Campus Life - University of Houston & Rice University
Israel Advocacy - Proactive strategies on campus
o many more Jewish students live on the University of Houston campus this year than have at any time in the past that Houston Hillel now regularly holds “Lounge Nights” in its Student Lounge in the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. Michelle Blumenthal, Houston Hillel’s Director of Jewish Life, brought snacks to a recent Lounge Night along with “Adventureland,” a 2009 romantic comedy about college students who spend their summer working at an amusement park.
esar Domingo, a University of Houston senior who organized Israel Awareness Week this past fall and Israel Peace Week this spring, is a “CAMERA on Campus” Fellow. CAMERA, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, selects a limited number of fellows to organize pro-Israel events on campus. Cesar said about his fellowship, “My purpose with CAMERA is to be a pivotal point between Israel and the University of Houston. My goal is to demonstrate to the student community that being pro-Israel is being pro-peace, and by supporting the only Jewish state in the world we present democracy as an ideal of humanity.”
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This year UH increased its dorm space from about 5,000 beds to more than 7,500 beds. Not only are more Jewish students living on campus, but the number of out-of-state Jewish students attending the University of Houston has also increased. Some come for particular programs, such at the music school or to study hotel and restaurant management, but many Jewish students come to UH because they recognize the increasing quality at UH.
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tudents, faculty, alumni and friends gathered for Shabbat this February at Rice University President David Leebron’s home. Senior Sarah Percival and freshman Marissa Levy led Kabbalat Shabbat Services for the diverse congregation, and freshman Jeremy Reiskind delivered a d’var Torah that connected the Israelite’s building the Tabernacle with the effort that goes into creating community at Rice. President Leebron expressed his hope that Rice’s Jewish students, who enjoy a supportive environment on campus, continue to grow and find even more opportunities at Rice.
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enior Bryan Solomon delivered a sermon at the Rice Interfaith SermonSlam. SermonSlam is a poetry slam, but for sermons, poetry, prose and other briefly delivered wisdom. Rabbi Weiss organized the event, during which ten students presented sermons of less than five minutes each on the topic, “Repentance.” Nine campus ministries sponsored the well-attended event, held on campus in Willy’s Pub.
“I
don’t know what I’d do at college without Houston Hillel. From the first moment I stepped onto Rice’s campus Hillel made me feel welcome and included. I was worried about what I would do for High Holy Day services but because of Hillel there was no need to be concerned. Yet, for me Houston Hillel is a lot more than just a place to go to services. It is a way to meet and connect with other Jewish students at Rice and in the area. Through Hillel I can remain connected to my Judaism and Jewish peers even though I am far away from home.” Marissa Levy, pictured with Josh Morse, is a Rice University freshman from Chicago.
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peakers at the University of Houston have included Mordechai Kedar, the Director of the Center for the Study of the Middle East and Islam at the Begin/Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Ishmael Khaldi, the highest-ranking Bedouin in the Israeli Foreign Ministry, and Noah Bedein, the CEO of the Sderot Media Center. Israeli musician Eyal Shechter held a Houston Hillel sponsored concert at Rice University’s Willy’s Pub.
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hank you to University of Houston President Renu Khator and Rice University President David Leebron for issuing strong statements condemning the American Studies Association academic boycott against Israel. President Khator wrote in a letter to Rabbi Weiss, “Academic freedom is at the core of higher education, and any and all attempts to subvert it must be immediately denounced and opposed with the same resolve and conviction with which we protect the values we all hold so dear.”
