President Garber Reflects on Harvard Hillel

Over the past few days, you’ve heard from some of the people who make Harvard Hillel what it is.

Miriam and Charlotte wrote about a friendship that began at Bagel Brunch – an Orthodox student from New York and a secular athlete from Los Angeles who are now roommates and co-leaders of our student board. Yesterday, Rachel shared stories of students who aren’t just showing up to programs but creating them: building Jewish community in the houses, John Harvard’s Bar Mitzvah, a Hungary-Poland trip being built from scratch. Four first-years joining the Hillel student board, just a semester into their Harvard careers.

Today, on the last day of 2025, I want to share a short video that captures what these stories point toward: what it actually feels like to be part of this community.

You’ll hear from students, faculty, and Harvard President Alan Garber, who puts it simply: “Harvard Hillel has long been a focal point for Jewish life at Harvard. I’m so happy that although it’s done that for many, many years – including when I was an undergraduate – it has done it so well at a time when we need it the most: Today.” And then: “Hillel’s success will be our community’s success.”

That’s what I believe, too. And your support makes our success possible.

If you’ve already given to our end-of-year campaign, thank you. If you haven’t, I hope you’ll make a gift today.

With gratitude for what you give, and for what your gifts make possible,

Rabbi Jason Rubenstein
Executive Director, Harvard Hillel