Hillel of Metro Detroit hosted Jewish college students for an uplifting night of community and connection at a Detroit Red Wings game. The event brought together students from Wayne State University and Oakland University – in box seats!
Abi Schcolnik, a senior at the University of Miami and outgoing co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, shared how she helped grow the Jewish community on campus. During her time on campus, Abi expanded Shabbat dinners, collaborated with university administrators to combat antisemitism, and empowered other Jewish students to lead with pride and purpose.
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael secured second place at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, with her song “New Day Will Rise.” A survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, Raphael won the public vote with 297 points but placed 14th in the jury vote, resulting in a second place overall finish.
University of Michigan Hillel, in collaboration with the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, unveiled a new art installation celebrating Jewish resilience. Renowned visual artist Hillel Smith led a community art session, guiding participants in creating a piece that reflects the strength and unity of the Jewish community amid challenges. The installation, now a permanent fixture at Michigan Hillel, serves as a lasting tribute to the community’s enduring spirit.
Hope Donovan, a senior at Western Michigan University (WMU), describes how she discovered belonging and purpose through her involvement with Hillel. After transferring from a small Jesuit college to WMU, she embraced her Jewish identity by leading events like a Halloween-themed Shabbat and creating art that honored her Jewish heritage. As president of WMU Hillel, Donovan advocated for Jewish students and found the confidence to express her identity on campus and in her artwork. Hope’s story is part of the ‘Dear Hillel’ series written by graduating Jewish college seniors.
Stony Brook University Hillel celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month with its third annual Big Jewish Block Party. The event featured a falafel food truck, inflatables, and a mini shuk (market), fostering community conversation and appreciation for Jewish culture and traditions among students and faculty.