off Campus By Brian Skydell RU ‘18](https://rutgershillel.org/rutgers-hillel-a-safe-haven-for-observant-students-living-off-campus-by-brian-skydell-ru-18/) - Moving out of the dorms can be an anxiety inducing process. From looking for a home or apartment to acclimating to off campus life, it has not been the easiest thing to accomplish at Rutgers University over the past few years. But there is good news! If you are Jewish and are worried that living - [Message to the Community](https://rutgershillel.org/message-to-the-community/) - Dear Friends, As a community, we just concluded the celebration of Purim, the Jewish holiday in which we recognize the topsy-turvy, unpredictable nature of our world. So perhaps it is fitting that the whole world seems a bit topsy-turvy right now, with the ever-evolving reality of coronavirus affecting all aspects of life. We recognize that ## Pages - [Home](https://rutgershillel.org/) - Hi there! Rutgers Hillel is a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming home away from home. Whether you are just beginning to discover your Jewish path or you've been deeply involved in it, you’ll find meaning here at the Hillel. Rutgers Hillel is a home, a family, and a place to be yourself. Welcome home! Discover Rutgers - [Director of first impressions](https://rutgershillel.org/director-of-first-impressions/) - The Directors of First Impressions (DOFI) at Rutgers Hillel are a cohort of welcoming, friendly, attentive students who act as the face of the Hillel community. They work at the reception desk and welcome people to the building, oversee the minute-by-minute needs of the lobby, and help Hillel be the most welcoming community possible. For - [Space Rental](https://rutgershillel.org/rental/) - Host Your Special Event at Rutgers Hillel Celebrate your occasion in the welcoming space of the Eva & Arie Halpern Hillel House on the Wilf Family Campus. Fill out the form below to reserve your space today. For any questions, contact the Operations & Office Manager at info@rutgershillel.org. Event request and planning form - [About Religious Life](https://rutgershillel.org/religious-life/) - Religious Life at Rutgers Hillel VP of Religious Life, Dani Bank, can be reached at studentboard@rutgershillel.org. For information about Rutgers Hillel’s Kosher policy, click here. Conservative Life Koach, the Conservative community at Rutgers Hillel, fosters a welcoming space for students seeking a connection to their Jewish heritage. Whether through Shabbat services or social events, Koach - [Fresh Fest](https://rutgershillel.org/freshfest/) - Rutgers Hillel Fresh Fest Fresh Fest is sponsored by the Estate of Leonard Kushner, in memory of his beloved mother, Estelle Kushner. Start the best four years of your life early! Moving to college is a big deal, but Fresh Fest makes it fun, easy, and totally unforgettable! This early move-in experience is designed for - [Leadership](https://rutgershillel.org/staff/) - A Shared Commitment to Jewish Life Together, Rutgers Hillel and its staff create a nurturing environment for Jewish students to thrive academically and spiritually. With diverse backgrounds, every staff member has something different to offer to our student body. Lisa Harris GlassChief Executive Officer lisa@rutgershillel.org Read Bio ✕ Lisa Harris GlassChief Executive Officer Lisa serves - [Holidays](https://rutgershillel.org/holidays/) - Jewish Holidays Join us for meaningful celebrations, services, and meals throughout the Jewish year at Rutgers Hillel. We strive to make every holiday a beautiful and enriching experience, bringing students together in a warm, welcoming environment. Our holiday programs create lasting memories and strengthen our Jewish identity and community. Connect and Celebrate Together The Jewish - [Contact](https://rutgershillel.org/contact/) - Contact Hillel Today Connect with us for questions, assistance, or to learn more! URLThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*PhoneEmail* Message Send message Parking Hillel is located at 70 College Avenue, in the center of the College Avenue campus, the historic heart of Rutgers University. Below is a map with information - [Resources](https://rutgershillel.org/resources/) - Resources for Growth & Opportunity Explore avenues for expanding your Jewish learning and discovering valuable job and internship opportunities to help you succeed in your career. Resources job & internships Resources Useful links to help you get the support you need. Rutgers University Resources JFAS Bildner Center Bias incidents CAPS Rutgers Police Israel Resources AIPAC - [Ramapo & Stevens Hillels](https://rutgershillel.org/ramapo-stevens-hillels/) - Jewish students from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology, Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metro, and William Paterson University are all welcome at all of our cross-campus events. Students from these campuses are also eligible for Birthright Israel and additional Jewish opportunities throughout the year. Follow us on Instagram and - [Community Service and Immersive Break Trips](https://rutgershillel.org/community-service-and-immersive-break-trips/) - Give Back. Make an Impact. Community Service & Immersive Breaks at Rutgers Hillel Community Service Rutgers Hillel is dedicated to the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, "repairing the world," through hands-on community service. Our student-led Social Action team organizes events throughout the year to help serve our local community. Examples of projects include sponsoring blood - [Arts & Culture](https://rutgershillel.org/arts/) - Experience Jewish Arts at Rutgers Find a stage where you can shine! Jewish arts are not about tradition. They’re about creating something new, innovative, and exciting. Whether you're passionate about theater, music, or dance, our Jewish arts programs offer a space where you can explore your creativity while connecting to your heritage. SHEM Productions SHEM - [Engrave Your Paver](https://rutgershillel.org/engrave-your-paver/) - Leave a Lasting Legacy at Rutgers Hillel Celebrate your connection to Rutgers Hillel with a personalized engraved paver. Whether honoring a graduate, commemorating a special memory, or showing your family’s dedication to Jewish life on campus, your engraved paver will be a lasting tribute on our beautiful patio. Join generations of alumni, families, and friends - [Sponsor