Hillel helps college students “do Jewish”

        With Hillel of Northern New Jersey’s help, hundreds of local students are now “doing Jewish,” and getting others to join in. This UJA NNJ community service, which is supported by the Annual Campaign, provides Jewish services, meals, programs and counseling for Jewish students – but for many students it does much more than that. It gets students in touch with their Jewish identity. 

        This winter, Hillel of NNJ sent the largest student delegation to the JCPA/Hillel Spitzer Forum with the help of the JCRC of UJA NNJ in order to help local students become advocates on issues   affecting the Jewish community; 83 students attended a Purim party at the Space Odyssey in Englewood; and students at William Paterson University ran a model Seder for seniors at the YM-YWHA of North Jersey. Every week, Rabbi Ely Allen hosts a Torah class at his home, which draws 20-40 students.

To learn more about Hillel activities on this page, call
Rabbi Allen at 201-488-6800 ext. 222 or email him at elya@ujannj.org.

Hillel transforms lives: meet Kyle Liggon

         Growing up, Kyle’s Jewish experience was limited. When he came to Ramapo, he was hesitant to join Hillel because he felt that “I knew nothing of the Jewish religion and would not fit in at all.” When he decided to check it out, he immediately felt welcomed. I met Rabbi Ely Allen, who “made me feel as if I was part of Hillel for years.”

       After attending Shabbat dinners with Hillel members, Kyle said, “I’ve learned that Shabbat is much more than a big meal with prayers. It’s about community and respect for all those around me.” Through Hillel, he experienced his first Simchat Torah service and “felt something powerful in seeing everyone celebrating.” Rabbi Allen arranged for him to be called to the Torah for the first time in his life.

        Kyle said his Jewish identity has grown because of Hillel. “I am proud to say I’m Jewish, and I will never deny it. This is all thanks to my experience in Hillel.”

Birthright Israel powerfully impacts students

         Over 1,000 students who reside in NNJ have gone on a free Birthright Israel trip, and one-by-one they have come back transformed in some way. This is why Hillel of NNJ is working with the UJA NNJ to make sure that more local students can go on Birthright. This summer, the first-ever UJA NNJ Birthright Trip will have over 30 participants from our area. The Federation has formed a Birthright Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Leonard Cole and Angelica Berrie, to look into ways of gaining greater financial support for this program in order to expand it to a larger student population.

       One of the Committee’s goals is to further involve Birthright alumni and their parents in community activities. A Birthright alumni event and concert will take place later this year.

Looking forward to Birthright: meet Marissa Welch

       Marissa Welch felt incomplete. “I had no Jewish friends at home, and I just felt hopeless at college,” she said. This changed when she went to a Hillel meeting. “When I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone wanted to know my name and where I was from. Rabbi Allen warmly received me, told me to help myself to food, and gave me a Matisyahu CD. I was shocked at how open, welcoming and generous everyone was. I knew it was the start of a great experience.”

       “Now I had people to talk to about my Judaism, to learn Judaism with, and I immediately began feeling complete again,” said Marissa, who added that she is looking forward to participating in this summer’s UJA NNJ Birthright Israel trip.