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What’s new at Hillel CASE?

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September 17, 2024

When we talk about Hillel International, we really do mean international — and we’re proud to celebrate Hillels all over the world. 

Hillel CASE unites Jewish young adults across the former Soviet Union, with centers all over Eastern Europe. Hillel CASE participants spent this summer connecting, learning, engaging, and building community, even amid the backdrop of war in Ukraine, and we’re excited to share some of the highlights of their recent programming, which has provided much-needed support in a region in turmoil.

Havdalah on the Beach in Dnipro

Welcoming a new week during difficult times with a havdalah ceremony on the beach

In Dnipro, Ukraine, a city that has suffered multiple Russian missile attacks in the ongoing war — including one that damaged the Hillel building — Jewish young adults still found ways to come together in community. Gathering on the banks of the Dnieper River on Saturday evenings to bid farewell to Shabbat and welcome in the new week with a waterside Havdalah became a tradition for Hillel Dnipro participants, who met on Saturday evenings to hold Havdalah ceremonies, play games, and enjoy beachside treats, barbeque, and music.

Travel Adventures in Kharkiv

Traveling with the “Jewish Atlantis” program to visit historical Jewish sites

Despite ongoing Russian attacks, Hillel Kharkiv students persevere in their exploration of Jewish history and heritage. Supported by the Dutch Jewish Humanitarian Fund, Jewish Atlantis is a special program that takes students to visit historical Jewish sites and communities throughout Eastern Europe. This summer, they went to Gadyach, a pilgrimage center where the grave of Rabbi Shneur-Zalman of Lyad, also known as the Alter Rebbe, is located. They spent an unforgettable Shabbat at the local Jewish center, and enjoyed tours, classes, day trips, and more.

Volunteer Adventures in Kharkiv

Volunteering with the JDC to bring pockets of joy to the Kharkiv community

Kharkiv Hillel’s ongoing “Klubok Dobra” project continues to make an impact, as students bring moments of warmth and joy to their city, despite the war. Supported by the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and implemented by Kharkiv Hillel, Kharkiv Volunteer Community, and Hesed Shaare Tikva, this program gives participants the opportunity to combine creativity and service. Recently, volunteers have been crocheting toys for local children — each one a unique work of art created with love. Volunteers also spend time with some four-legged friends at the Little Prince Rehabilitation Center, a local animal shelter. Thank you to all of these participants who arrive with hands and hugs to make the world a bit better each and every day.

A Taste of History in Lviv

Learning about the Jewish history of brewing beer

 Judaism is often associated with wine, but did you know that there’s a rich Jewish history of beer brewing, too? Embodying the resilience Jewish communities are known for, Lviv Hillel students have continued their “History with Taste” project, attempting moments of normalcy even as Russian strikes target its infrastructure. This summer, Lviv Hillel participants took a tour of the Stargorod Brewery, where they learned about the historical connection between beer and Jewish culture — including mentions of beer in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and Talmud — and the Jewish roots of famous beer brands like Lowenbrau and Carlsberg. What a delicious way to explore this unique aspect of Jewish history!

Feeding the Community in Odesa

Addressing war-exacerbated food insecurity in Odesa

Feeding the hungry is a Jewish value, and can be one of the most important and impactful ways to show up for community — especially in areas that have been significantly impacted by food shortages and increased need due to the war. As part of their Food Security project, Hillel participants in Odesa distributed Shabbat meals, including homemade challah, to elderly and food insecure members of the community. They also delivered additional food from their partners at the Dutch Jewish Humanitarian Fund to support residents experiencing hunger and food insecurity. Thank you to all of the volunteers who showed up for this important work!

We’re so amazed by the impact of Hillel CASE programming, and the incredible resilience these students have shown in the face of ongoing violence and disruption to their education and safety. We can’t wait to see the impact they make in the months ahead.

Check out “Hillels Around the World” to learn more about the way Hillels are enriching Jewish life for students and young adults in 16 countries and four continents, all across the globe.