Join Lynda Bussgang in Supporting Harvard Hillel
Dear friends,
As a proud graduate of both Harvard College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, I must admit that, for many years, Harvard Hillel was not a philanthropic priority for my family. That changed recently—because the world has changed.
We are living through a moment when the Jewish community—at Harvard and far beyond—faces urgent and unprecedented challenges. In this climate, a strong, visible, and values-driven Jewish presence on campus is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. As Harvard’s Jewish center, Harvard Hillel has emerged as a vital leader in this moment, responding with clarity and courage to the complex issues confronting Jewish students, alumni, and faculty alike.
Support Jewish Life at Harvard Now
While navigating the broader financial pressures of the University and the persistent realities of campus antisemitism, Harvard Hillel has remained a thriving hub of Jewish life. Our building hums with energy. Shabbat dinners and Seders are full and joyful. Students gather for retreats, celebrate milestones, and lead with vision and heart. New staff and student leaders are elevating programming in meaningful ways—creating a pluralistic, welcoming, and resilient Jewish home on campus. Over the past three months alone, we sent our student-led acapella group ApiChorus on a transformative 10-day tour of Israel; hosted three separate Shabbat retreats for our diverse prayer communities; and created joyful experiences for students through events like Puppy Yoga and our Babka Baking Workshop.
There is so much to be proud of—and much work ahead.
In a recent message to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber stated, “We have taken many steps to address antisemitism on our campus. We plan to do much more.” That work cannot succeed without Harvard Hillel’s leadership, guidance, and grounding presence. Since joining us as Executive Director last year, Rabbi Jason Rubenstein ‘04 has brought renewed vision and purpose to our community, working tirelessly to protect Jewish students while empowering them as builders of their own Jewish future. Under Rabbi Rubenstein’s wise and sophisticated direction, Harvard Hillel is not only supporting students—it is helping shape the University’s response in a moment that demands both urgency and care.
Now, more than ever, Harvard Hillel needs our support. Some of its impact is highly visible. Much of it happens behind the scenes. But all of it depends on our collective commitment.
I invite you to join me in contributing to Harvard Hillel’s vital mission. Our fiscal year concludes on June 30, and we would love to include your gift in this year’s campaign. Together, we can ensure that Harvard’s Jewish voice is not only protected, but strengthened—and that it continues to echo with pride, purpose, and resilience across campus and around the world. Thank you for helping us build a strong Jewish future at Harvard.
Join me in supporting Harvard Hillel today!
Lynda Bussgang (AB ’91, Ed.M. ’01)
As an independent 501(c)(3), Harvard Hillel does not receive any financial support from the University. We rely on the generosity of our alumni, parents, and community to support Jewish life at Harvard.