The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

Hillels of Georgia
Oct 3
3 min read

ISSUE NO. 06 | VOL. 2026

Shabbat Shalom from Hillels of Georgia

After the stillness and reflection of Yom Kippur, we step into Shabbat carrying hope, renewal, and gratitude. This is our chance to exhale, to celebrate the sweetness of community, and to welcome the year ahead with open hearts.

May this Shabbat bring you and your family peace, joy, and the comfort of belonging, on campus and beyond.

With gratitude,

The Hillels of Georgia Team

Breaking Fast + Building Community at Emory Hillel

After a powerful Yom Kippur service, 75 students joined together for a Hillel break fast of bagels, lox, and fruit, with more than 20 AEPi brothers hosting their own break fast in partnership with Emory Hillel.

With so many first-time attendees, the event provided nourishment for body and soul while reminding students that Jewish community is always there for them.

Birthright Brings Students Back to Hillel UGA

UGA’s Birthright Shabbat was the biggest of the semester, drawing 80 students to share authentic Israeli foods, reunite with peers, and celebrate together. As our team put it, “The students really showed up and showed out for the Shabbat. It was the biggest one of the semester. The students were galvanized to do something special.” The energy of the evening reminded students, not only of their deep connection to Israel, but of their connections to one another.

Travel to Israel with Hillels of Georgia in December!

Georgia Tech Israeli Shabbat

Dozens of Georgia Tech students gathered for an Israeli Shabbat featuring schnitzel, salad, pititim, and rugalach, learning about Israel programs and the meaning of Shabbat Shuvah.

One student noted, “It was wonderful to see Yarden (Israel Fellow) share how her family celebrates Shabbat and really put all her effort into making it special. Shabbat & Holidays chair, Jayson Faupel (Georgia Tech Class of 2028), led the prayers and did a quick lesson on Shabbat Shuvah. It was the perfect way to end the week and come together during the holidays.”

The evening highlighted Hillel’s value of Jewish learning, as students deepened their connection to tradition while sharing in the joy of Shabbat together.

Full Circle Sweetness with SCAD Hillel

At SCAD, 60 students came together for Rosh Hashanah dinner in partnership with Chabad of Savannah. Senior ZaCh Levy shared, “My first Jewish experience in college was attending the student dinner for Rosh Hashanah. As a senior coming full circle it was great to see the size this dinner is now compared to four years ago. The community we have built has brought lasting friendships and memories. This dinner brings everyone together even if it’s just for one evening.”

His reflection embodies Hillels of Georgia's value of building enduring community, one where friendships deepen, new students are welcomed, and Jewish life grows year after year.

Care Kits + Community at Georgia State Hillel

At GSU, most students commute and went home for the holidays, so Hillel showed up with thoughtful Yom Kippur care kits on campus. “We were able to hand out Yom Kippur care kits so our students felt supported during the holiday. Since most of our students are commuters and went home for Yom Kippur, this was a meaningful way Hillel showed up for them on campus and reminded them that they are part of a Jewish community here at GSU.”

This act of care ensures every student feels seen, supported, and part of the Jewish community, no matter their circumstance.

Your generosity makes everything we do possible. Together, we can ensure a vibrant Jewish future on campus. Start the New Year with impact by making your High Holiday gift to Hillels of Georgia.

Make your High Holiday Gift to Hillels of Georgia