Rutgers Hillel Leadership Day
By Danielle Alter, Class of 2018
Rutgers Hillel Student Board Holiday Co-Chair
After an incredible summer filled with adventure and relaxation, the coming of September means getting back into the groove of things and getting back to work. That is exactly what we did at our Rutgers Hillel Leadership Day that took place on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Beginning with some interesting icebreakers to help get us back into the mindset, my fellow Hillel board members and I quickly delved into determining why we’re all passionate about working with Hillel in a discussion led by Andrew Getraer, the Executive Director of Rutgers Hillel. Revisiting an idea that was discussed at our previous Hillel Leadership Day this past May, Andrew challenged us to verbally communicate why exactly we do what we do and why we give our precious time to plan programs and events for the rest of the Hillel community on campus. With answers including wanting to give Jewish students on campus the same positive experience that they had received from the Hillel community that existed before their time on board and wanting to build a welcoming environment where members felt supported and at home, the answers that were given from each board member were both inspiring and encouraging.
After speaking about why we’re each passionate about playing a role in Hillel on campus, we were given proper training on how to prepare for various programs and events. From lessons on kashrut with our OU-JLIC Co-Educator Rabbi Adam Frieberg to logistical planning with Rutgers Hillel Student Board Vice President Sami Brandspiegel, it was extremely helpful to hear about all of the details that go into planning a successful event.
Hillel Leadership Day was a success. It motivated and inspired me to start planning events that the rest of Hillel community would really enjoy!