The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

ISSUE NO. 05 | VOL. 2026

Shana Tova u’Metuka from Hillels of Georgia! 🍎🍯

As we begin 5786, we wish our entire community a year filled with joy, health, and meaningful connections. May this season of renewal inspire growth, strength, and belonging for Jewish students across Georgia. May you and your loved ones be inscribed for a sweet and fulfilling year ahead.

With gratitude and wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,

Hillels of Georgia

Rosh Hashanah Marks New Beginnings at Georgia College Hillel

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With more Jewish Georgia College students than ever joining together, Georgia College Hillel welcomed the New Year with prayers, the sounding of the shofar, and the warmth of community. As former Hillel Advisor Karen Berman shared, “Had the honor, as former Advisor to Hillel, to be invited to Rosh Hashanah dinner last night. Great large group of students, one of whom blew the shofar (wow!), with Advisor Netta explaining the holiday and symbolism of the food. Beautiful gathering replete with decorative Rosh Hashanah table runners.” The evening set the tone for a sweet year of growth and blessings.

A Bee-utiful Start to the New Year: Honey Extraction at Georgia Southern Hillel

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Students welcomed the New Year by creating their own treat bags and watching Professor Paul Cerpovicz from East Georgia demonstrate how honey is extracted from the hive. One student, Grace Brannen, shared that after searching online for synagogues and High Holiday services in Statesboro, she was surprised to find not many options beyond Savannah. Grace was especially grateful to discover Hillel at Georgia Southern as a meaningful Jewish space on her own campus.

High Holidays Bring Beauty and Belonging to Emory Hillel

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Emory Hillel welcomed more than 130 students over two nights of Rosh Hashanah celebrations, where first-time attendees joined returning students for meaningful meals and community. As student Rebecca Strug reflected, “Everything about this was beautiful.

Love, Identity, and Jewish Wisdom: JLF Kicks Off at Hillel UGA

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Hillel UGA proudly launched its fall 2025 Jewish Learning Fellowship with the “Sex, Love, and Relationships” track, where nine students came together for deep conversation on where we learn to love, reflecting on family, identity, and Jewish wisdom. The group’s openness and curiosity sparked meaningful dialogue, setting the tone for a semester of inspiring Jewish learning and connection.

Parents Weekend Tailgate at Hillel at Georgia Tech

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Hillel at Georgia Tech brought together students, parents, and families for a spirited Parents Weekend Tailgate, complete with bagels, community, and pre-game fun before Tech took on Temple. With 35+ attendees, the event was a wonderful chance for families to connect, meet friends, and celebrate Shabbat-style hospitality on campus. In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, they helped arrange students to go to services and played a lovely game of “Apples to Apples.”

Toasting the New Year at KSU Hillel

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KSU Hillel students, joined by faculty and staff, gathered in the heart of campus to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with wine, challah rolls, apples and honey, and even cupcakes for the “birthday of the world.” Shofarot were available for students to try, making the event a festive and meaningful way to welcome the New Year together.

Rosh Hashanah Bagel Break Builds Connections at GSU Hillel

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Students gathered for a special Rosh Hashanah Bagel Break, where new and returning faces connected over food and conversation. The event encouraged one new student to share her excitement to get more involved, and together a plan was made to help her attend High Holiday services for Yom Kippur, and beyond, highlighting how GSU Hillel provides both community and meaningful support.

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.

DONATE HERE

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