As UIC grows, Hillel grows

The Levine Hillel is preparing to welcome students to the UIC community. As a non-profit organization, Hillel is established to engage Jewish students of diverse backgrounds in the community and empower them to affirm their Jewish identity. Hillel is excited for new programs that will be coordinated especially for the dorms. One of the goals of the organization is to maximize social opportunities and relationships between Jewish and non-Jewish students on and beyond campus. These new plans are focused to include all students on campus, and not only Jewish students.

Hillel is eager to see how the organization will mature in the future. With the tremendous growth of UIC over the past few years, Hillel is also booming with new members and interest. The addition of new student internship positions will allow Hillel to coordinate events to reach out to students who would not typically associate with Jewish issues. Hillel hopes to promote Jewish students to take part in activities with friends from the dorms. This will foster student empowerment by increasing the quantity and quality of student contributions to program planning and implementation.

Hosting events in the dorms provides an opportunity for students to participate in a location where they feel most comfortable. Enjoyable events allow students to celebrate with fellow classmates. A Valentine's Day-themed party, Hillelentines, is the organization's annual signature event and sees the largest attendance each year. Hillel is looking to expand upon its coordinated events by offering additional opportunities to participate in the dorms. The organization will host Friday night Shabbat dinners in the dorms so students can celebrate with their friends.

There are also many educational and enrichment opportunities. World-renowned speakers discuss issues such as counter-terrorism, environmentalism and improving relations in the Middle East. Outings with peers are frequently popular and include attending Chicago Bulls games, "Jersey Boys," and volunteer opportunities at the Uptown Café. In addition, for the first time this year, students planned a mini-music festival that brought together people from around the city to raise awareness and funds for the people of Israel.

The transition into college is made easier with aid from the students and staff at Hillel. Students have an opportunity to discuss issues with fellow peers in a friendly and warm environment. Jordan Roth, the JCSC Fellow, advises, "Whether you are interested in religious issues, holidays, education, current events, the arts, sports, or just want a place to hang out with friends, Hillel has something for you." Hillel also helps students expand their college experience by providing guidance, leadership development, internships and networking.

Located at the corner of Harrison and Morgan, the Levine Hillel is a two-story building, complete with all the necessities to create a warm base on campus where multiple groups and projects can co-exist and every student can find his or her own place. If you have an idea for an event you would like to see, Hillel would love to know about it and work to coordinate it for everyone to enjoy! Please visit their website at www.UICHillel.com for more information and a calendar of events.