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aving just moved back to Houston after living overseas, the few friends I had in Houston were from high school. I had never lived in Houston as an adult, and upon returning I immediately looked for a way to find other Jewish young professionals. Jewstontexas became my entryway into Houston’s young adult Jewish community. Now having lived in Houston for two months, I’ve met many new people and made close friends through Jewstontexas events. Michelle Blumenthal, who coordinates Jewstontexas events, has been incredibly warm and welcoming to me as a new member of the community, and she does the same with each new person who joins. I would highly recommend attending Jewstontexas events if you are in your 20s and are looking to meet other Jewish young professionals.” Avital Stolar returned to Houston after graduating from the University of Texas in 2011.
houstonhillel.org
jewstontexas.org
2014
Board of Directors President Ed Septimus 1st Vice President Eric Bishop Vice Presidents Fredi Franks Mark Hochstein Ellen Lowe Lennie Roth David Vener Secretary Sandy Jackson Treasurer Emily Jackson
Jeff Berlat Jeffrey Berman (Baylor Med) Max Blankfeld James Cabe Eric Cohn Rabbi Gideon Estes Lisa Estes Matt Kahn Salomon Lahana Beverly Levinson Marshall Levit Sharon Mellon Jesse Nagelberg (UH) Julia Paeglis Daniel Pickelner Jeff Pozmantier Stefani Rozen Rozanne Rubin Michael Sachs Susan Septimus Leah Topper (Rice)
Thank you to Houston Hillel’s Legacy for Tomorrow. Through your vision and planning you make a commitment to Jewish life on Houston’s college campuses, and to the future of the Houston Jewish community. Anonymous Anonymous Deisi & Max Blankfeld Sandra Weiss Borak Ilyne Burke z”l Shirley & Alan Cohn Debby & Gary Cortes Marian & Art Daum Rabbi Gideon Estes
Rabbi Kenny Weiss Executive Director Michelle Blumenthal Director of Jewish Life Barbara Dryer Administrator Rabbi Amy Weiss Director of Food & Nutrition
Houston Hillel
Ida & William Zinn Building 1700 Bissonnet Houston TX 77005 713-526-4918 houstonhillel.org jewstontexas.org
Ione & Sidney Moran Karol & Daniel Musher Yako Nesim Polikar z”l Janet & Jeff Pozmantier Barbie Roth Lennie Roth Lisa & Josh Rothstein Marlene & Bob Rubin
Nancy Rapoport & Jeff Van Niel Lisa & Michael Sachs Marilyn Shaw David Stern z”l David Vener Louise Weinstein z”l Rabbis Amy & Kenny Weiss Edith & Bob Zinn
Yes
I want to donate financially.
Why designate a legacy gift to Houston Hillel? Because Houston Hillel: • Is Houston’s only organization solely dedicated to serving Jewish college students and twentysomethings. • Creatively engages and empowers Jewish students through personal interactions and compelling programs. • Nurtures spiritual growth in a pluralistic community. • Links the campus community to the Houston Jewish community. • Will receive additional support through a grant from the Areivim Legacy Community Project and Hillel International for every legacy gift commitment made this year.
Give to Houston Hillel’s special projects
Edith & Bob Zinn Student Programming Fund Holzband Hillel Programming Fund Ernest Krautkopf Special Programs Fund Rubenstein Shabbat and Festival Meals Fund Gloria and Jerry Ribnick Passover Seder Fund Ben McGuire Lectureship and Program Fund Houston Hillel Student Center Fund Beulah Axelrad Yellen (Rice ‘36) Entertainment Fund Larry Massin Sports Lounge Fund Raymond Plotkin Memorial Scholarship Fund Desiree and Max Blankfeld Israel Scholarship Fund
Give to Houston Hillel’s annual campaign or endowment funds
For additional information and to explore the impact of a legacy gift, please contact Rabbi Kenny Weiss at 713-526-4918 or kweiss@houstonhillel.org.
“H
ouston Hillel has been a wonderful Jewish home for me while I am very far from my actual home. I have appreciated so much the open minded, welcoming atmosphere and the varied programs that Houston Hillel offers. Rabbi Kenny and the rest of the staff do an incredible job reaching out to students and making everyone feel comfortable. I have always loved the ‘come as you are’ laid-back feel of the events and Houston Hillel has helped me to grow closer to my Jewish heritage.” Hope Cowan, from Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Houston in 2013 and is now earning her master’s degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.
