George Mason University (GMU) has officially opened “The Mason Mensch”, the only kosher restaurant in Northern Virginia. A partnership between George Mason Hillel and Chabad at GMU, the restaurant’s opening marks a significant step towards making kosher food available to students and the wider Northern Virginia Jewish community.
Just before Winter Break, Jewish students at hundreds of college campuses came together at their Hillels to celebrate the Festival of Lights in some fun and creative ways.
Growing up, Skylar Strudwick had never lit Shabbat candles or celebrated Hanukkah. But that all changed when she discovered her Jewish identity after finding her grandmother’s diary two years ago. Through Minnesota Hillel, Skylar learned about the beauty of Jewish traditions, community, and resilience – especially during her first Hanukkah!
Israeli soccer player Yaniv Bazini led the University of Vermont to its first-ever national title in men’s soccer. Now Bazini, who recites the Shema before each game, hopes to be drafted to the MLS, America’s professional soccer league.
Sixty years ago, Sam and Terry Roth were both students at Ohio University who met at their campus Hillel and dedicated their collegiate lives to building a thriving Jewish community. Fast forward to today: The Roths are passing on their legacy with a generous donation of $500,000 to transform the Hillel building at OU.