fbpx

Jewish student organization to host program house at Wooster

Hillel Shabbat Dinner

Hillel, a Jewish student organization at The College of Wooster, will host a new program house for the upcoming academic year. The formation of a Hillel house came from the interest of first-year students who wanted an informal, communal space for Jewish students on campus.

“We hope that the house will become a cornerstone of Jewish life on campus, providing an opportunity for all Jewish students to congregate and celebrate,” said board member Saralee Renick ’22.

Located in Kate House on Beall Avenue, the first floor of the house will be dedicated to events, programming, and providing communal space. The second floor will be a private residential area for six students to live full-time. Students can reserve the common space for gatherings and the Hillel board will organize programming there as well.

Hillel members are hopeful that the house can become a permanent space, even for students who do not live in the house, to help the Jewish community on campus thrive and to recruit prospective students in the future. Renick says, “Regardless of where Jewish students want to live, they deserve a safe and consistent space to celebrate their Jewish culture and religion.”

Founded in 2013, Hillel is a student-led organization, with assistance from Erin Guzman, interim chaplain/director of religious & spiritual life, focused on providing a “space for Jewish and non-Jewish students to celebrate Jewish life, culture, and holidays,” Renick said. The group hosts Shabbat dinners throughout the semester and observes several Jewish holidays, such as Hanukkah and Passover. The organization also collaborates with other student groups, such as the Muslim student organization Noor, to provide educational events and advocate for the community.

Image: Students gather at a Hillel Shabbat Dinner earlier this year.

Published March 7, 2022.

Posted in News on March 7, 2022.