KU Hillel hosted Jewish students of the University of Kansas in its new space for the High Holidays.
Four services were led by Rabbi Scott White, and three holiday meals were served over the two weeks.
KU senior Emma Wynn, not originally from Kansas, was not able to go home for the holidays. She sought out the opportunities offered by KU Hillel.
“The warmth and sense of community fostered by [KU] Hillel made it feel like a second home,” she said.
Sophomore Alexa Schwartz, also an out-of-state student, spent her second High Holidays away from home with Hillel.
“Knowing that [KU] Hillel is providing [so many resources] for me has given me great comfort,” she said.
For Erev Yom Kippur, KU Hillel hosted a pre-fast dinner prepared by staff and students in the KU Hillel kitchen and held Kol Nidre services. Schwartz sat next to someone new at the pre-fast dinner, driving home together after services as friends.
Freshman Hannah Lindenlaub said her first High Holidays away from home were better than she expected.
“Everyone at Hillel was very welcoming and inviting, and it all felt very homey,” Lindenlaub said.
The following morning, KU Hillel held Yom Kippur morning services. Wynn read from the Torah during the service.
“Reading from the Torah at Hillel was an exceptionally meaningful moment for me,” she said.
The staff at KU Hillel specifically engaged student leaders for honors throughout the holiday season with the intent of bolstering their commitment to Judaism and providing a space unique to the student experience that allows them to see their peers in important roles. KU Hillel’s goal is that as these students graduate, the memories of finding accessible, meaningful opportunities to deeply engage in Jewish life will stick with them as they venture into the greater community.
Sophomore Jeremy Rosenwald also read from the Torah on Yom Kippur and said the service was “special and unique. I have not read Torah for a couple of years, so it was a great opportunity to try again.”
After services, KU Hillel Senior Jewish Educator Avi Blitz and Rabbi White led a study session at Potter Lake on the KU campus, down the hill from KU Hillel. The group studied the themes of the story of Jonah, specifically forgiveness.
“We ended [the Yom Kippur day services] with what our hopes are for the coming year,” sophomore Hannah Poe said.
Students returned that evening for the Neilah service and to break the fast together. Senior Shayna Holman was ready for break-the-fast by the end of the day.
“[There was] a delicious dinner of bagels, lox, and cream cheese,” Holman said. “[I am] so grateful to always have somewhere to spend the holidays.”
KU Hillel’s High Holiday services “were a reminder of the close-knit, supportive family I find within the Hillel community,” Wynn said, “making the High Holidays a time of reflection and connection that I eagerly look forward to each year.”
More information about KU Hillel is available at kuhillel.org, and photos from the holidays can be viewed on Instagram @kuhillel. Questions and comments can be sent to .
