It goes without saying that 2020 was not the year anyone expected. College students have been affected by this pandemic both academically and socially.
While clubs and extracurriculars may not look the same this year, organizations are doing their best to make sure that students can still participate and stay social in a safe way. Hillel at Geneseo is one of these clubs dedicated to such principles.
“Hillel at Geneseo is the Jewish club on campus. We try to create an inclusive home away from home for all students! We are part of ACE and we love to collaborate with other organizations,” history adolescent education major and Hillel President junior Lara Goodman said.
Hillel is open to anyone who wishes to join and is not exclusive to a certain faith or identity. This year, meetings will take place via Zoom. Goodman stated that there might be some in-person events, but not many, and proper precautions will be in place to ensure everybody’s safety.
“We hope people find their home away from home and express their Jewish identity in whatever fashion that means,” Goodman said.
This year, because of COVID-19, clubs cannot meet normally, so Hillel at Geneseo came up with a creative solution—ShabbaTotes.
“The ShabbaTotes are bags that we are using as part of our service. In a normal, non-pandemic year, students are given the opportunity to light candles, drink grape juice and eat challah bread which are all essential parts of our Friday Shabbat services,” Goodman said. “Along with many other Hillel’s across the country, we are giving students residence-hall friendly juice boxes, tea lights, challahs and other goodies so we can celebrate Shabbat together. Students should get theirs today. You sign up and then pick up the bag in the mailroom.”
Students have until Wednesday of each week to sign up to get a bag. Then, they pick it up on Friday in the mailroom.
Hillel also has events planned throughout the semester, though they will look different than usual.
“We have high holiday services planned for Zoom and we are going to be advertising a Kosher holiday meal as well with this box,” Goodman said. “We are keeping our options open as the semester goes on, but we are slated to participate in cultural harmony week, as well as a GLK event.”
Hillel at Geneseo is a great place for anyone, especially students of the Jewish faith, to meet people and make new friends. There is a Hillel at Geneseo Facebook page, which regularly updates. There is also a Hillel at Geneseo page, which students can look at to find out more about the club. Students can also email HillelStudents@geneseo.edu if they have any questions.
Make sure to sign up for a ShabbaTote!