Hillels of Georgia Are Welcoming Back Jewish College Students With Open Arms

By Federation Five, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

Hillels of Georgia is excited to kick off the new academic year by welcoming new and returning Jewish students and their families to college campuses across the state. 

Committed to fostering a sense of safety and connection, Hillels across Georgia are helping students feel welcome within their Jewish communities and the broader campus environment. To achieve this, their back-to-school programming, scheduled over the next several weeks, is thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming "Jewish home away from home" on campus.

Many students have found that Hillel is where they build lifelong friendships.

"As a first year, I met some of my closest friends at Hillel's back to school programming. Since then, I look forward to back-to-school programs because it gives me a chance to reconnect with Jewish life on campus before the start of the High Holy Days,” said Maya Rezak, Emory Hillel Student Body President, Class of 2025. “My advice to incoming students is to be open to trying new things. There are so many activities to choose from and so many ways to be involved in Hillel, you can find the programs that speak to you!"

Hillels of Georgia recently marked its 20th anniversary, a milestone that is celebrated by its supporters, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Federation invested $488,000 in Hillels of Georgia in 2024 in addition to security and mental health resources. 

"Hillel is a safe space on campus for students to experience Jewish joy and celebrate the beauty of Jewish life,” said Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, CEO of Hillels of Georgia. “In these challenging times, safety and security are immensely important. Knowing there is a community on campus that supports them is critical for our students and the development of their Jewish identity."

Each Hillel across the state offers unique events during these initial weeks, including bagel brunches, happy hours, learning sessions, Shabbat dinners, and movie nights. For a comprehensive list of upcoming events and ways to get involved, please visit the social media pages and websites of the respective campuses. Inquiries can also be sent to info@hillelsofgeorgia.org.