What students are saying about Hiillel
Before I went to college I rarely did anything that associated with Jewish tradition. Then I became part of Hillel of Buffalo. Hillel taught me things I never knew about my religion. They introduced me to Birthright, and shortly after I was given the privilege to go on it. I was taught that Judaism is not only a religion; it's a way of life. Now I am on the Hillel board, attend many events they hold, and attend Shabbat services every Friday.
Brittany Anhouse
Hillel has been an unbelievably gratifying and amazing experience. Jewish life has been such a huge part of my life on campus. I have made so many great friendships through Hillel and I could not be more grateful. I never thought I would have been given the opportunity to go on a free trip to Israel with such amazing people from my school. Being involved with Hillel has truly made my college experience something I will never forget.
Matthew Silver
When I first came to Hillel, I did not know what it was all about. I thought it was a small event with a dinner once a week. But as I continued to go to Shabbat dinners and services each week, I came to realize that it was much more than that. I started to pay attention to the events that went on and found myself wanting to attend and become involved. Now I have joined the Hillel board, met a bunch of new people who share my religion and values, and I enjoy the embracing of the Jewish culture.
Amy Silverman
As a commuter student, I know that joining Hillel was going to be a great way to get involved and avoid the stereotype of "go to school, go to work, go home" that is common among commuters. Little did I know that the Hillel lounge would become my second home, where I could relax, socialize, and maintain my connections to Judaism that started slipping away during high school. My participation in Hillel has led to some very close friendships and a renewed sense of Judaism through attending Shabbat services and traveling to Israel on Birthright. Hillel has strengthened my Jewish identity and has made college even more enjoyable.
Rachel Stern
Hillel is a place to meet people that can broaden your horizons. In such a big school, it is comforting to know I always have a place to go no matter what. I know I will always be accepted for any event or opportunity that is given. It is a great way to meet people and I've enjoyed my time at Hillel.
Elana Lehrhaupt
Hillel has given me a great social outlet. All the events have been a great thing to attend. I've made great friends, who I will keep in touch with after I graduate. Going to Israel through Birthright was a life changing experience. The Hillel lounge is a great place to hang out.
Jake Bogitsh
I am a visiting prospective student from North Shore Hebrew Academy in Cony Island, NY and the only time I had to visit UB was a weekend. I was concerned that visiting over the weekend may not be the best time to get a genuine feel of the community life here at University at Buffalo, but after visiting the Hillel on Friday and being invited for Shabbat dinner I realized the weekend may have been the best time to come. I was welcomed by a large group of warm and friendly Jewish students who not only answered all of my questions, but also quickly befriended me. If it weren't for Hillel, "the Jewish network on campus", this weekend would not have been as informative and enriching. Thank G-d for shwarma!
Anonymous
At Hillel Shabbat services one Friday night I sat with Sam Miller, who I'd known and recognized for a while, but never actually met. We left together and when we came to the point where we were going in different directions, we exchanged full names so that we'd be able to add the other on Facebook. The name "Miller" is my grandmother's maiden name and when Sam said his last name was Miller, I didn't think much of a connection because it's a pretty common last name. We soon became Facebook friends.
I have a cousin who has been doing genealogy research for my family for a long time. He recently created a Miller Family Facebook group and added me in. While looking through the group members, I noticed someone who was also part of the UB network. Based on our mutual friends, I figured it must be Sam's brother. I wrote Sam telling him about this find. We each talked to our families about it, trying to find the connection and where each person fits on the family tree. From the information we found, we pieced together that mine and Sam's great grandfathers were brothers. That makes us third cousins.
Thanks to Hillel, I was able to connect with Sam and find out more about my family, who they are, and what they're doing. It's amazing what we can put together on Facebook, but it was Hillel that initially brought us together.
Helena Rosenstrauch
Coming to any college as a new student is an emotional and lonely experience. I came from a very family orientated background where Judaism was an integral part of my life and losing that was one of the most sobering moments I had ever experienced. Only a few days into being at college, I attended the Hillel "Welcome Back BBQ" where I met some of the greatest friends I have here at Buffalo. Since then, I have maintained my connection with Judaism and can happily say that they have become part of my personal life and a surrogate family. Being part of Hillel has allowed me to grow to appreciate Judaism in new ways and brought me some of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Josh Anbar
During my time at UB, classes get especially stressful as is the norm for many other students. Hillel provides a nice relaxing way to get the necessary breaks needed in a students life, while incorporating Judaism into it. Hillel events are always looked forward to.
Samuel Miller