As KU students continue integrating into a COVID-19 lifestyle, many on-campus organizations are tailoring their programming for the pandemic. KU Hillel is among the organizations that needed to take a different approach to its programming.
Needing to toe the line between meaningful and safe programming is no easy task, but KU Hillel has found success thus far.
“We love engaging with students, and building a warm and welcoming community at KU,” said Ira Kirschner, assistant director. “Realizing that we have to have masks and distance between ourselves and students to keep everyone healthy was tough, but we are choosing not to see this as a barrier that we can’t cross, and more as a challenge we are maneuvering. Can’t do indoor events? We’ll move outside. Have to wear masks? We’ll focus on your eyes. Being safe hasn’t weakened us — it’s made us stronger.”
Despite the need for socially distanced programming, KU Hillel’s schedule looks similar to pre-pandemic times. This past week, students were invited to the Union to register to vote at KU Hillel’s socially distanced table. There, staff and students worked together to register voters and request absentee ballots, all while wearing KU Hillel masks.
Along with Voter Registration Day, KU Hillel hosted students at the Murphy Hall courtyard for Rosh Hashanah services and dinner and held Shabbat picnics outdoors so students could mingle.
“With everything being different due to COVID-19, it’s just nice to be able to go to Hillel and still connect with Judaism, have fun and just be present,” said Jared Katzen, a sophomore at the University of Kansas. “It helps me and a lot of other students have something that resembles normalcy.”
KU Hillel’s ability to mirror programming from prior years comes from their success in adjusting to the new safety standards. Instead of having events at Hillel, the staff is working behind the scenes to find outdoor locations throughout Lawrence to host events. Whether it’s at Potter Lake or a university courtyard, KU Hillel is finding creative ways to host students.
Along with outdoor venues, KU Hillel is requiring mask wearing and distancing at all events. All said, the implementation of new policies has not caused problems for attendance and enjoyment.
“Hillel has done a great job with events during COVID. All events that I have attended have been socially distanced and masks required but still allow you to see your friends and have a good experience. I appreciate all the efforts put into safety protocols because I know many other organizations don’t have in person events at all,” said Marni Frischer, a sophomore at the university.
With COVID-19 continuing to cause on-campus organizations to get creative with programming, KU Hillel is staying vigilant in its attempts to engage with students and cultivate an open environment for Jewish students.