Latest News from Campus

At Virginia Tech Hillel, Executive Director Amanda Herring and Chef Greg Herring have transformed kosher campus dining by integrating Jewish values with sustainability. They source regenerative kosher meat and partner with local farms to reduce waste, turning surplus produce into preserved goods like tomato sauce. Their approach not only honors ancient Jewish traditions, but also educates students on ethical food sourcing, fostering a community centered around mindful eating and environmental stewardship.

Jewston, a program of Houston Hillel, facilitates meaningful connections for Jewish graduate students and young alumni across Houston-area universities and medical institutions, including Rice University, the University of Houston, and the Texas Medical Center. The initiative hosts social programs like bagel brunches and leadership development opportunities, while also supporting students in responding to antisemitism on campus.

Cydney Goldberg, Director of Advancement at Ohio State University Hillel, was honored by Birthright Israel at OSU HIllel’s recent “Shabbat at the Shoe” event. The program brought together students and alumni for a Shabbat celebration at Ohio Stadium (nicknamed “The Horseshoe”), one of the  largest on-campus stadiums in the world. Goldberg, a dedicated leader in Jewish student engagement, has organized over 20 Birthright trips to Israel, strengthening ties between students and the Jewish community.

Senior Ethan Elkin-Handelman, president of Rider University Hillel and member of the Hillel Israel Leadership Network, has revitalized the Hillel at Rider University, tripling the number of participating students sand earning it the campus award of Organization of the Year. An elementary education major who is passionate about special education, Elkin-Handelman draws inspiration from early experiences working with children with disabilities in order to support every student he encounters.

In this op-ed, Jon Falk, Vice President of Hillel International’s Israel Action and Addressing Antisemitism Program, reflects upon how Jewish students are leading campus efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. Students are organizing educational events, advocating for policy changes, and representing Jewish voices in student government. Hillel supports these critical student-led efforts by providing resources, leadership training, and a welcoming Jewish community.

Hillel International’s Senior Vice President of Jewish Education, Community, and Culture Rabbi Ben Berger and Hillel International’s Senior Director of the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Experience Mollie Feldman, share insights on strengthening Jewish communities on campus through three pathways: becoming, belonging, and building. Each of these frameworks offer a way for Jewish students to explore their identity, deepen their connection to community, and engage in leadership. By focusing on students’ need in each of these areas, Hillel aims to create a stronger, more inclusive Jewish presence on campus, say Berger and Feldman.