Shabbat](https://rutgershillel.org/sponsor-shabbat/) - Bring 200+ Students to the Shabbat Table—Every Week Shabbat at Rutgers Hillel is more than dinner. Hundreds of students gather to celebrate the end of the week with free, delicious food, grape juice, wine, and challah—surrounded by comfort, joy, and Jewish community. Your investment makes this possible. It opens the door for students from all - [Alumni](https://rutgershillel.org/alumni/) - Support Rutgers Hillel by sponsoring a Shabbat dinner. Your generous sponsorship helps us connect hundreds of students each week. Ensure Shabbat remains a welcoming experience for everyone across campus. Sponsor a Shabbat Leave a lasting legacy at Rutgers Hillel by engraving a paver with your name and class year. This personalized tribute will become part - [Student Life](https://rutgershillel.org/student-life/) - Rutgers Hillel At Rutgers Hillel, we create a dynamic and inclusive community. We provide a diverse range of programs catering to all aspects of Jewish life, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive at Rutgers. Religious Life Programs About Religious Life Learn more The Shabbat Experience Learn more Holidays Learn more Matza Ball - [Parents Network](https://rutgershillel.org/parents-network/) - Join the Rutgers Hillel Parents Network Connect with us and get updates on Shabbat Dinners and Birthright info. You’ll also learn meaningful ways to support your student’s Jewish journey at Hillel. All information will be kept confidential. Complete the form below to join our community! - [Welcome Parents!](https://rutgershillel.org/parents/) - Welcome to the Rutgers Hillel Family! Supporting Your Student’s College Journey and Jewish Growth Helping Your Student Feel at Home At Rutgers Hillel, we’re excited to welcome your student to campus and make sure they’ve got what they need to thrive — on their Jewish journey and otherwise. College can be a big transition, and - [About](https://rutgershillel.org/about/) - Enriching Jewish Life at Rutgers Our mission at Rutgers Hillel is to inspire and empower Jewish students, helping them find meaning and community. We equip students to strengthen Jewish life on campus and beyond by fostering leadership, engagement, and personal growth. Providing the People, Place, and Pride for a Purposeful Journey We’re here to make - [Dialogue & Identity](https://rutgershillel.org/dialogue-and-identity/) - Dialogue and Identity Discover information on groups of Jewish dialogue and identity. Jewish Allies and Queers JAQs is a student-run group that focuses on the intersectionality of Jewish, Queer, Trans, and Ally identities and the challenges that can arise. All are welcome to attend meetings and events regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, - [Calendar](https://rutgershillel.org/calendar/) - Hillel’s Calendar: Be Part of Every Moment Stay engaged, connected, and involved with everything Hillel has to offer. - [Matzah Ball Soup Hotline](https://rutgershillel.org/matzah-ball-soup-hotline/) - Matzah Ball Soup Hotline Our Matzah Ball Soup Hotline offers a warm, comforting solution for students who are feeling under the weather. If a student is sick, they can order a batch of homemade matzah ball soup, and we’ll deliver it straight to their dorm. Parents, you can place an order to send soup to - [Storage Rental](https://rutgershillel.org/storage/) - Winter Break Storage at Rutgers Hillel Secure climate-controlled storage spaces are available for students. Reserve your spot today! - [Shabbat](https://rutgershillel.org/shabbat/) - Shabbat Shabbat at Rutgers Hillel is an incredible, lively, and joyous experience. Offering Conservative, Orthodox and Reform services, students can find a place to pray that feels right for them; or they can just show up for dinner. It is all good with us. Hundreds of students come together every Friday evening for a delicious - [Get Involved](https://rutgershillel.org/get-involved/) - Become Part of Something Bigger Step into a vibrant community where you can make an impact. Create lifelong friendships, connect with your Jewish identity, and leave your mark—on campus and beyond. - [Israel Programming](https://rutgershillel.org/israel-programming/) - Connecting to Israel, Strengthening Jewish Identity Strengthen Your Jewish Identity With Israel Israel Engagement at Rutgers Hillel At Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE), we believe a strong connection to Israel is key to a thriving Jewish identity. Our mission is to make Israel engagement, education, and advocacy accessible and impactful for students.We know - [Security](https://rutgershillel.org/security/) - Ensuring Safety and Security at Rutgers Hillel Rutgers Hillel is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors. With the opening of the Eva and Arie Halpern Hillel House in 2017, we are proud to offer one of the largest Jewish campus facilities in North America. We take security seriously, partnering - [Make a Difference](https://rutgershillel.org/donate/) - Make a Lasting Impact at Rutgers Hillel Help us continue to provide the quality of programs and services that are so critical to sustaining a strong Jewish community on campus. Ways to DonateMake an Online DonationDonate Through The Mail:Please send checks payable to Hillel at the following address: Rutgers Hillel70 College AvenueNew Brunswick, NJ 08901Donate with - [Learning Opportunities](https://rutgershillel.org/learning-opportunities/) - Learning Opportunities at Hillel Hillel offers a variety of learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. We invite students to deepen their Jewish knowledge and explore different facets of Jewish life and culture. Whether you’re looking to engage with Jewish texts, learn practical skills, or explore creative outlets, there’s something for everyone. From Torah study - [Blog](https://rutgershillel.org/blog/) - Rutgers Hillel Blog Explore the latest and stay up to date with Rutgers Hillel! Uncategorized Condolences to Rav Avi and Sara Schwartz June 9, 2023 Read More Uncategorized Bringing Theater Back to Rutgers Hillel February 20, 2023 Read More Uncategorized Message to the Community March 12, 2020 Read More Uncategorized Rutgers Hillel: A Safe Haven ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://rutgershillel.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Hillel](https://rutgershillel.org/category/hillel/) - [featured](https://rutgershillel.org/category/featured/)