Refuseniks: The Interfaith Mobilization to Free Soviet Jews – Lunch with Shaul Kelner

In the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, a worldwide human rights movement mobilized to secure the freedom to emigrate for Jews persecuted by the Soviet regime – and in the United States, Jewish and Christian groups joined forces to help. Join us to break bread and revisit this remarkable example of the power of interfaith coalitions with Shaul Kelner, Professor of Jewish Studies and Sociology at Vanderbilt University and author of A Cold War Exodus: How American Activists Mobilized to Free Soviet Jews.

A 20–25 minute presentation will be followed by conversation and Q&A. Lunch served. Open to students and faculty – all are welcome. Hosted by Harvard Hillel and cosponsored by the Harvard Catholic Forum.

RSVP requested: email elisha@hillel.harvard.edu.

ApiChorus Family Weekend Show

Join ApiChorus for a special Family Weekend show in the Rabb Room at Harvard Hillel! Bring your family and friends for a morning of music. All are welcome.

Family Weekend Bagel Brunch

Our weekly Bagel Brunch opens its doors to families for Family Weekend! Join us for a relaxed morning of bagels, coffee, and conversation before you head home.

This event is free and open to Harvard College students and their families. Registration is requested for family members – register here (students do not need to register).

Family Weekend at Hillel also includes Friday morning Bagels and Coffee (no registration needed) and Friday night Shabbat Dinner. See the full schedule on our Family Weekend 2026 page.

First-Year Movie Night

Join us for a cozy first-year movie night in the Hillel basement, featuring Monsters, Inc. with free pizza and ice cream! Come take a break from studying, hang out with other first-years, and enjoy a fun evening together.

Reflective Studio with David

What can making help us discover about ourselves—and about one another?

Join Reform Rabbinic Advisor Rabbi David Mahfouda for a creative exploration of bravery, authenticity, and connection. Together, we’ll use explicitly Jewish frames—including beginning, repair, freedom, rest, praise, and listening—to explore how creative practice can help us move through the world with greater intention and openness.

No artistic experience necessary. Just come ready to make, explore, and see what emerges.

Steak Break

Take a break from the academic grind for a great meal and even better conversation. Enjoy a premium kosher steak dinner cooked by Rabbi Yoni Ganger while exploring big questions about meaning, ethics, relationships, personal growth, and what makes for a life well lived. Good food, thoughtful conversation, and a chance to pause, reflect, and connect with other students.

Jewish Learning Fellowship

The Fellowship is open to any Freshman who wants to learn in a welcoming community. No previous Jewish learning or religious practice is expected, and students of all political perspectives are welcome.

Come with your questions. Learn with others. Build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging in a Jewish space.

INFO:
7:45-9:45pm Wednesdays, beginning September 9
DINNER served each session
Stipend of $300 paid to each Fellow who attends all sessions!

No meetings on Wednesday, October 7, November 4 and November 18

Questions? Email elisha@hillel.harvard.edu

Sign up here

Mishmar

Thursday nights are for pre-Shabbat learning, lively conversation, and connecting with friends. Drop in for a short teaching from a student or rabbi, dive into a Jewish text or question, and ease into Shabbat together.

Oyntology

Over breakfast, we’ll bring questions from our lives (interpersonal, spiritual, or intellectual) and think through them using Jewish and non-Jewish texts that offer multiple ways of considering what’s at stake.

Eats with Elle

Take a break from your day, grab a treat, and hang out with Elle in the Yard! Find us in front of the Widener steps.

Shiur and Seudah Shlishit with Ezra

Spend Shabbat afternoon learning together over Seudah Shlishit with Ezra Klausner, our Orthodox Rabbinic Intern.

Bagel Brunch

Start your week with Bagel Brunch at Harvard Hillel. We’ve got fresh bagels, schmear, and lox- plus a space to catch up with friends or meet new ones. Everyone’s welcome to stop by for good food and good company. Hope to see you there!