Dear Missy,

At college campuses across the country, including Washington University in St. Louis, students are facing a mental health crisis. Levels of anxiety, stress, and loneliness have increased dramatically in recent years.

One way WashU Hillel is responding to this epidemic is through the creation of a vital, new Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) course with renowned Jewish mindfulness expert, Yael Shy. The multi-week course explores wellness skills, such as mindfulness and deep listening, while delving deep into Jewish texts and practices.

“Students will gain the tools and resources needed to work through difficult thoughts, emotions, and moments in their lives,” Yael said. “They will feel connected to their cohort, and they will discover that their Judaism has something to say about their well-being.”

WashU Hillel is at the forefront of the Hillel movement in developing this curriculum. At the conclusion of the course, we will have an evidence-based, replicable model that can be scaled nationwide, so students everywhere can benefit. Many thanks to our partners at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis for making this critical program possible.

Jackie Levey, WashU AB ’97; JD ’01 

Executive Director

P.S. - Limited spots are still available for our JLF 1.0 Wellness course. We encourage parents to let their students know about the class. Applications must be received by Friday, 2/17 at 5 pm central. Click here.

P.P.S. - Keep reading to see what else WashU Hillel has been up to!

Meet our New Hires!

Rina Gersten 

IACT Coordinator for Israel Engagement

A native St. Louisan, Rina graduated from Bradley University in December 2022 where she double majored in Psychology and Social Work with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. At Bradley Hillel, Rina was the Israel Engagement Intern for two and a half years. In her free time, she likes to bake, hike, thrift, and watch thriller movies. 

Lynda Lieberman 

Part-Time Accountant

Lynda joined our team as our part-time accountant in November. Prior to Hillel, Lynda was a Senior Manager in the Business Consulting Department at UHY Advisors for more than 25 years. In her free time, she is the Treasurer of the Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Amoona and is the Express the Music Committee Chair for the Saint Louis Symphony Volunteer Association.

Penny Alper, Former Board Chair, Honored with Prestigious Award

Mazel Tov to WashU Hillel's immediate past Board Chair, Penny Alper, for receiving the JProStL Partnership Award. This award recognizes a volunteer leader who exemplifies the lay-staff relationship through commitments to the Jewish community and St. Louis region, ethical leadership, Jewish values, and acts of kindness. We're so proud that Penny will be recognized for her Hillel leadership and service to many organizations throughout St. Louis at the JPro StL Annual Recognition Event on March 9th!

Challah for Hunger Chapter Named Top Fundraiser

WashU Hillel’s Nazun/Challah for Hunger chapter was named the top fundraiser for Fall 2022! Nazun is an international organization that raises money and awareness for hunger through the production and sale of challah bread. Half of our chapter’s challah sale proceeds support the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry in St. Louis and the other half are distributed to national hunger relief organizations.

Popping Up on Campus

Bagels, cheese pizza, popcorn … and don’t forget the succulents for Tu B’shvat Sameach! This past month, we’ve hosted several pop-up experiences on campus for students to enjoy in between classes. See some photos below, and tell your student to come by today for more pizza from 11 am - 1 pm on the East End of campus or milk and cookies from 3 - 5 pm at the Underpass!

Don’t forget about our Parent Leadership Circle!

Join our Parent Leadership Circle with other parents committed to supporting vibrant Jewish life at WashU. Our Hillel receives no direct fundraising from the University; we rely overwhelmingly on the generosity of parents, alumni, and friends who believe in our work. When you join our Parent Leadership Circle with a gift of $180 or more, your student will receive this handy WashU in Hebrew tech organizer!

Follow us on Social Media!

Stay connected with WashU Hillel on Facebook and Instagram.