Spring is here, and it is an exciting season at Hillel!
At the end of March, we hosted our inaugural “Alumni Shabbat” bringing together current students and VCU alumni for a delicious dinner and conversation.
We hosted the event at Susie’s — the new Jewish and Mediterranean Deli adjacent to campus in the Fan.
Owner Yael Canton, a Tel Aviv native, prepared us an off-menu Shabbat dinner complete with brisket, salmon, salads, roasted veggies, and of course, challah.
In early April, students went rock climbing at the campus gym — it was the first Hillel event that was entirely student-run. Students gathered at the Hillel House for Israeli Cooking Night, led by student board member Itai Benjamin.
Our director, Sheri Rodman, and another student board member, Sarah Martin were honored to participate in Or Atid’s Yom Hashoah Remembrance Commemoration and serve as escorts for local survivors and their families.
A small group of students enjoyed the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s event a “Taste of Jewish Richmond” — a special program for upperclassmen to connect with and hear from a panel of Jewish young professionals about why they chose to stay in Richmond after college — and the benefits of building a career and life here.
In preparation for Passover, students burned some calories and made room for matzo balls and macaroons when they got moving at our Pilates in the Park event, taught by community member and VCU mom, Eynat Benjamin.
Students are looking forward to a strong end to the semester and gearing up for summer vacation.
While students are working hard studying and taking their finals, we will be participating in the sixth annual Hillel Global Giving Week, from May 5-9, joining Hillels around the world in an inspiring campaign to sustain Jewish life on campus.
During this time, all gifts made to Hillel at VCU will be matched — three times! — dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000. Mark your calendar and save the date to have your gift QUADRUPLED, increasing your impact on Jewish college students.
We want to hear from you! Do you have a connection with Hillel at VCU? Are you an alum? Parent of a current student or alum? Let’s chat! We would love to learn more about you and how we can best serve Jewish VCU students and their friends and allies.
