Campus Rabbi Update
I am writing to share two important updates and ask for your support as we enter an exciting new chapter for religious life and Jewish education at UMass Hillel.
For decades, UMass Hillel has built a vibrant and pluralistic Jewish community on campus, including a strong and welcoming Orthodox presence rooted in Torah learning and community. Many alumni remember the rabbinic educators who opened their homes for Shabbat and holidays, taught Torah, and helped them grow as Jewish leaders.
For the past decade, Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht have continued that tradition with extraordinary care and dedication. As they conclude their time at UMass this spring, we are deeply grateful for the impact they have had on our students and community.
Continuing a Legacy: The UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life
In honor of their impact and to help ensure future Orthodox students continue to have the support they need, we are proud to launch the UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life. Gifts to this new fund will enable UMass Hillel to bring visiting Orthodox rabbis to campus for Shabbat, High Holidays and learning, provide access to halachic counsel, support eruv oversight and upkeep, and sustain vibrant Orthodox student life and community.
A New Partnership for Campus Rabbinic Leadership
Additionally, we are thrilled to share that UMass Hillel will be launching a new partnership with Hadar to hire a full-time Campus Rabbi beginning next fall. This role will serve as the lead educator and resident rabbi at Hillel, continuing our tradition of strong Torah learning, mentorship, and religious leadership. This collaboration is made possible in part thanks to the generosity of a lead donor, Brad Philips ’92.
Together with the new UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life, this role will help ensure that students have the full range of religious and educational support they need.
If these vital resources matter to you, we invite you to help ensure future students have them as well.
As we enter this important moment of transition and growth, your support is critical to ensure Jewish life at UMass continues to flourish for the next generation of students.
Please make a gift today to help provide Jewish students at UMass and across the Five College community with strong rabbinic leadership, robust learning opportunities, and caring mentorship — the same kinds of experiences that have shaped generations of students.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Aaron Fine
Executive Director
[email protected] | 413-549-1710
P.S. If you’re interested in discussing a leadership commitment or learning more about this exciting next chapter, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally.
For decades, UMass Hillel has built a vibrant and pluralistic Jewish community on campus, including a strong and welcoming Orthodox presence rooted in Torah learning and community. Many alumni remember the rabbinic educators who opened their homes for Shabbat and holidays, taught Torah, and helped them grow as Jewish leaders.
For the past decade, Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht have continued that tradition with extraordinary care and dedication. As they conclude their time at UMass this spring, we are deeply grateful for the impact they have had on our students and community.
Continuing a Legacy: The UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life
In honor of their impact and to help ensure future Orthodox students continue to have the support they need, we are proud to launch the UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life. Gifts to this new fund will enable UMass Hillel to bring visiting Orthodox rabbis to campus for Shabbat, High Holidays and learning, provide access to halachic counsel, support eruv oversight and upkeep, and sustain vibrant Orthodox student life and community.
A New Partnership for Campus Rabbinic Leadership
Additionally, we are thrilled to share that UMass Hillel will be launching a new partnership with Hadar to hire a full-time Campus Rabbi beginning next fall. This role will serve as the lead educator and resident rabbi at Hillel, continuing our tradition of strong Torah learning, mentorship, and religious leadership. This collaboration is made possible in part thanks to the generosity of a lead donor, Brad Philips ’92.
Together with the new UMass Hillel Fund for Orthodox Life, this role will help ensure that students have the full range of religious and educational support they need.
If these vital resources matter to you, we invite you to help ensure future students have them as well.
As we enter this important moment of transition and growth, your support is critical to ensure Jewish life at UMass continues to flourish for the next generation of students.
Please make a gift today to help provide Jewish students at UMass and across the Five College community with strong rabbinic leadership, robust learning opportunities, and caring mentorship — the same kinds of experiences that have shaped generations of students.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Aaron Fine
Executive Director
[email protected] | 413-549-1710
P.S. If you’re interested in discussing a leadership commitment or learning more about this exciting next chapter, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally.
