January 2017 - In This Issue
From Executive Director Scott Selig

Dear ,

Over the past few weeks, I have been immersed in the process of writing a grant to continue our Israel Fellow program for the 2017-18 year. We have been unbelievably fortunate to host two great individuals in this role, Algom Ben-Horin, and currently, Noa Rifkin. For those of you who don't know; throughout the year the Israel Fellow is a professional source of knowledge and a representative of the State of Israel, all while maintaining close, friendly and sincere relationships with the students. 

UConn Hillel's successful recruitment for the Birthright program and our active Huskies For Israel (HFI) pro-Israel student group are a direct result of the hard work done by our Israel Fellow. This position is made possible by generous gifts from donors and The Jewish Agency. Having an Israeli on staff gives our Hillel a wonderful sense of "ruach". If you have not had a chance to come to campus to meet Noa, she and I would love to come to your community to share how the Israel Fellow adds a little piece of Israel to Storrs, CT. 


                           (UConn Hillel Israel Fellow, Noa Rifkin, with Jonathan the Husky in Gampel)

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A Snapshot Into Our Semester
Student Leadership Retreat

Student leaders gathered on January 15 for the spring semester leadership retreat. The students came together to learn from one another and develop their leadership skills. The students spent the training attending sessions organized by Director of Jewish Student Life Michele Schulman, Executive Director Scott Selig, Assistant Director Emily Block, and Israel Fellow Noa Rifkin. They participated in bonding activities, and set leadership goals for the upcoming semester. 
Welcome Back Brunch

Over 100 students started the spring semester off right with some bagels and fixings, drinks, music, and their UConn Hillel family! 
A Night Under The Stars

Students gathered in Hillel for a Bedouin experience with tea, snacks, music, and more! The event was to introduce students to the Bedouin culture. Bedouins live nomadic life styles all over Israel an they are known for their immense hospitality. Many Jewish students on campus are already familiar with Bedouin culture as UConn Hillel stays in an authentic Bedouin tent while on Birthright. 

Southern New England Young Emissaries at UConn

Fourteen young Israeli emissaries from communities across Southern New England gathered at UConn Hillel on January 27 for a Shabbaton. The emissaries, from the Afula-Gilboa region who take a service year before the army, had the opportunity to experience Shabbat on a college campus, interact with the students and learn leadership skills. The emissaries also got to experience the Dairy Bar and their first UConn basketball game!
UConn Hillel's Director of Jewish Student Life, Michele Schulman, and Student VP of Shabbat and Holidays, Dina Silberman, were joined by Jonathan the Husky at the campus-wide Spring Semester Student Involvement Fair. 
Student Corner
Three Majors, World Travel, Research Highlight Senior Andrew Carroll's UConn Years

Andrew Carroll is a senior, triple majoring in economics, management and psychology. He has completed a semester abroad, has held leadership positions in his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, and is actively involved in Hillel.

When he enrolled at UConn four years ago,  Andrew Carroll '17  didn't know exactly what the future would offer, but he was determined to get the most out of his college experience.  When he graduates in May, he will have completed a triple major-in economics, psychology and management-and his resume will include a semester of education abroad and additional world travel that gave him a new, bolder perspective.  Read the article here.
Alumni Spotlight
Jared Kaufman
Jared Kaufman is a 2015 UConn CLAS graduate with a B.S. in Geoscience. Jared is originally from Cherry Hill  New Jersey and currently works at the Cherry Hill Jewish Community Center as the Aquatics Director and also work part time as the Hebrew High School Director at a local synagogue. 

While in college Jared was one of the founding members of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), a social fraternity, and was a tour guide at the Lodewick Visitors Center. Jared credits UConn Hillel as an instrumental part of his college career. For two years he served as the Vice President of Shabbat and H olidays where he organized Shabbat services, created engaging holiday services and an overall atmosphere of ruach. Jared fondly remembers the countless hours he spent at UConn Hillel studying, hanging out with friends, and so much more!


  
If you would like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight, please contact Emily at [email protected].
Mazel of the Month
 Arielle Ladue '15 and Adam Levine 

Arielle '15 and Adam met at Central Florida Hillel where he is member of the Board of Directors and she is the Program Associate. Both Arielle and Adam were involved in Jewish life on campus as undergrads, her at UConn and him at UCF. It's because of UCONN Hillel's birthright trip that Arielle took junior year that led to her becoming a Hillel professional and meeting her now fiancé. They live in Orlando, Florida where he works for the largest wholesale seafood company in Florida and she works for the Hillel that connected them.



  
If you would like to be featured in our Mazel of the Month, please contact Emily at [email protected].
Are you celebrating an engagement, wedding, baby, or new job? 
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UConn Hillel wants to share in your simchas! Let us know about your celebrations and you could be featured as our Mazel of the Month in our monthly newsletter!

Please contact Emily at [email protected] to submit your mazel!
 
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Upcoming Events
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!
AIPAC 101 Lobby Training
FEBRUARY 1 @ 5:30PM

Join us at Hillel for an unique AIPAC 101 and lobbying training event. We will learn from professionals about AIPAC's mission, how to become more involved on campus and at the policy conference, and how to effectively lobby members of congress! 

Dinner will be provided. All are welcome - you or your friends don't have to be Jewish to attend or become involved in AIPAC!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Noa Silverstein, Chapter President, at  [email protected]  or at 860-836-4827.

We kindly ask you to fill out an  RSVP form by Monday, January 30th.

Rock and Wings
FEBRUARY 1 @ 7PM-9PM

The Grad(Jew)ate Student Organization  is excited to announce that our first event of the semester will be Rocks and Wings at Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, Ct!  Join us on 2/1 from 7pm-9pm for an evening of friends, drinks and live music.
Tel Aviv Bar Night
FEBRUARY 22 @ 9PM

UConn Hillel and Huskies for Israel are bring Tel Aviv to Storrs! Get ready for an awesome night of friends, Israeli food, and DJ Eyal Rob.
Huskies on Ice
FEBRUARY 18 @ 5:30pm

Calling all Boston alumni! Join  UConn Hillel Alumni and Northeastern Hillel Alumni on February 18th for an evening of memories, networking and friendly competition at the UConn Vs. Northeastern Men's Hockey Game.

Havdalah @ Northeastern Hillel -5:30pm
Hockey Game @ Matthews Arena -7pm

There will be snacks and a raffle during Havdalah at Northeastern Hillel
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Phone: 860-429-9007
Fax: 860-429-2344

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