Topic: Proud to be Jewish

39 results

Thoughts and Rituals for One Heart Shabbat

While no one text, ritual, or act can bring calm or peace to this moment, we offer One Heart Shabbat, A Hillel Gathering as a way for Jewish students everywhere to join together in solidarity and strength, grounded by love and support as we pray for healing and peace for the State and People of Israel.

Running with Ritzah

“I’m Jewish and I love to run” is the unifying passion shared by each student organizer of Ritzah: The Jewish Running Project. From across the United States and Israel, these enthusiastic runners came together in early 2022 to find ways to lift up other students who were searching for ways to integrate their Jewish identities with their love of running. 

When Basketball Meets Shabbat: Rami’s Story

Coming to campus as an observant Jewish student, I was immediately drawn to Hillel as the center of Jewish life at University of Maryland. I went to Hillel for kosher meals, for services, to meet friends, and to learn Torah.  I’m also a lifelong basketball fan (go Sixers!), and was looking for a way to […]

Students Lead on Israel

My parents were not yet my age when they were forced to leave their homes in Iran and start a new life in Los Angeles. Like so many other courageous Jewish refugees, they did not hide their identities and love for Israel in the United States. Instead, they engaged in an act of cultural resistance: they invested tenfold in strengthening their own children’s Jewish and Zionist identities, and instilled in me pride in who I am.

By being a part of these communities, I have felt encouraged to embrace myself — no matter what Jewish space I occupy.

I am a bi-racial Jew: My mom is white and Jewish, and my dad is Black and a non-practicing Christian. My parents always told me how special I am to be part of two extraordinary groups of people, but I long believed I could only be one or the other. Over the years I have learned to become more comfortable coexisting in both identities.