Organization Spotlight:  Hillel

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

What is the purpose of your organization?
Hillel at LSU exists to do one simple thing; unite both Jewish undergraduate and graduate students at Louisiana State University. LSU attracts students from all over the state of Louisiana, as well as from several other states, from large Jewish communities to small ones. By bringing this diverse group of students together, they can share stories, have fun and celebrate their Jewish heritage. Whether it is at social events, spiritual gatherings, or in the classroom, Hillel at LSU encourages all students to grow and learn together as a community.

How do students get involved in your organization?  Students can get involved with Hillel by attending events that are held throughout the semester.  A calendar is created at the beginning of the semester and then students are informed of the various social and religious events through Facebook, email, and other means of communication.

What annual events are sponsored by your organization?  Every Fall, Hillel hosts many events that surround the different Jewish holidays.  For the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Hillel hosts dinners and coordinates rides to the two synagogues in Baton Rouge so students can attend services for these important holidays. Also in the Fall semester, Hillel builds a Sukkah (a temporary hut) in front of the Union for the harvest holiday of Sukkot.  Different informational and religious events are held throughout the week in the hut, which are designed to both educate the general LSU population about Hillel and the holiday, and give Jewish students a place to participate in their faith.

In the Spring, Hillel holds an annual Purim celebration which allows students to participate in a Spring festival as well as the annual costume contest that accompanies the holiday.

Does your organization have a website that students can search for further information?  Current and prospective students, as well as parents, can find information about Hillel at LSU at http://www.hillelatlsu.org/ or by finding Hillel on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=23446071

What honors, awards, and/or accomplishments has your organization recently achieved? Hillel at LSU recently doubled its membership size demonstrating a growing Jewish presence on LSU's campus.

 

See past spotlights here.