For nearly a century, Hillel’s network of dedicated student leaders, professionals and volunteers have encouraged generations of young adults to celebrate Jewish learning and living, pursue social justice (tikkun olam and tzedek) and connect to their peers and the global Jewish people. By participating in life-changing trips and campus initiatives, students learn to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Jewish people and the world while they grow intellectually, socially and spiritually. Hillels, such as the one at the University of Kansas, work toward achieving the mission of enriching the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. On the following two pages you will meet nine students who actively participate at KU Hillel, who give their impressions as the campus network celebrates its 90th birthday.
It is hard to describe the critical importance that Hillels across the country play in shaping collegiate into Jewish adults. College is a time of transition, and for many adolescents and young adults, it is a time that unfortunately leads to secularity. Therefore, it is paramount that Hillels be in place to provide a home for Jewish college students, many of which live far away from their real homes and traditions. I can personally attest to this through the importance KU Hillel has played in my life. KU Hillel has provided me with the tools for networking with those in my Jewish community and an opportunity to build lifelong relationships with other Jewish students.
Reflecting on all of my proudest moments at KU, everything comes back to what I have accomplished throughout my involvement at Hillel. The countless hours I have spent at 722 New Hampshire have completely shaped my college experience. I consider the staff and friends I have made at Hillel to be my family and my participation in the organization has opened the door to a huge network of advisors and mentors. As a senior this year, the idea of graduating and being on my own in the real world is daunting. Fortunately, because of my involvement in Hillel, I feel confident that wherever I go and whatever I end up doing, I will be connected to the Jewish community and my Jewish identity.
After my Bat Mitzvah I was completely uninvolved in Jewish life, and I hear this happening far too often. I remained uninvolved all throughout high school and the better half of my freshman year at college as well. I was struggling to meet people who had similar values to my own, and on that reason alone I started attending Hillel programs. I soon realized that I wanted to do more than just show up, I wanted to be on the other end of things. I first came to Hillel purely for the social aspect, but staying involved and connected with my Jewish culture is what ultimately keeps me coming back. Hillel exposed me to an immediate community of Jewish peers that I could connect with and continually provides opportunities that enable me to explore my Jewish culture through the lens of a Jewish young adult.
Without Hillel, it would be needless to say that my wonderful years in college would have been incredibly different. It’s one of, or if not the one sole reason why universities everywhere have such a vibrant Jewish life. It would be an understatement to say I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to become apart of such a tight knit community. From freshman year to my final semester, Hillel’s presence helped mold me into a well-rounded Jewish individual. As I’ve graduated and sprang into adulthood abruptly, I realize now more than ever that my experiences with the organization will forever leave an impact on whom I’ve become. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me and I hope its success will continue to grow l’dor vador.
Three semesters ago, I arrived at my school, eager to get to know people and branch out from my high school social groups. I visited with several different student groups, but none caught my attention like Hillel. They reached out to me, as a freshman, from the start — they didn’t just wait for me to come to them. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew I was a part of something special. Hillel not only gave me a chance to reconnect with my Judaism — something for which I was sincerely searching — but it also afforded me a chance to become involved in ensuring that Judaism will have a strong base for future leadership in my generation.
The teachings of Hillel have inspired me to be the vibrant, determined, relentless Jewish, young professional woman I am today. I have been given the opportunity and support to accomplish any task of my desire without ridicule or judgment. I am free to voice my opinion, whether people agree or not, and to ask questions, even when they may not seem appropriate. Hillel doesn’t tell me who Stephanie Glassberg is, they give me the opportunity to learn who she is and what she wants out of her short time in this life. Thank you Hillel, for letting me be me.
To be honest, I first joined the University of Kansas Hillel not knowing the reasons why I did. I don’t know if I thought it would look good on my resume, wanted to add to my Jewish identity, or even just meet knew people. After the European Leadership Mission Trip (ELM) to Bulgaria and Romania, the true reason why I think, anyone would join Hillel became apparent. It is our responsibility not only as Jews, but as leaders in the worldwide Jewish community to help and support each other in any way we can. Hillel has allowed me to help Jews across the world by purely putting a smile on their face. Hillel has helped me bring Jews together throughout my campus for a simple Shabbat dinner. Hillel has allowed me to do exactly what I never thought possible.
Like many universities across the United States and world, the University of Kansas has a large campus with a lot of students. For me, getting involved with KU Hillel was the opportunity to not only enjoy and experience Judaism, but it also represented the opportunity to engage with a caring and accepting community that would support me throughout my many college experiences. For the past 90 years, Hillel has provided a strong community for thousands and thousands of young adults, just like me, to explore and understand their connection to Judaism and the Jewish community.
My identity as a Jayhawk will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always sneer at the color purple, I’ll wait all year for basketball season and I’ll always refer to the entire KU community as “we.” With graduation looming and my impending adulthood, my thoughts are constantly directed toward my next steps in life. However, I like to constantly remind myself of the memories and personal growth I’ve experienced throughout the past four years.
My Jayhawk identity has been supplemented with something just as special: my Jewish identity. Hillel is a unique organization, unlike any I’ve been a part of. I’m always welcomed with open arms and I’m always finding myself in the middle of Jewish geography when I meet someone new. Because of Hillel and its leadership opportunities, I’ve traveled to Israel, Bulgaria and Romania. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone too many times to count and I’ve become a better person because of it. In fact, when it’s all said and done, I may even consider myself a “Jewhawk.”
