Summer 2021
Persevering through the Pandemic
By Jacqueline Ulin Levey, Executive Director

"As the head of a non-profit whose mission is to foster community among Jewish college students, I remember wondering during the early days of the COVID outbreak whether the pandemic would be the end of our organization. 16+ months later, WashU Hillel has persevered through the pandemic, engaging over 1,100 students during the 2020-21 academic year through hundreds of programs—both in-person and virtual—with zero COVID transmissions." [Read More]
Reflections on a Pandemic Commencement
By Emily Fox, AB '21

“Under the string lights of Hillel’s tented outdoor patio, the Class of 2020 graduates and their families embraced each other as a community to close Shabbat and usher in a new week, singing the beautiful Havdallah blessings. Listening to their harmony, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation for WashU, and for WashU Hillel specifically, for creating such a special community whose intimacy and love for one another lasts, regardless of how much time has passed.” [Read More]
Class of 2020 graduates pose by the Hillel front sign at WashU’s 2020 Commencement.
Class of 2021 graduates
at a WashU Hillel Commencement reception.
Emily Fox, AB '21 and Arielle Calem, AB '21 at WashU Commencement.
WashU Campus Leaders In Israel
Participants in WashU Hillel's Campus Leaders Israel Experience pose at the airport before departure.
The trip began with a tour of the Gaza/Israel border in Sderot, Israel with a retired colonel from the Israeli Defense Forces.
On August 1st, the 3rd cohort of WashU Hillel's Campus Leaders Israel Experience departed for Israel after a one-year hiatus due to COVID.

Comprised of non-Jewish student leaders and pro-Israel activists, the participants and Hillel staff are traveling through Israel and the West Bank to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group will meet with journalists, politicians on both sides of the Green Line, an Israeli settler, and leaders of peace and co-existence initiatives. We're so proud of the student leaders investing in this important work and the future we are hoping to build.
Calling All Alumni!
Everyone's Going GaGa Over These Adorable Onesies

These WashU in Hebrew onesies are the perfect way to share your campus pride with your newest addition, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or anyone with a tiny tot! Size is 6M and just $18. Click here to order yours today!
Left: Adelle with her dad, Asher Schlusselberg
(WU BSBA & MBA ‘09).
Right: Ishai, son of Becky & WashU Hillel’s
Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi Jordan Gerson.

Last chance to win one of three $25 Amazon Gift Cards!

If you haven’t yet updated your info with WashU Hillel, now is your last chance! Complete this brief form by Sunday, August 8th to keep up-to-date on Hillel campus activities, alumni opportunities, and new WashU merchandise, and you’ll also be entered into an alumni drawing for one of three $25 Amazon gift cards! You won’t want to miss out!
Do You Know An Incoming WashU First-Year Student?
 
Send them this form to complete (if they haven’t already), so we can welcome them into our WashU Hillel community and share some great swag!
Class of 2025 Families - Please Join Us!

Bear Beginnings Shabbat Dinner with Chancellor Andrew D. Martin
Friday, August 20, 5:45 pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. ( the night before Move-In).
Celebrate your first college Shabbat at a festive Hillel dinner! Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will join us from 6-6:30 pm, along with other University friends. The kosher dinner is free for first-years, $18 per additional family member. An optional, egalitarian Conservative Shabbat service will follow outdoors. RSVP by Monday, August 16. Register at www.WashUHillel.org/BearBeginnings. 

Open House
Saturday, August 21, 3:00-5:00 pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd.
Take a break from move-in with some snacks and cold drinks. Learn about Jewish life on campus, get to know the Hillel staff, and tour our beautiful building. No reservations required!   
Welcome To Our Newest Staff Member

We’re thrilled to welcome Jessica Partridge, our new Springboard Social Justice Fellow! In her role, Jessica will continue the great work of our previous Fellows in facilitating opportunities for students to engage in social justice efforts and service. Originally from Columbus, OH, Jessica graduated from Ohio University in 2021, earning her degree in English: Cultures, Rhetoric and Theory. She also received certificates in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies and Diversity Studies as an aim to ground her passion for social justice through academic exploration. As an undergraduate, Jessica was active in Hillel at Ohio University, leading activities centered around Jewish womanhood and feminism, and also serving as an engagement intern, student representative to the Board, and student president. Along with her interest in the intersection of social justice and Judaism, Jessica also has a deep love and appreciation for writing, and interned for the New Ohio Review. During her free time, she enjoys exploring bookstores and coffee shops alike, always in search of the best book and brew of the moment.