When Indiana University opened its doors on August 25 for the 2014-15 academic year, the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center was in full swing. Hillel staff spent the summer planning for the fall so that when the 4,000+ Jewish IU students arrived on campus, they would find at Hillel:

• A home away from home
• Hundreds of new Jewish friends
• A supportive and welcoming Jewish community
• A Jewish place to hang out
• Jewish holiday and Shabbat services and meals
• Fun, interesting classes for IU credit
• Help navigating the IU system
• Matzah ball soup when they’re feeling sick
• Jewish learning
• A place to build their Jewish leadership skills
• A place to learn to make Judaism relevant and meaningful
• A place to shape and explore their identity
• A pluralistic, accepting community
• A place to build a strong sense of belonging to the Jewish people for the rest of their lives
• A place to be inspired to make a meaningful, enduring commitment to Judaism

The Hillel staff plays an instrumental part in empowering students to connect with and shape their Jewish community on campus. The role that Hillel plays on campus was never more evident than at the Welcome Shabbat Services and Dinner on Friday, August 22. Close to 500 students connected with their Jewish community on campus. This evening was followed by the Welcome Back Barbecue where over 1,000 students learned about all that Hillel has to offer. 

IU Hillel looks forward to a year of Jewish learning, friendships and programs like Jewish House of Pancakes, Taglit-Birthright Israel, Business Leadership Initiative, Shabbat services and dinners, High Holy Day services and dinners, dances and Rabbi Hours.