The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

ISSUE NO. 10 | VOL. 2026

Emory Hillel Honors the Past & Inspires the Future During Homecoming Weekend

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Emory Hillel’s Homecoming Weekend brought together more than 140 alumni, parents, faculty, and community members for two days filled with connection and celebration. Long-lost cousins discovered each other (really!), alumni returned from every era, and new friendships were made across generations.

The weekend kicked off with a lively pre-Shabbat reception featuring talented student musical performers, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of ruach (spirit) and reconnection. The highlight was the unveiling of the new Emory Hillel Legacy Wall, honoring decades of Jewish life on campus.

“Thank you for all that you do to make these students’ Jewish journeys more enjoyable,” shared Jan Rogers, parent of student Risa Rogers.

The weekend was a powerful reminder that Emory Hillel continues to honor its past while nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders one Shabbat, one story, one student at a time.

Home Sweet Hillel: Hillel at Georgia Tech Dedicates Its New Space

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Hillel at Georgia Tech celebrated a milestone moment on October 26 with the grand opening and mezuzah dedication of its brand-new home in The Biltmore! Students, alumni, parents, and community members joined for tours, snacks, and a moving ceremony led by student leaders.

“I’m super excited that our new space is opening,” said first-year student Caylie Brennan, “because it’s a great opportunity for students to build community and have a space to make our own.”

 Fifty guests watched as Hillel’s student board hung a handmade mezuzah filled with "Tech Gold" and Navy Blue broken glass, a symbol of protection and new beginnings.

 The new space will serve as a launchpad for students to celebrate holidays, learn, and create community: a true home away from home for Jewish Yellow Jackets.

To schedule a tour of our new Hillel Space at Georgia Tech, reach out to campus director, Jackie Nix, at jackie@gthillel.org.

A MESSAGE FROM GEORGIA TECH PRESIDENT, ÁNGEL CABRERA

Hillel UGA Unites Jewish Greek Life in Celebration of Shabbat

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Hillel UGA’s Greek Life Committee hosted a joyful Shabbat dinner, bringing together members of AEPi, TEP, SDT, and other Jewish Greek houses for an evening of unity, pride, and (what many students are calling) the best student-designed t-shirt ever. More than 100 students filled the room as peers led services and pre-meal prayers, embodying Hillel’s mission of empowering students to lead with heart, hope, and Jewish joy.

Seeing our student leaders step up was incredibly powerful,” shared Jeremy Lichtig, Hillel UGA Director. “They created community and celebrated Shabbat together with strength and pride.”

 This Greek-Life-meets-Jewish-Life Shabbat proved that UGA students aren’t just wearing their letters, they’re living their values.

SCAD Hillel E-Board Hosts Bagel Break in the Square

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SCAD Hillel’s Executive Board brought Jewish joy to Oglethorpe Square for a sunshine-filled Bagel Break. Students stopped by between classes to grab coffee, shmear a bagel, and connect with friends, old and new. The pop-up was a perfect snapshot of Jewish life at SCAD: creative, casual, and community-driven, right in the heart of historic Savannah.

"Suite Victory" for KSU Hillel

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Kennesaw State students took in the excitement of the KSU v. UTEP football game from the RADCO suite, courtesy of longtime friend and supporter of Hillels of Georgia, Norman Radow. The energy was electric!

“This is the most fun event I’ve been to in my three years at Hillel!” said Evan Pollack , class of 2027.

 Students from all class years, and even two visiting students from SCAD Atlanta and Chattahoochee Tech, mingled, laughed, and forged new friendships.

Georgia Southern Hillel Spins Jewish Joy

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At Georgia Southern’s Celebrate Together festival, Hillel invited the Armstrong campus community to “spin the dreidel” and learn about Jewish traditions. From candy prizes to cultural books, the booth offered fun and meaningful conversation.

“I loved teaching my friends about the dreidel tradition and the history of my people,” shared Sophia Schwartz, a student leader from Georgia Southern Hillel.

 One local resident even stopped by to say how much it meant to see Hillel’s presence on campus after moving from New York, calling it “a comfort and a connection.”

 With nearly 100 visitors (most experiencing Jewish life for the first time) Hillel at Georgia Southern continues to make Jewish identity visible, joyful, and welcoming to all.

Georgia College Hillel Warms Hearts and Hands

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At Georgia College Hillel’s Pumpkin Painting Shabbat, students gathered around a campfire for Shabbat blessings, creativity, and community. The evening blended Jewish tradition with fall fun, as students painting pumpkins, singing, and sharing gratitude.

“The warmth was felt not only from the campfire but from the fellowship among friends gathered around a common table,” shared Netta, GCSU Hillel Director.

 For the 15 students who attended, it was a reminder that Hillel isn’t just a place to celebrate Shabbat; it’s where friendship and Jewish life flourish together.