As a first-year student at UConn, my primary goal for the semester was to find a sense of belonging. For most, it is daunting to find your place in a large community all while navigating a new routine, new faces, new food and establishing your identity. I found my community at Hillel, a vibrant Jewish organization, that is pluralistic and welcomes students of all beliefs, regardless of affiliation and background. To me, Hillel is more than just another organization; it became a home away from home.
UConn Hillel is special and unique which attests to their hospitable and open nature. I’ve come to know Hillel as a space that is not exclusive to those identifying as Jewish. It is a diverse community of welcoming and open arms that emphasizes inclusion. It is a place where everyone is accepted. Hillel’s inclusivity is one of the many reasons that I have become passionate about spreading the word and encouraging my peers to experience this familial atmosphere I have been able to find at such a large school.
Hillel’s beauty is found within its ability to foster deep connections and relationships. The sense of community is clear. At any given Shabbat on a Friday night, you can easily find students of many different backgrounds sitting together, celebrating together, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company . This communal aspect does not stop at Shabbat; it expands far beyond to celebrating holidays, engaging in meaningful dialogues, educational sessions and simply hanging out between classes. Hillel is the ultimate place to unwind, and just be yourself.
As a student who has become deeply involved with Hillel, it has become more than a meeting place to me. It is the center of my support, growth, personal development and is a community that embraces individuality. Being part of such a supportive community has given me the opportunity to deepen my relationship with my Jewish identity in ways I had never thought were possible. The connections I have made through Hillel have enhanced my experience at UConn by providing me with stability and purpose and have made my college experience to be truly enjoyable.
As the Jewish New Year and High Holidays quickly approach, it is the perfect time to start getting involved with Hillel. The upcoming celebrations for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, will provide us with a meaningful time to reflect on our year while we embrace our many new beginnings. Shortly to follow, Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, will provide our community with the opportunity to have moments of introspection and connection. Following Yom Kippur, Hillel will have a community celebration of Sukkot, the holiday where we sit outside in a decorated hut, marking the end of the harvest season. We will be hosting a series of events like “Sundaes in the Sukkah” (more details to come in The Daily Digest in the coming weeks). As we approach the season of renewal, set intentions for the coming year and pursue self-development, Hillel is the place to join in on such transformative and meaningful experiences.
Whether you are Jewish, interested in learning more about Judaism, or just looking for an open-minded community full of kind-hearted people, Hillel has a place for everyone. Their commitment to belonging and inclusivity ensures that everyone has a place in the Hillel building.