The largest Jewish community in Athens will welcome in new students with its back-to-school barbecue.
The barbecue, hosted by Hillel at Ohio University, will take place at 6 tonight on the patio at 21 Mill St.
Rabbi Danielle Leshaw, executive director of Hillel, said the barbecue offers a way for students to reconnect and learn about unique Jewish opportunities that exist on campus, regionally and globally.
The barbecue offers new students a way to feel more comfortable when the campus is still unfamiliar to them, said Louie Rosen, a sophomore studying education and an intern with Hillel through the PACE program.
“Hillel is a way to connect to your faith without having to go back home. It is also a good way to get involved in the Jewish community that is not through your parents or what most young kids are used to,” Rosen said.
Kosher hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided as well as other food and entertainment, including cornhole and music.
In addition to the back-to-school barbecue, Hillel offers many activities for Jewish students at OU.
Among other things, Hillel hosts holiday gatherings, Shabbat dinners and volunteer events, said Morgan Blumenfeld, a sophomore studying special education and a Hillel member.
Hillel is looking to extend its impact on campus by offering study-abroad programs that combine academics with the Jewish faith. This past summer, Hillel partnered with OU’s Office of Education Abroad to offer credit for students who went to Israel to volunteer and study.
From a personal standpoint, Rosen said Hillel is a huge part of his life. He feels comfortable practicing his faith and regularly attends services.
Rosen added that he enjoys interning for Hillel because he feels a sense of accomplishment from helping people strengthen their faith.
“One of our main goals is to offer students vibrant opportunities to explore and begin their Jewish identity and to positively impact campus life,” Leshaw said.
ef195109@ohiou.edu
