The Hillels of Georgia Weekly Chai-Lights Reel

ISSUE NO. 14 | VOL. 2026

Leadership Rooted In Connection

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Over MLK weekend, Jewish student leaders from campuses across Georgia came together for the Leven-Silberman Leadership Institute (LSLI) Statewide Conference, a weekend centered on relationships, purpose, and leading with integrity. Through conversations, skill-building, and time spent learning alongside peers and mentors, students explored what it means to show up as Jewish leaders in a complex moment. Journalist and author Josh Levs reminded students of the power they hold, sharing, “A group like this can have a massive effect well beyond the Jewish community… and how you all can become essential in the fight for truth.” Students returned to campus feeling connected, grounded, and part of something larger than themselves.

A Warm Start to the Semester at Hillel UGA

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On the tails of a very successful Maccabee Task Force FactFinders trip to Israel over winter break, UGA students kicked off the first day of classes gathered around a bonfire for S’mores Night, where new and returning students lingered over sweet treats and easy conversation. As marshmallows toasted, students caught up on winter break, shared what they were looking forward to in the semester ahead, and settled back into Jewish community together. Whether they came for the s’mores or the familiar faces, the night felt like a gentle, welcoming way to begin the spring.

A Sweet Introduction to Spring Semester with SCAD Hillel

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SCAD students eased back into the semester with a Chanukah night that felt easy and joyful, gathering over donuts, dreidel games, and Jewish trivia. With laughter, friendly competition, and familiar traditions, the evening gave students a chance to reconnect with one another and with Jewish life in a way that felt relaxed and welcoming.“We all come together as a community to hang out and have a fun-filled evening while connecting over our shared religion.”

A Meaningful Shabbat Back Together at KSU Hillel

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KSU Hillel welcomed students back with a Shabbat that blended prayer, learning, and time to simply be together. With a new service leader and a short reflection on the meaning of the Bar’chu, the evening created space for connection, conversation, and a slower, more thoughtful Shabbat, including for a student attending Hillel Shabbat for the first time.Zayvion Austin (Class of 2028) shared, “Dinner and Shabbat services with Hillel was an intimate experience. With good food and good conversation, it’s the kind of night I hope for.”

Leadership that Lingers at Emory Hillel

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The final Hillel Leadership Initiative (HLI) session brought together student leaders from Emory and Agnes Scott to reflect on how the program shaped their thinking over time, not just in individual moments. As they mapped out a project to recruit the next cohort, students spoke about carrying these leadership tools with them into daily campus life and future roles.“I loved every session and find myself thinking about the tools all the time.” – Hannah Thornton

Finding Our Voices at LSLI

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Twelve Georgia Tech students joined Jewish peers from across Georgia for a two-day LSLI conference centered on leadership, relationships, and real conversations. Through networking, skill-building, and shared experiences, students connected beyond their own campus and began to see themselves as part of a broader Jewish leadership community.“LSLI was a great opportunity for me to network with industry professionals and meet other Jewish students in Georgia… it taught me about being a leader within my school and beyond.” – Caylie Brennan, Class of 2029