Are you worried about the future of Jewish life? Antisemitism is rampant. Social media loves to spread hate. Some young people are questioning their connection to Israel. 

I get it. Can I tell you why I’m not scared?

Because my daughter came home from Camp Jaycee asking to listen to Israeli pop music and told me she wants to be like Noa, her favorite counselor (a Hillel student leader, by the way). My other daughter chooses to “play Shabbat” on a random Tuesday because it’s her favorite day at Beth Am Early Childhood Center.

But you might think, “Ok Karen, but what about all the kids who don’t get that!?” 

For those kids who are now college students and didn’t grow up with a deep Jewish foundation, and for all the students who did grow up with deep Jewish foundations, Hillel is there. Hillel becomes home. We are the last stop before a young person decides how they want to show up in their Jewish community. 

And guess what? We got this. 

I know because our students are graduating and becoming very active in the Jewish community. They’re showing up at the Jewish Federation’s Mosaic launch, or hosting massive Shabbat dinners, or even creating their own Jewish non-profits. The number-one indicator of a young adult’s engagement in Jewish life is Hillel.

As we kick-start the school year, we are leaning into what we do best: creating a Jewish home away from home, providing wrap-around holistic support and care, pushing innovative excellence with bold initiatives that empower students to become the Jewish leaders they were meant to be. 

And YOU are making it happen. This year, come along with us as we change the Jewish world one student at a time. Come along for the celebrations like our blow-out 6 weeks of welcome, where we are aiming to reach 2,000 students right at the beginning of the year, thanks in part to the generosity of a visionary philanthropist helping us test new and bold ideas. 

Come along as we navigate hard days (because they will exist) with your help.

Come along for the parties, like our Back to School Bash…our first big fundraiser in 10 years(!!).

And come along for every Jewish spark in between, made possible because you’re a part of this sacred mission. 

Get ready. It’s going to be a sweet new year. 

Shabbat Shalom, 
Karen