Author: Marc Fleischner

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#BringThemHomeNow and Hobby Shabbat

On February 16th, Hillel hosted it’s first Annual Hobby Night. Hobbies are important, they help us disconnect from the clutter of the world. Some of us like to collect things, others like to make things, even taking care of things like plants. All healthy hobbies are great hobbies! Students were encouraged to bring items that represented their hobbies. Some brought trains, others brought crocheted goods, cameras, plushies, even Dungeons and Dragons Minis. Afterwards, students and members played UNO until the event ended.

This event was also special as it was #Bringthemhome Shabbat. As a club, we continuously advocate for the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. It is important now more than ever to advocate for the release of the 130 Hostages in Gaza, their voices will not be forgotten. We pray day by day, night by night for their safe return. #Bring Them Home

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Ask Rabbi Rachel!

On February 6th, members of Hillel gathered in the Chamberlain Student Center to meet with the local Rabbi Rachel Shoenfeld of Congregation Beth Tikvah Bnai Israel (CBTBI) located in Washington Township NJ. The evening was filled with ample discussion on several key interfaith issues. Beginning the night, one of the first major questions from Rabbi Rachel to the group was “How are you?” While this sounds trivial, it has been challenging for the group since the Hamas attacks of October 7th. The group had not met with Rabbi Rachel since Sukkot services at CBTBI, however, Rabbi Rachel was quick to assure the group about the well-being of not only herself but also her welcoming and hospitable congregation.

Other topics ranged from questions about Israel, Blessings before you eat, and even upbringing since Rabbi Rachel is originally from Toronto Canada. Members of Hillel shared stories about their upbringings, some becoming spiritual as they came to Rowan and others who have lived a more faithful way their whole lives until this point. It was a great way for students to connect with their heritage and find relation to one another.

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Hillel Co-Hosts Israeli Krav Maga Lesson

On January 31st, 2024, Hillel collaborated with Chabad for Krav Maga Self-Defense Training. Due to the recent uptick in Antisemitism across college campuses nationwide, it has been important to educate and inform students about methods to protect and defend themselves, how to de-escalate and get themselves out of a bad situation. We hope never to use these skills, but it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Don Melnick of Israeli Krav Maga of Cherry Hill NJ taught students students the importance of situational awareness and some key tips for deescalating a potential problem. He then shared several key moves for escaping if needed. Students then briefly practiced each of the moves before moving on to the next technique. The course lasted for an hour and a half and members of Hillel and Chabad were greatly appreciative of the lessons learned. 

The Event also was a fundraiser for Bring Them Home Now which advocates for the immediate release of hostages currently in Gaza. Together the Group raised $100.00. We would like to thank everyone for coming out. Thank you to Rowan Chabad for another great collaboration and to Don Melnick for being an amazing instructor

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Spring Finally Kicks off After Week Delay!

After a week delay due to snow, Hillel finally welcomed in the new semester with Game Night. The 2024 Executive Board gave formal introductions to our membership. Students enjoyed a range of fun games from Blackjack to Jackbox setup on the Classroom Projector, Pizza was served and everyone had a good time. Hillel is very excited to start the semester and we are looking forward to great events up ahead.”

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Hillel Announces Fall, 2023 Schedule!

Hillel is happy to announce our Fall, 2023 schedule. Please check back often as we have more events that we are adding, as well as updates on times and locations!

  • Friday, September 8 – Welcome Back BBQ
  • Monday, September 18 – Our Commemoration of Rosh Hashana
  • Monday, September 25 – Yom Kippur Breakfast
  • Friday, October 6 – Rowan United
  • Friday, October 13th – Paint and Sip Night
  • Friday, October 27th – Happy Halloween!!!
  • Friday, November 3rd – Mental Health Night
  • Friday, November 10th – Game Night
  • Friday, November 17th – Friendsgiving
  • Sunday, December 3 – Lox and Bagels Breakfast
  • Friday, December 8th – Chanukah Celebration

Check back for more events to be posted soon!!!!

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A NEW HILLEL WEBPAGE IS COMING!!!

We are currently planning out a redesign of our website for the 2023-24 year with lots of great things coming, including information on our Birthright trip next summer!!!

Please check back regularly to see what we have coming up!!

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Hillel Holds Annual Rosh Hashana Celebration

Welcome Year 5783!

Rowan Hillel kicked off the Jewish New Year with some delicious food, cooked by Advisor Marc Fleischner. We spend our celebration with both new and old friends. After sharing our Jewish New Year’s Resolutions, we were joined by special guest, Raymond Wos and other members of the Rowan Student government DEI Committee.

After our introductions, we all engaged in a meaningful conversation about Rosh Hashanah and our perspectives as Jewish students of Rowan University.

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Hillel Holds CBTBI Social Event

Our CBTBI Social Event was a great way to introduce Hillel Members to our local synagogue. Congregation B’nai Tikvah-Beth Israel has always been a friend of Rowan Hillel and welcomes any Rowan student with open arms. At our virtual service, Rabbi Rachel and the newly Bar Mitzvah-ed boy lead the Friday Evening services.

Before the service, Hillel Members talked about our second week of classes, shared pizza from Ciconte’s, and broke the ice with some fun games.

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Rowan Hillel Kicks of the Year with our Welcome Back Shabbat!

Our Fall 2022 Welcome Back Shabbat was a great way to kick off the semester. Hillel saw a bunch of new and returning faces. Everyone bonded over Pizza from Ciconte’s outside at Memorial Circle. By the end of the event, everyone was in awe of the Harvest Moon. The bright shine was a great way to end the night, and gave everyone a glimpse of the new, bright semester ahead of us.

We are so excited to engage Rowan’s Jewish Community and have a lot in store for the rest of the semester. Thank you to everyone who came out, stay tuned for more events to come!

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Hillel President Featured in the Rowan Student Affairs Blog

Hillel President, Alexandra Herschman, was recently featured in an article on the Rowan University Student Affairs blog entitled “Thriving In My Faith As A College Student”

“I began going to Hillel as a freshman and loved it ever since attending my first event, which made me eager to join Hillel’s executive board. I started off as the organization’s social media chair, then served as the vice president and now president.” She says that Hillel gave her a sense of belonging at Rowan. “Hillel gave me that Jewish community and sense of belonging on campus.”

Click here to read the entire post.

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