Latest News from Campus

Rabbi Emily Howard Meyer, the rabbi-in-residence at Goucher Hillel and a spiritual leader and educator in the Washington, D.C-area Jewish community, reflects on her path to Judaism and her work guiding Jewish life through music. Howard Meyer, who converted to Judaism as an adult, now organizes religious programming across the region. She said she works to create accessible entry points into Judaism through art, music, and community engagement at Goucher Hillel.

Einav Tsach, co-chair of the Hillel International Student Cabinet, reflects on how Hillel shaped his Jewish identity and sense of belonging at the University of Maryland, especially during the period after October 7th which was marked by increased antisemitism. He describes Jewish campus life as vibrant and rooted in shared ritual, from Shabbat gatherings to everyday moments of connection across the nearly 6,000-strong Jewish community.

Hillel International is marking the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot with its second annual “Sefirat HaOmer” initiative, offering students guided reflection and daily engagement rooted in Jewish tradition. The program includes short videos t designed to make counting the Omer more accessible and personally meaningful. This year’s theme is “Belonging.”

Houston Hillel launched a $3.5 million campaign to revitalize its physical space, which serves over 650 students across more than a dozen Southeast Texas universities. The renovation will transform the center into a more flexible and welcoming hub for Jewish campus life, adding an updated kosher teaching kitchen, expanded gathering areas, and redesigned spaces for study, programming, and socializing. Leaders say the project will strengthen student engagement and Jewish life across the region for years to come.

Ahead of Jewish American Heritage Month, Marquette University student and Hillel International intern Rebecca Brumer reflects on how her connection to Judaism shifted following the October 7 attacks, leading her to seek out and engage with her campus Hillel. Her experience highlights how small Jewish communities on campus can foster identity, leadership, and belonging.

The University of Southern California hosted its first Jewish American Heritage Month celebration, bringing together students, faculty and community members for remarks, music, and refreshments. Speakers included Provost Andrew Guzman, who celebrated the richness of Jewish campus life, including the vibrant community at Hillel. The program also featured student performances, including an original instrumental piece, and marked the start of an annual campus observance.