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Goucher Hillel Happenings!
November Supporter Email
Check out what we've been up to and see how your support works for Goucher Hillel and more!
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The Shondes
 | | Students and members of The Shondes pose after a night of music and discussion. |
Goucher Hillel and Prism (Goucher's LGBT alliance) collaborated to bring the Shondes to Goucher on November 3. The Shondes are an indie punk band with tremendous energy. All of the members are both Jewish and queer, and those influences pervade their music, along with radical political messages. After the concert, 25 attendees stayed for an hour-long conversation with the group, which focused on Jewish and queer identities, and how living in those worlds has influenced their music.
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Student Profile: Stephanie Stern '15
Board Position: Social Justice (Tzedek) Chair 
How did you get involved in Hillel?
I've been in Jewish youth groups throughout my life. Last year, I formed close connections with upper classmen in Hillel and they encouraged me to apply for the board.
What does Hillel mean to you?
It is a place that is very inclusive and for me, it's my niche within Goucher, kind of like an extension of family: a place where people can gather and share experiences.
How does social justice fit in with Hillel?
I enjoy having conversations with people about different issues and problems within the Baltimore community or even the world. By bringing more awareness and information, we can get people to think about things like hunger or homelessness. It's important for people to be aware as members of the community. And it's good to support other people and help them achieve the best quality of life.
What has being on the Board done for you?
Through this position I've become more active in participating with social justice issues outside of Goucher. Hillel and my position on the board give me the opportunity to be more active in pursuing things I'm passionate about. My sociology major has helped in understanding why inequality exists and how society can change. I've become more active and more thoughtful about issues and beliefs of different people and have also learned the importance of supporting something you're passionate about.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy going to see plays and theatre, being involved in community service, and hanging with my friends. I love to eat and make food, especially Mediterranean, Italian, and Jewish cuisines.
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2012 General Assembly
 | | Attendees of the 2012 General Assembly rush to see the Opening Ceremony. |
This year, the Jewish Federations of North America held their General Assembly in Baltimore. Four Goucher Hillel student leaders attended for a special day-long Hillel program. Highlights included an inspiring talk on storytelling from former Hillel President Avraham Infeld, an engaging exercise on making tough allocations decisions within Federation, and a packed opening plenary including addresses by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and political analyst David Gergen.
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CHAI Good Neighbor Day
 | | Rachel Brustein, '16 poses while working in Baltimore at the CHAI Good Neighbor Day. |
On Sunday, November 18, ten Goucher students participated in CHAI's Good Neighbor Day, where some 400 volunteers including police trainees, college students and local business employees participated in 150 different community projects, from cleaning alleys to helping seniors beautify their homes. CHAI (Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.) is an Associated agency dedicated to developing and supporting thriving, stable communities in Northwest Baltimore neighborhoods with a substantial Jewish population.
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Torah Cover Designs
 | | Artist Susan Leviton works on a Torah cover, similar to the ones she'll help Goucher Hillel students design. |
Renowned artist Susan Leviton is working with Goucher students to design and create one-of-a-kind Torah covers for the Torah scrolls Goucher Hillel is acquiring this year. In November Susan led a workshop introducing students to the unique artistic history of wrapping and dressing Torah scrolls, and she began collecting student input on imagery, texts, colors, and fabrics. "It's rare to have the chance to create ritual art that is yours," Susan remarked. In the coming months students will finalize decisions about what they wish to impart to future generations of Goucher students through this sacred legacy and participate in crafting a custom wimpel (sash). |
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Judaic Studies Workshop
 Goucher Hillel partnered with the Judaic Studies Department to offer three fabulous workshops this semester, led by Professor Jeff Israel. Jeff led students, faculty, and community members through discussions of Jewish humor, how Jews vote in Presidential elections and why, and a discussion of the future of American Zionism as seen through the models espoused by Peter Beinart and Daniel Gordis. Everyone who attended the sessions appreciated the ability to approach these live issues with subtlety and insight. More collaboration is being planned for the spring.
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| Jewish Learning on Campus Update
There has been a major uptick in Jewish learning opportunities on campus this semester. Here are a few highlights:
Weekly Learning with JLIC Educator Avital Nyer-Levin. Avital has brought a new energy to campus, offering time to study one-on-one and in group settings on topics of interest to students from an Orthodox perspective.
Rabbinical Student-in-Residence Shabbat Nov. 2-3 with Daniel Kirzane, HUC (Reform). Daniel taught about different rabbinic viewpoints on Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
JTS (Jewish Theological Seminary) visit Rabbi Steve Schwartz, Nov. 8. Rabbi Schwartz of Conservative Congregation Beth El offered a discussion on interfaith relationships, accompanied by JTS Admissions Director Abby Eisenberg.
Global Day of Jewish Learning, Nov. 18 - Goucher Hillel joined in the international Global Day of Jewish Learning for the third year, with students dropping in to eat kosher pizza and consider issues around gratitude and blessings.
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Yad B' Yad
(Hand-in-Hand) $35,000 Challenge Matching Grant
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Goucher Hillel has raised $96,000 and needs $59,000 to reach our goal of $155,000. |
Please join Goucher Hillel's Board of Directors in the
YAD B' YAD (HAND-IN-HAND) $35,000 CHALLENGE MATCHING GRANT The members of our board have generously pledged $35,000 as a dollar for dollar match to help us raise an additional $35,000 toward our Annual Campaign goal for fiscal year 2013. By making a gift of $250 (minimum gift to qualify for a matching donor gift) or more, you have the unique opportunity to do a "double mitzvah" as your dollars are matched by our board members. We hope you will participate to help us get closer to our goal for the year.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Please help support our annual campaign to strengthen Jewish life on Goucher's Campus.
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