The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

ISSUE NO. 19 | VOL. 2026

100+ Students, One BIG Purim Celebration

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Students from Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Spelman College, and SCAD came together for a lively “Nowhere to Wear It” Purim party, where costumes ranged from formal dresses to playful outfits.

With over 100 undergraduate attendees, the celebration featured Megillah reading, a photo booth, and festive snacks. By creating opportunities for students to gather beyond their individual campuses, Hillels of Georgia deepens relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and reinforces a vibrant Jewish student community across the state.

Student Leadership at Hillel UGA

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Each month, Hillel UGA’s Student Board chairs gather to reflect on the programs they created and plan what comes next for Jewish life on their campus. These meetings allow students to share successes and work together to identify new ways to engage more peers.

More than a check-in, the meeting serves as a sort of "leadership lab," where students practice ownership, accountability, and strategic thinking. Experiences like these empower students to build vibrant Jewish communities while developing leadership skills that extend far beyond Hillel programming.

'Queer as Hillel' at Georgia Southern

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Students gathered for a Purim Lunch & Learn exploring “Why Purim is the Queerest Holiday on the Jewish Calendar.” Afterward, students created noisemakers and performed their own Purimspiel.

“I learned a lot from this program! I only knew a little about Purim before, so it was really cool learning more about the holiday and how it connects to the LGBTQ+ journey.” – Edgar Monroe

The program created space for Jewish students to share their traditions while welcoming many non-Jewish peers into the celebration.

Purim on Campus at Georgia State

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Hillel at Georgia State students celebrated Purim by tabling on campus and offering activities like decorating masks and sampling hamantaschen. The festive table became a gathering place where students learned about the holiday while connecting with one another. Later that evening, they joined Hillels of Georgia for a festive Purim celebration.

Megillah Meet-Up at Emory Hillel

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More than 75 students from Emory, Agnes Scott, and Morehouse College gathered for a collaborative Purim celebration hosted by Emory's Jewish organizations. The evening included Megillah reading, music, sushi, and festive fun. Students also celebrated at Hebrew Hangout, making mishloach manot and practicing Hebrew together.

“It was really fun celebrating together, making mishloach manot, and practicing Hebrew. The costumes and mishteh (festive feast or banquet) made it even more special, ” reminisced Rom Zuckerman, class of 2028.

More Students, More Connection at Georgia College Hillel

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Hillel at Georgia College continues to grow week by week as a welcoming hub where Jewish students gather throughout the week. Whether students are sharing a Shabbat meal, relaxing, doing homework, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the Hillel House at Georgia College has become a comfortable space where students connect, unwind, and build Jewish community together.

Israel-Themed Shabbat at KSU Hillel

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KSU students gathered for an Israel-themed Shabbat featuring trivia, conversation, and dinner with community supporter, Steven Cadranel.

“I had a really great time. I enjoyed the energy, being around my friends, and the food brought back tons of great memories.” – Jess Meyberg, KSU class of 2029

Dozens of students attended, including several who were new to Hillel, demonstrating how welcoming Jewish spaces help grow community on campus.

KSU students gathered for an Israel-themed Shabbat featuring trivia, conversation, and dinner with community supporter, Steven Cadranel.

“I had a really great time. I enjoyed the energy, being around my friends, and the food brought back tons of great memories.” – Jess Meyberg, KSU 2029

A dozen students attended, including several who were new to Hillel, demonstrating how welcoming Jewish spaces help grow community on campus.