Yes I want to fund Houston Hillel’s work on campus and in the Houston Jewish community.
Your bequest will provide for the most critical needs at the time the money is received. Or, your bequest can benefit an established endowment fund, and will provide a permanent annual source of income for Houston Hillel. You can also establish a new endowment fund at this time or in the future.
Past Presidents
Richard Brochstein Max Goldfield z”l Lenny Holzband David Jacobson Alan Levin Daniel Musher Karol Musher Ron Nodler Jerry Paine Daniel Pickelner Marlene Rubin Immediate Past President Ed Septimus Marilyn Shaw Larry Smith Gary Swartz Alvin Zimmerman
Karina & Carey Gates Michele & Bob Goodmark Louis Gordon Emily Jackson Sandra & Richard Jackson Anita Karbelnig Laura & JD Leonard Ellen & Richard Lowe Muriel & Marcel Meicler
I want to leave a legacy.
Yes
Join Houston Hillel’s Legacy for Tomorrow
I want to share my Houston Hillel experience with others.
Yes
I participated in Houston Hillel’s activities while a student or young professional.
Ask Rabbi Weiss to host Houston Hillel alumni in your area for dinner
Yes
I documented my experience with Houston Hillel in an awesome way (photos, newspaper editorials, artwork).
Yes
Give back to Houston Hillel by becoming active in your local Jewish community
I want to share my experience with prospective donors.
Donate your media to Houston Hillel for us to share with others.
Yes
I want to share my experience with prospective students.
ouston Hillel means a place to escape the stresses of college and to just be Jewish. I grew up in a Conservative home, where Judaism was always a major part of my life. I started going to Camp Ramah Darom when I was eight, and ever since, I have needed Judaism in my life. Since I no longer have my synagogue community, Houston Hillel has provided me with a safe space where I can be proud to be Jewish. Whether it is the fun Wednesday lunches, or the Friday night services, Houston Hillel allows me to continue my Judaism with other college students the way I see fit. Hillel has already been a major part of my college experience, and I cannot wait for three more years of meeting fellow Jews in the Houston community, and having a safe space to express my Judaism.” Jeremy Reiskind, pictured with Ruthie Seleznick, is a Rice University freshman from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Yes
Attend Houston Hillel’s annual fundraising event
Advocate Houston Hillel to family, friends and the community
Yes
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I want to meet Jewish students and young professionals like me between 18 and 29
I want to stay connected to the Houston Hillel community
I want to support Houston Hillel
“W
Connect with Houston Hillel online via email, houstonhillel.org, Facebook and Twitter
I attend the University of Houston.
Yes
I attend another university.
I attend Rice University.
Yes Yes
I am a grad student or young professional between 21 and 29.
Yes
Hang out at UH Hillel’s Student Lounge in the AD Bruce Religion Center
Attend Rice Hillel’s free lunch every Wednesday in Brochstein Pavilion Participate in Houston Hillel’s citywide programs, like Shabbat dinners
Yes
Connect with Jewstontexas (Houston Hillel’s community for Jewish 20somethings) at jewstontexas.org
hen I first moved into college, I felt lost because I knew very few people at UH. I got excited when I heard there was going to be a Houston Hillel BBQ, because I knew it would be a comfortable environment for making friends. Rabbi Kenny had contacted me before school started and I immediately knew that Hillel would be a place where I would be welcomed. We Jews share a common culture, and it really comes to life when we are together. I mean, where else can I tell people that I’m verklempt? Thanks to Houston Hillel I am able to attend numerous Jewish events every month, am provided two free kosher meals a week, and have found my niche in the community. I have the opportunity to attend events such as Café Ivrit, where anyone can practice Hebrew, as well as the opportunity to volunteer at an AIPAC conference that I heard about through Houston Hillel. I truly enjoy the Friday night services and dinners, and I look forward to going every week. I intend on staying active throughout my college years.” David Enav is a University of Houston freshman from Houston.