Hillel Global Giving Week: A Place to Become

Dear fellow member of Harvard’s Jewish community,

When I arrived at Harvard as an undergraduate, I didn’t yet know what I was looking for. I found it at Harvard Hillel.

Spread across campus, I spent time with friends in my room in Weld and blocking group in Adams; I explored ideas in Social Studies seminars and Physics 16; I volunteered in a local prison through PBH; and I made music with the other members of Mozart Society. But it was at Hillel that our relationships were built from all of these elements and more: we made decisions about this community’s values, having stayed up late singing and schmoozing, argued about the meanings of a Talmudic story or medieval ruling, traveled together for holidays and breaks; and when we had to – attended funerals of one another’s loved ones.

That kind of community – one where we went through life together, was what I had come to Harvard not even realizing I’d been looking for. The people I went through those years with, as friends and as mentors, are the people I value most in this life. And above all, I am beyond grateful for having met my wife, Arielle, right here at Harvard Hillel.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT ON JEWISH HARVARD STUDENTS TODAY

That is what Harvard Hillel makes possible. Not just for me, twenty-five years ago, but for the students who walk through our doors today, and tomorrow.

Monday is the first day of Hillel Global Giving Week. Through May 8, every gift to Harvard Hillel will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, thanks to Hillel International and two generous members of our Board of Directors. Whatever you can give, your gift will be doubled. And good news: as of yesterday, early donations count toward the match.

Each day next week, you’ll hear from a different voice in our community, about a different aspect of what Harvard Hillel does. I hope you’ll read and watch along to understand what’s happening today, and every day, on campus. And I hope that you’ll support Harvard Hillel – because what we are creating is not just what the Jewish community needs. It is what our students need.

With gratitude, and Shabbat Shalom,