850 students, 28 programs, 100 cups of coffee
Coffee dates are an opportunity for Hillel staff to meet Jewish students and introduce them to the Hillel community. We are staying warm thinking about all the coffee we drank in the Fall and are looking forward to welcoming many more students this semester. Thank you to the outgoing Student Board for all their hard work in helping us reach hundreds of students and for planning fun and engaging programs. Join us on February 12 for a reception before the women's basketball game and meet our new Director of Development and Student Board.
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Birthright Israel

In a ddition to hiking Masada, visiting the Kotel (Western Wall), eating falafel and learning about their Jewish history, 5 students had their Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel while on their Birthright trip during winter break. 

Brittany Burkman (pictured lower left) shared what this experience meant to her. "Today was quite a special day for me-it was my bat mitzvah. Traditionally in the Jewish religion, teens make their Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13 to mark the start of being an adult in the religion. I am almost 20, and this day marks the continuation of me discovering my Jewish identity. This Birthright trip has opened my eyes [to] the idea that there is no “right way” to be Jewish. We all have our own journey. I will continue to grow, learn, and explore my own Judaism and embrace my new Hebrew name of Simcha, meaning joy."

Registration for the Summer Birthright trip will open in February. 
New Director of Development

Michal Greenbaum, a transplant from New Jersey, joins us with over 15 years of nonprofit experience in the Jewish community. Her passion for Hillel began in college and continued as she served on the Board of Directors for Rutgers Hillel and as President of their Alumni Association. She is excited to be at UConn Hillel and looks forward to meeting all of you soon.
UConn vs. Louisville
February 12 @ 5:30pm

All students, parents, alumni, donors and supporters are invited to join us for a pre-game reception at the UConn Business School. We will then walk over to the stadium together to cheer on our favorite women's basketball team. Limited tickets available.

Already have a ticket? Join us for the reception before you take your seats.
( Matt, featured left, with Hillel friends on a Birthright Israel trip.)
Student Spotlight: Matt Calbo
Student Board President

Why is Hillel important to you? 
Hillel is my home away from home. It is a place where I can go to study, hang out with my friends, strengthen my Jewish identity and grow as a leader. 

Why did you want to be the Student Board President?  
I wanted to give back to a community that has given a lot to me. Hillel was the first place within the larger UConn community where I felt welcomed and I want to be able to provide that same welcoming feeling to other UConn students who also wish to be involved in Hillel. 

What are you most excited about for this coming year?  
I am looking forward to further integrating UConn Hillel into the greater UConn community by partnering with other student organizations and participating in university-wide events. 


CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR TO SEE ALL THE FUN PROGRAMS WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THIS SEMESTER!