KU Hillel will soon move just a few doors down from its current location to a new, custom-finished location with more than 3,000 square feet of student-facing programming space.
Earlier this year, KU Hillel moved from its former downtown Lawrence location to its current, temporary space in a former coffee shop at 1101 Indiana St., just feet from KU’s campus, the Oread Hotel and Memorial Stadium.
The new, first-floor commercial space in the HERE apartments building, will allow for KU Hillel to host larger Shabbat dinners, as well as provide home-cooked kosher meals and challah bakes in a new kitchen. There also will be workrooms for studying and conference rooms for Hillel leadership and Jewish learning fellowships.
“Hineni, meaning ‘here,’ continues as Hillel’s focus,” says Suzy Sostrin, executive director. “We are here for our students and our location at HERE reinforces that. We already are able to see students and build a tighter knit community every day, just by having this incredible new home.”
The new location will be inviting as a place to spend time in a variety of ways, according to Hillel staff.
“I’m really excited for the new Hillel space because of where it is,” says Demi Fine, a KU sophomore. “When I was a freshman, I had a hard time getting to and from Hillel, but because it’s on campus now, I am able to go whenever I want.”
Goals for the new space--when finished--include a timeless, approachable feel, and flexibility to cater to the ever-changing needs of generations of Jewish students, according to Hillel staff. Kate Jacobs, a KU junior, noted the need for a gathering area for small conversations as well as huge Shabbat dinners.
“I’m so excited for the new Hillel space because it will be a location made specifically for Jewish students on campus,” Jacobs says. “It’s so convenient to get to, and will be the perfect place for a morning coffee, studying for finals, or just hanging out with friends.”
Another key need for KU Hillel is a dedicated wellness room to serve as a mental health center for students. KU Hillel has a unique partnership with Jewish Family Services of Kansas City, through which free therapy is provided for all Jewish college students. With this private area, students will be able to have virtual and in-person appointments with KU Hillel’s dedicated therapist as needed, as well as have a space in which to meditate or do yoga.
Ben Schenberg, an alumnus and KU Hillel board member, foresees how KU Hillel will continue to create a safe, welcoming environment for future students in the new location. “Knowing that the next generation of Jewish Jayhawks can run down from class for a quick nosh or study session in a Hillel space fills me with joy,” Schenberg said.
For KU Hillel Board President Lon J. Lowenstein, this project builds on the foundation of the work KU Hillel does with Jewish college students. That includes informal Jewish education, one of his passion areas.
“Hillels are the Jewish homes away from home for college students, and provide for the mental health, well-being and social needs for them,” Lowenstein said. “Kansas City traditionally sends a large number of young Jewish adults to KU and KU Hillel. We have a very direct relationship with KU Hillel and all of our kids’ growth there.”
Kara Kahn, originally from the Kansas City area, came to KU, became active in KU Hillel, and now serves on the board. “I spent so many hours at KU Hillel as a student, and that impacted who I am as a young adult in the Kansas City Jewish community,” Kahn said. “Because of my time within the Hillel building, I learned the importance of giving back to our community and finding my own Jewish values.”
KU Hillel is working to raise $325,000 in order to reach its goal of fully building out its new location with all of the aforementioned amenities; naming opportunities and matching funds are available as part of the “Hineni campaign.” Further details and announcements will be unveiled during Rock Chalk Shabayit’s live broadcast on Friday, Nov. 12. Prospective donors can contact Savannah Kannberg, KU Hillel development & marketing director, at .
