The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

Hillels of Georgia
Oct 10
4 min read

ISSUE NO. 07 | VOL. 2026

Our Commitment to the State of Israel

Today and always, Hillels of Georgia stands with Israel as we pray for the long-awaited return of hostages and for safety, healing, and renewal for all of our brothers and sisters in Israel.

On our campuses, Jewish life continues to be vibrant, safe, and deeply rooted in dialogue and bridge-building. We are proud to stand alongside thousands of students nationwide who, since October 7, have spoken up with courage and conviction in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Our mission to connect students to Israel remains unwavering. Even throughout this conflict, Hillels of Georgia has continued sending students on immersive Israel experiences; journeys that are transformative, educational, and deeply personal. We will continue to do so this winter and summer, helping students strengthen their Jewish identity, build lifelong ties to Israel, and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to cultivating vibrant Jewish life on every campus, grounded in our values of learning, leadership, and peace. May this moment mark the beginning of a peaceful future for Israel and the Middle East, our students, and the entire Jewish people.

Hillel at Georgia Tech Builds, Bonds, and Celebrates Sukkot Together

Hillel at Georgia Tech students gathered on campus to share the stories of hostages held in Gaza, accompanied by a display that created a powerful space for remembrance, reflection, and solidarity. Later that day, they came together to kick off Sukkot with a day full of creativity and connection. The morning began with students building and decorating the campus sukkah, transforming it into a welcoming space for the holiday. Later, the Freshman Leadership Committee hosted “Pizza in the Hut,” where first- and second-year students enjoyed pizza, shook the lulav and etrog, and crafted their own edible sukkot. Photos of the delicious designs will be featured on @hillelatgt Instagram, where the winning creation will earn a special prize!

Standing Together: October 7 Commemorations Unite Emory’s Jewish Community

Over the course of three powerful days, Emory Hillel, alongside other Jewish campus organizations, hosted a series of programs honoring the lives lost and those still held hostage since October 7. Despite driving rain, Sunday evening’s campus vigil drew more than 75 students for heartfelt speeches, prayer, and reflection, followed by a moving address from the mother of fallen IDF soldier and Emory alumna, Rose Lubin.

On Monday, students tabled on campus to raise awareness and share messages of solidarity, while Wednesday’s program featured 10/7 survivor Oria Nes Berlin, whose testimony left a lasting impression.

In total, more than 300 students took part in these meaningful events. As student Gabby Bonwitt shared,“Thank you (to Emory Hillel) for always being there and trying to help make life better for Emory’s Jewish students.”

KSU Hillel Honors October 7 with Reflection, Unity, and Hope

KSU Hillel marked the anniversary of October 7 with a moving Israeli Lunch in the Sukkah, where students gathered to honor the victims and those still held hostage. Together, they lit candles, recited Kaddish and Acheinu, and listened as Ofek (Israel Fellow) shared her personal reflections. Each student read about ten victims and placed a rock in their memory, symbolizing resilience and remembrance. The solemn ceremony gave way to community and comfort over falafel and shawarma in the sukkah.

As student Elizabeth Borukhova (‘26) shared, “Gathering all together for the October 7 anniversary and to honor the hostages meant something more than words can describe to me… I felt truly connected to everyone and, in a strange way, connected to the hostages. We should all feel so blessed and grateful we’re able to gather together and have each other to lean on. I’m truly thankful for Hillel for bringing us all together to honor this day and our people, who will all be back home soon.”

Flowers for Peace: UGA Hillel Students Honor Two Years Since the War in Israel

To mark two years since the start of the war in Israel, UGA Hillel students gathered on campus to distribute flowers as a gesture of remembrance, compassion, and connection. The initiative offered students and community members alike a moment to reflect and to stand together in solidarity. Jewish and non-Jewish students embraced the opportunity to share hugs, words of support, and reminders that “it’s been two ENTIRE years since the onset of the war” and that the effects of the conflict are still deeply felt. The effort sparked meaningful dialogue, helping students build bridges, spread hope, and reaffirm that community and compassion can flourish even in times of pain.

S’mores, Sukkot & Student Creativity Shine at SCAD Hillel

On October 5, SCAD Hillel students gathered for a cozy and creative Sukkah decorating night complete with a campfire and gooey s’mores. In true SCAD fashion, the evening blended art and community as students designed their own decorations to bring color and personality to the Sukkah transforming it into a festive masterpiece.

Beyond the creativity, the event offered a much-needed pause before midterms and a chance to connect with friends old and new. Curious passersby stopped to learn about Sukkot, and even a few non-Jewish students joined in on the fun making it a night of warmth, laughter, and shared learning.

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.

Make your High Holiday Gift to Hillels of Georgia