Absolutely! We start new groups all the time. In fact, we recently added an Orthodox group and a weekly Israeli dance class. If you don't see something you want, just let us know and we will help you start it up.
Kehilat Hillel Haazinu is an active group of observant students on campus. They work together to create such events as seudah shlishit (the Shabbat third meal) and create a Shabbat environment as well as a general sense of Jewish community throughout the week. For more information on KHH you can contact Rabbi David Ruderman who is on staff at Hillel with the Jewish Learning Initiative.
Yes! In fact, many UMass students do spend either a semester or a year at an Israeli University. In the past, UMass students have studied at Hebrew University, Haifa, Technion, Tel-Aviv, and Ben Gurion University.
UMass actually has a whole department of Jewish and Near Eastern studies. Students can major in Jewish studies or simply take one course on anything from crash courses on Judaism to literature, modern and ancient history, and Biblical texts. UMass also offers several levels of Hebrew instruction. Hillel also offers one-credit courses on a variety of topics. SABABA is a new group that meets 2x a month to converse informally in Hebrew.
Not only can we help you, we can take you for free! Every winter Hillel sponsors a ten-day Israel trip through birthright Israel. The only requirements are that you are Jewish, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, and have never been on an organized trip to Israel. Find out more online at www.israel.hillel.org. Hillel can also help you find information and funding for other trips as well. Stop by or give us a call.
Many UMass students choose to stay on campus for the High Holidays. We offer both Liberal and Traditional services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur serving hundreds of students and community members. We offer lunches and dinners for Rosh Hashanah as well as pre- and post-fast meals for Yom Kippur. In addition Hillel offers special services for Sukkot and Shavout as well as Passover seders and special events for Purim, Hanukkah, Simchat Torah, Yom Haatzmaut and other holidays. Please see our calendar for details.
The bottom floor of Hillel houses a dining room and kosher kitchen facilities where Friday night dinners and Shabbat lunches are served (free to UMass students). There is a Kosher Meal Plan through the University. Go to UMass website for details. The Kosher Dining Commons is now located at Franklin Dining Commons.
Also, students can easily find a wide variety of Kosher products at local supermarkets.
Absolutely! Hillel is there for all Jewish students. In fact, we have many students who come to Hillel simply for our cultural, social, or political programs. A student involved in UMass for Israel is just as much a part of the community as those who come to services weekly.
UMass has a wonderful Shabbat community that is growing rapidly. We offer conservative, reform, and modern orthodox services every Friday night. Following services everyone comes together for a traditional Shabbat meal that is free to UMass students.. Several times a month we offer Shabbat morning services as well, followed by a free lunch.
Of course we do! Jewish college students love to party. Therefore, the UMass JSU (Jewish Student Union) and other groups sponsor all sorts of fun social events including semi-formals, parties, bowling, movie nights, and dances. Check out our calendar to see what crazy stuff is coming up!
The Jewish community at UMass encompasses students of many different backgrounds and interests. Dozens of student groups work together to plan a wide variety of opportunities to have fun, help those in need, learn from speakers, share Shabbat and holidays, and more. At Hillel, we strive to make the university campus more intimate by building community and making friendships.
