Dear Michigan Hillel Family,

Amid these days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we marked one year since the attacks of October 7, 2023. For Jewish students at Michigan, our community has not been the same since. I came back to lead our Hillel because of what I saw happening on this campus after 10-7. Because of my previous 7 years leading the U-M Hillel programming team I knew firsthand the passion and creativity of Michigan students and I was filled with a deep desire to do my part.

At Michigan Hillel, we are proud of our students who have shown brave resilience as they navigate these challenging times. To mark the anniversary of October 7, our students created powerful visual, interactive, and reflection opportunities on the Diag. Thousands of students walked through the Diag, paused, read the names and saw the faces of our Jewish brothers and sisters still held hostage. 

At 6:00PM, students and Ann Arbor Jewish communal leaders invited the wider community to gather on the Diag to mourn, reflect, and heal together. In attendance were regents, local elected officials and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Hillel student leaders planned the 6 PM memorial in partnership with Chabad, JRC, the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor JCC, as well as local synagogues Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth Emeth, and the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation.

At 7:00PM, 300 students gathered in the Michigan League to hear the inspiring stories of Shay Raz and Noa Reuveni. Shay and Noa shared the harrowing stories of what they and their families experienced in Israel on October 7. Before Shay and Noa, University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker shared inspiring and encouraging introductory remarks.

Throughout the day, the lounge at Hillel was open for students looking for a welcoming and introspective space. Hillel staff were present to support along with plenty of coffee and tea. A therapy dog stopped by during the afternoon for students who needed a stress reliever. 

If you know a Jewish student at Michigan who may need support during this time, please encourage them to connect with us. Hillel is here for each and every Jewish student at Michigan. 

On Rosh Hashanah, I spoke at Hillel’s High Holiday services about the mission of Abraham, our ancestor. Abraham’s mission was to build a better world by being a blessing. I believe that is our mission today. The world does not have to be the way that it is. Each of us can be that blessing.

May this year bring peace, healing, and community.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah, to a meaningful Yom Kippur,

Rabbi Davey Rosen

Chief Executive Officer

University of Michigan Hillel

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