December 2016 - In This Issue

May Your Hanukkah be Filled with Joy and Light

Dear ,

As UConn Hillel takes a scheduled break from the hustle and bustle of the University schedule and prepare to light the candles for Hanukkah, we are reminded that every day through your leadership, mentorship and dedication, you continue to provide the light that makes sure that it will continue to burn brightly for our UConn Jewish community today and strengthen our Jewish Community for tomorrow.

We here at UConn Hillel wish you and your family health, happiness and prosperity this holiday season. 

Follow us on social media to see the impact we make on students on a daily basis!
Facebook - @hillel.uconnecticut
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A Snapshot Into Our Semester
Congratulations to the 2017 Student Board!

On November 1, the Jewish community at UConn had it's collective voice heard and elected the 2017 Student Board.

Congratulations to the new Board:
Emma Strumpf (President), Samantha Schwartz (Vice President), Shayne DePalma (Treasurer), Emily Schaerf (VP Engagement), Gabi Benzilio (VP Programming), Nathan Schachter (VP Marketing), Josh Cohn (VP Jewish Education), Dina Silberman (VP Shabbat and Holidays), Miriam Katz (Tzedek Chair), Jared Stoller (Huskies for Israel Chair), Matt Calbo (Jews in Greek Life Chair).
Social Entrepreneurship with Alon Futterman

Hailing from the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, Alon Futterman came to share his story with us. A dynamic social entrepreneur, Alon's accomplishments span the worlds of entrepreneurship, government and politics, public education, international partnerships, aviation, and non-profits. He is the founder and director of some of the most innovative initiatives in Israel. 

Prior to Alon's lecture there was a student photo exhibition demonstrating the parallels between life in Israel and life at UConn. Rebecca Perreault, a Junior nursing major, won for her photo entitled The Drews. She drew parallels between the diversity of Druze in Israel and the diversity of students named Andrew at UConn. 
Latkepalooza- 
with Sigma Alpha Mu

Although Hanukkah falls over winter break this year, that did not stop UConn Hillel and the men of Sigma Alpha Mu from celebrating. Sigma Alpha Mu made delicious latkas for the community to enjoy and the proceeds from the event went to the Judy Fund- a part of the Alzheimer's Association.

For info about The Judy Fund, click here.

Back to Israel Fair

Students who have already attended Birthright, or are not eligible , had the opportunity to learn about different ways to go to Israel at our Back to Israel Fair. Dozens of Israeli  organizations  attended the fair and met with students. It was a
n evening filled with free swag, snacks and lots of information about all the ways in which students can visit Israel this year!
UConn Hillel's Grad(Jew)ate Student Organization (GSO) was joined by the UConn Chemical Engineering Student Association (CHEGSA) for trivia night at Pub32! Graduate students had the opportunity to meet one another, enjoy happy hour and engage in some friendly competition. The night was sealed by GSO and CHEGSA winning trivia! 
Alumni Spotlight
Henry Mondschein
Henry Mondschein is a 1985 UConn CLAS graduate and currently serves as President of the UConn Hillel Board of Directors. He is the son of Holocaust survivors and was grew up on a chicken farm in Danielson, CT. Henry's career began in banking and he is now in the financial services industry. He is currently an advisor with MW Financial. He has always placed an importance on volunteerism and has led many different organizations during his career. 

From a young age, Judaism and Israel has been very important to Henry. Henry's dedication to UConn Hillel stems from the belief that, "with what is transpiring in the Middle East and on College campuses everywhere, it is important to have a strong Hillel to get the proper message of Israel out to our students.  Also, it is great to bond with those you have something in common with in order to make your college days well worth remembering."

 
If you would like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight, please contact Emily at [email protected].
Student Corner
Why Jewish Non-Profit Matters: "I Believe in Giving Back"

Nathan is a student at the University of Connecticut. Seen through his work as a student leader at Hillel and other organizations in the Greater Hartford area, Nathan has a passion for making a difference. He hopes to eventually make aliyah to Israel. 

I recently made the decision to pursue a career in Jewish non-profit. While many would not be surprised by this decision, it took me a long time to figure out why it was so important to me. From going through day school, volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors at my local JCC, and now being a student leader at the University of Connecticut Hillel, being involved in my Jewish community was instilled within me. But why does it matter to me? And why should it matter to you? Read the article here.


Upcoming Events
Welcome Back Brunch
JANUARY 17 @ 11am

What better way is there to start the semester than with a bagel brunch! Come say hi to your UConn Hillel family and friends after a long winter break and enjoy a bagel brunch on us!
Dog Treat Baking
JANUARY 25@ 7pm

Learn about the life of a IDF dog and police dogs in the US. We will also be making dog treats for IDF and US police dogs to enjoy! Rumor has it that Jonathan the Husky will be stopping by!!
Birthright Party
JANUARY 31 @ 7pm

Come to learn more about your FREE trip Israel, get free giveaways, eat ice cream and be a part of the exclusive Birthright video premier!
CONTACT US


Phone: 860-429-9007
Fax: 860-429-2344

If you an idea for something that you want to see happen, we would love to hear from you!