Copy of The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

ISSUE NO. 16 | VOL. 2026

 From the Aquarium to the MHC: Emory’s Jewish Life in Motion

READ MORE

Emory Hillel students made waves this week, both across Atlanta and right at home in the Marcus Hillel Center. First year students joined Tessa and Einav for a “Newish & Jewish” outing to the Georgia Aquarium, where they marveled at vibrant marine life and were wowed by the dolphin show. For many freshmen, it was their first time experiencing an aquarium of that magnitude, a reminder of how special it is to build Jewish community in a city like Atlanta. “It was great that so many people came and the dolphin show was amazing,” shared Sophie Kalmin.

Back on campus, the Marcus Hillel Center was buzzing. ZBT hosted 50 brothers for Risk Management Training, while Meor and Hadar utilized the space for educational sessions, transforming the building into a true hub of Jewish learning and leadership.

From first-year students discovering Jewish community for the first time to campus organizations gathering under one roof, Hillel continues to serve as the anchor for vibrant, collaborative Jewish life at Emory.

Big Conversations, Brave Learning

READ MORE

Georgia Tech students gathered for the second session of the Jewish Learning Fellowship 2026, diving into meaningful conversations around Sex, Love, and Relationships through both classical and contemporary Jewish sources.

Through text study and honest peer discussion, students explored perspectives they had never previously encountered. Several participants shared how much they are enjoying the course, noting that the wide range of sources has opened their eyes to new ideas and ways of thinking about Jewish life and personal relationships.

Jewish learning here is not theoretical. It is relevant, thoughtful, and deeply personal.

 Jumping Into Community with KSU Hillel

READ MORE

KSU students traded textbooks for trampolines at Adventure Air Sports, and the result was pure connection.“The trampoline park event was incredible,” shared sophomore Jordan Perlman. “It was such a fun way to destress from classes with all my Hillel friends.”

More than just a night of dodgeball and laughter, the event brought together students who might not otherwise cross paths. Watching students who had never spoken before team up on the same dodgeball squad was a vivid reminder that joyful, welcoming spaces are what create vibrant Jewish life on campus.

Pop Culture Meets Jewish Pride at Hillel UGA

READ MORE

UGA Hillel closed out football season in style with a Super Bowl watch party that brought together dozens of students for a night of food, fun, and friendship.

Ava Galison brought her friend, Izzy, who is not Jewish but regularly joins her at Hillel events. “She loves supporting a community that is important to me,” Ava shared. “When the bitcoin ad lied to us, everyone booed at the television. I met new people and made new friends. I walked out of there with new Instagrams. I had never before gone to a Super Bowl watch party, and this was everything I could have wanted and more.”

Hillel continues to be a place where Jewish students bring friends, build pride, and create memories that extend far beyond the final whistle.

Celebrating the Team Behind the Impact

READ MORE

Hillels of Georgia came together to thank the campus directors and professionals who make Jewish life possible across our state. Their leadership, heart, and dedication are the reason our students feel seen, supported, and inspired.

We also marked a special milestone in our new home at The Dupree with an official mezuzah hanging ceremony in the main office, grounding our work in tradition and purpose.

It was a moment of gratitude and connection. The culture our team creates for one another is the same culture they bring to their campuses: one of belonging, pride, and joy.