2/15/2023
Hello DU Parents,
 
It is with a heavy (and hopeful) heart that I reach out to you. You might have already heard about the recent antisemitic acts that occurred late last week on our campus. First, please know your students are safe and supported (read below). Secondly, here is the statement our Hillel student leaders and I sent out to our students on Monday:
 
"We are shocked and angry to learn about three acts of antisemitism at our University of Denver campus late last week. We have confirmed that three students had mezuzot (a Jewish prayer we put on our doorways) taken down and defiled and one had pork products glued to their door. Small acts of hate lead to bigger ones and make life unsafe for all students.
 
DU administrators, campus safety, faculty, staff, and the Denver police are involved appropriately. DU Hillel is here for students to be heard and supported as we lead conversations with allies to assure students feel safe now and in the future. Stand up for your Jewish friends and do not be a bystander."  Lily Gross and student leaders, DU Hillel
 
The University released a statement to all students which can be read HERE. The Undergraduate Student Government wrote a letter of solidarity with Jewish students that included my statement (shared over 750 times in the past few days showing us that the student body supports our Jewish students). Our Hillel student leaders and I have worked amazingly well over the last years with DU faculty and administrators, and we are now reaping the reward of being included in high-level conversations about how to respond now, and how to move forward. Not all campuses have such supportive administrations, and we are truly blessed that ours is deliberative and open to positive changes to improve the safety of our Jewish students and all students. Stay tuned.
 
Here at DU, our Jewish community is a family. We have been working with Chabad to support students one-on-one, in group support spaces, and in creating unifying and educational programming. We know how scary these times can be for students affected by antisemitism and far from family. I am a resource for your student AND for you.
 
Hillel will be hosting a Q & A zoom session tomorrow at 12 MDT – a space for you to hear what's happening, ask questions, share thoughts, and get support. Join the meeting HERE.
 
I hope to see you tomorrow.
 
L'shalom,
Lily Gross
Director of Jewish Student Life at DU Hillel
Ways Your Student Can Feel Connected!
Our Student Resource Page has been filled with DU, greater Denver, and antisemitism support and resources.
Jewish Unity Shabbat Hop
In light of recent antisemitism on campus, Hillel Chabad and DU are putting together a Jewish Unity Shabbat Hope to bring light and pride onto campus.
We will begin at 4:30 PM in the Community commons Grand Forum with song, speech, and candle lighting. At 5:30 we will walk to Hillel for a dinner followed by more food, dessert, and discussion at Chabad at 6:30.
Sign up HERE
Comedy 4 Peace + Interfaith Dialouge
We are partnering across campus to provide this awesome interfaith event - come with your Jewish friends, Christian friends, and even atheist friends to break down barriers. Learn more about this non-political but very funny program here.

We will be following up the show with an interfaith dialogue the next week which all students are welcome to join!

Sign up for this FREE comedy show today!
Weekly Hillel Hangs
Every week we have a few was to hang with Hillel

Bagel Break Mondays 11 AM - 1 PM at Einstein's

Lattes With Lily Thursdays 1 PM - 3 PM at Bean's
Hillel - Your Home Away From Home
Hillel is a safe space for your student.
Night or day we're open with snacks and coffee always available! The building is open 7 AM - 1:30 AM with card access - if you need access let us know!!

Hillel is at 2390 S Race Street
A few ways to stay connected with your student and with Hillel from the comfort of your home
We know how much you care about your student's success. Here are a few ways you can empower Hillel to support your student without you getting off the couch!
Holidays away from home can be hard. Give your student the comfort of hand-delivered Jewish-themed care packages from Hillel and you!

We deliver your Parent Circle Baskets - filled with relevant and fun gifts for your student - four times a year, around each major Jewish holiday, for a one-time $360 contribution.
Shabbat at Hillel is a weekly highlight. Every Friday, we have a short Kabbalat Shabbat Service followed by a delicious homemade dinner. This is a place for our students to connect to their Jewish journey and to each other.

Since we provide Hillel programming free to all, we ask parents who are able to sponsor a Shabbat in honor of their student. We'll give you and your student a shout-out with any wisdom or words you would like to share.
A bowl of matzah ball soup
If you know someone who is feeling ill or even down, and needs the comfort provided by the ancient properties of "Jewish penicillin," fill out the Matzah Ball Soup Hotline Request Form.

We will deliver this bowl of comfort to your student FREE of charge!
Our website and social media
Want to stay up to date with everything that is happening at Hillel? No problem! Our website, Facebook, Instagram, Link Tree and Youtube accounts are always up to date.
Meet our DU Director: Lily Gross
Shalom DU Hillel families!
It is such an honor that I get to help your students along their Jewish journeys. As a past graduate of DU and participant at DU Hillel, I want you to know I am a resource for not just your student but for YOU. We never know where our journey will take us: mine ended me up here! I am here to support this transition "from car keys to house keys" for our students. Don't hesitate to reach out.
DU Hillel
cell: (713) 471-5171