The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

Hillels of Georgia
Sep 5, 2025
5 min read

ISSUE NO. 03 | VOL. 2026

Hillels of Georgia Students Unite to Hit the Rapids

Hillels of Georgia students from across campuses came together for an unforgettable afternoon of lunch and rafting down the Oconee River. With 36 students in total (including 26 from Emory, 5 from Georgia Tech, 2 from Georgia College, 1 from UGA, 1 from KSU, and even a guest from Auburn), this trip highlighted the power of teamwork, communication, and Jewish community.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my long weekend, but this Hillel event really gave me a chance to connect with other Jewish first years while trying something new and exciting!” - Astor Stein, Emory University, Class of 2029

The rafting adventure challenged students to work together to navigate the rapids, proving that just like Jewish life on campus, success comes from unity and support. With most participants being freshmen, this event set the tone for a year of building new friendships, leadership, and memories.

"Shabbarbecue" Serves Up Summer Vibes and Shabbat Spirit at Emory Hillel

Emory Hillel kicked off the year with two vibrant welcome events, drawing students together through food, fun, and Jewish community.

More than 80 students joined the first-ever "Shabbarbecue" at the Marcus Hillel Center. The evening featured inflatable axe throwing, a live DJ, custom snow cones, and a classic cookout of burgers, hot dogs, and watermelon. After the festivities, students gathered for Shabbat services and dessert, showing that Shabbat can be joyful, creative, and meaningful in new ways.

The night brought together a diverse mix of students (48 freshmen, 14 seniors, and 25 first-time participants) making it a true celebration of Jewish life at Emory.

Just a day earlier, students stopped by the Cannon Chapel Underpass for Schmooze & Schmear, enjoying fresh bagels, lox, and iced coffee between classes. More than 120 bagels were served as students connected with friends old and new, proving that even a quick bite can spark community.

Social Night + Hebrew Comes Alive at KSU Hillel’s Café Ivrit

At KSU Hillel, four fluent Hebrew speakers came together with our Israel Fellow, Ofek, for the first Café Ivrit of the year. The group practiced their Hebrew, explored modern slang, and connected through shared conversation and culture. Students reflected on how meaningful it was to have a structured, intentional space this year. With Ofek’s guidance, they read together and engaged in thoughtful discussions, transforming Café Ivrit from a casual gathering into a lively, enriching experience. Looking ahead, Café Ivrit will expand to include a beginner session, welcoming even more students to discover the joy of Hebrew language and Israeli culture together.

In addition to Café Ivrit, students also enjoyed a creative social night where they came together to paint tote bags. The evening was filled with laughter, creativity, and community, giving students another way to connect with one another outside of the classroom setting.

Boro Browse Brings New Connections for Georgia Southern Hillel

The "Boro Browse", Georgia Southern’s semesterly outreach event for local organizations and businesses, brought together students from across campus. Georgia Southern Hillel had the chance to connect with 25–35 students, many of whom were previously unengaged and share more about opportunities with Hillel at GSU.

Students were most excited to learn that a Hillel exists on their campus!

Rose Schaffer, Campus Advisor, also had the opportunity to meet and connect with Georgia Southern’s new Chief Marketing Officer (who is also Jewish!).

From Hillel UGA to Greek Row, Jewish Organizations Unite to Build Jewish Life

The Hillel UGA staff hosted a meaningful dinner with the presidents of UGA’s Jewish sororities and fraternities: AEPi, TEP, and SDT. Around the table, leaders shared their visions for the semester and strengthened connections between Hillel and Greek Life at the University of Georgia.

Together, they planned a Greek Life Shabbat to take place later this fall. The evening reflected the strong partnership between Hillel and Jewish student leaders across campus, ensuring that Jewish life remains vibrant and welcoming within the Greek community.

This gathering of presidents and staff was a powerful reminder that leadership starts with collaboration, conversation, and shared purpose.

A Warm Welcome To Hillel at Georgia Tech’s New Home

27 students and staff gathered to celebrate Shabbat together and experience the new Hillel at Georgia Tech space for the very first time. The evening began with tours of the building and gave students a chance to explore, connect, and share ideas for how they envision using the space throughout the year.

Over a delicious dinner of matzah ball soup, schnitzel, vegetables, and a special “Welcome Home” cookie cake, students enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere that highlighted the spirit of Jewish community on campus.

“It was wonderful to invite our students into their new space for a warm and welcoming Shabbat dinner and get them excited for a new space they can hang out, study, and just be themselves in.” - Jackie Nix, Campus Director

The dinner set the tone for the year ahead, showing that Hillel at Georgia Tech will be more than just a space, it will be a true home for Jewish life, learning, and friendship.

Jewish Students Lead an Impromptu Welcome Shabbat at Georgia College

Georgia College students helped create a casual, impromptu Welcome Shabbat. Over pizza, laughter, and community, students gathered at the Hillel house to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, showing that Shabbat can be both simple and meaningful when shared together.

The evening set a joyful tone for the start of the semester and highlighted the power of student initiative in shaping Jewish life on campus.

Georgia College Hillel continued the warm welcome with a series of bagel brunches, bringing students back around the Hillel dining table to catch up, share stories, and build kehilla (community).

"Jews and Brews" Brings Coffee and Conversation to Georgia State Hillel

Students gathered for "Jews and Brews" at Georgia State, taking a mid-day break over coffee and conversation. The casual setting created space for students to connect, relax, and share stories in between classes.

One highlight of the afternoon was an engaging discussion about Summerhill, the neighborhood just next to campus. Students learned how it was once a thriving Jewish community in the 1940s and ’50s, and how historical forces like redlining shaped the migration of Atlanta’s Jewish population northward.

“I love being able to come and grab coffee and chat to break up my afternoon. It’s such an easy way to get some socialization in.” - Andrew Amelchenko, Class of 2027

Events like "Jews and Brews" remind students that Jewish life on campus can be as simple, and as meaningful, as sharing a cup of coffee and good conversation.

Make These Programs Possible → Give Today

COMING UP AT HILLELS OF GEORGIA: