Jewish group promotes diversity

Hillel is an RSO that has been taking on strides in recent years in bettering Georgia College and the Milledgeville Community as a whole. Last week, Hillel held their annual Bagel and Shmear Welcome Event, where they invited everyone of different cultures and nationalities to join them for lockes, cream cheese, and of course a bagel.

Founded by Karen Berman, the organization has always aimed to create a social network among Jewish students on campus,participate in charitable events, and take part in cultural and religious activities.

“Last year, Hillel won the Multicultural Program of the Year in the Bobcat Awards,” said Berman. “We brought in multiple speakers from all different religions during the holiday season, discussed each one, and then partook in the food from each culture. We really had a wonderful party.”

Yet Hillel is not only hosting parties within the campus, but also spreading their charitable works to the nearby Boys and Girls Club of Oconee. ‘Tzedekah,’ Hebrew for righteousness, is a principle Hillel was built off of. ‘Always aiming to make the world better’ is one of their focal points for social change.

“We purchased and wrapped small gifts, delivered them, and then the students dressed in Santa hats,” Berman said. “They helped hand out candy and presents. A lot of these younger children are from single parent households with low income levels. We  help out with the Boys and Girls Club every year around this time as a way to give back.”

Hillel also has an Israeli Outreach program that helps to provide aid to the state of Israel, as well as their soldiers abroad. Netta Ben-Hashal, head of the Israeli Outreach program, successfully held an event last semester writing letters to the brave men and women of the Israeli military.

This semester, the club hopes to bring even more students to their events to participate in social and religious activities. Bowling night, Jewish game night, and Friday night Shabbat dinners are all on the schedule and promise not only good company, but good food as well.

“Hillel has an amazing Passover supper every year open to everyone,” said Junior Mass Communication and French Major Kirsten Cornay. “I am definitely looking forward to their event this year.”

 

For more information in regards to Hillel and their meetings, please visit their “GCSU Hillel” group on Facebook.