General
Information
Location:
Williamsburg, VA at the College of William and Mary, ranked by US World News
the best small, public liberal arts school in the country.
Current
Membership:
There are about 186 members of Hillel and growing daily. The average weekly
event attracts 20-30 members, and the average big event attracts 50-70 members.
The Jewish population at the College is closer to 250 or approximately 2-4%
of the student body.
Who
are we?:
Balfour Hillel Jewish student organization is named in honor of the famous
rabbi who lived in the 1st century B.C.E. According to one story, a man once
went to see him in order to ask him to explain Judaism while standing on one
foot. Hillel replied, "Do not unto others that which you would not have
them do unto you. The rest is commentary; now go and learn it."
We try to act in
accordance with this principle here at the College of William
and Mary. Our chapter of Hillel provides opportunities for community
among Jewish students in the form of social, cultural, and religious
activities. We also participate in a number of programs designed
to enhance the diversity of our campus by widening understanding
of Judaism in a historical and cultural context. Some examples
of programming include participating in Relay for Life, taking
study breaks through Deli nights, Sunday bagel brunches, Shabbat
dinners and services, a Passover seder, intramural teams, and
a school wide Holocaust remembrance event. This semester may
also bring to William and Mary a national Jewish arts conference.
Mission:
Hillel's mission is to maximize the number of Jews doing Jewish things with
other Jews. Hillel actively seeks to engage uninvolved Jewish students
on their own terms: to provide them with opportunities to do Jewish activities
that are meaningful and appealing to them. Students are empowered to take
responsibility for their Jewish identity, whether they wish to participate
in a community service project, express themselves artistically, participate
in a social event, engage in informal Jewish learning or attend religious
services. Any student may participate in Hillel – no membership is
required. Hillel is committed to a pluralistic vision of Judaism that embraces
all movements.
General
History:
Hillel is the foundation of the campus Jewish community. From our inception
at the University of Illinois in 1923, we have grown into the largest Jewish
campus organization in the world with foundations and affiliates in the United
States, Canada, Israel, Australia, Europe and South America. The Hillel network
brings to the college world all the richness and diversity of Judaism and Jewishness.
Its historical commitment to a pluralistic community encourages intellectual
challenge and growth. Hillel maintains a presence on over 400 campuses, and
is in the vanguard of those who are determined to build a fuller and stronger
Jewish people in the 21st century.
Scope
Hillel cooperates
with a vast array of Jewish organizations to bring to campus
the broadest range of exciting opportunities for Jewish involvement,
including social, educational, cultural and religious programming.
Funding for Hillel comes Jewish community federations, B'nai
B'rith, philanthropic gifts, and supplementary support from parents,
friends, faculty, universities and students.
Responsive
and Pro-active Structure
Hillel's International
Center in Washington, D.C. provides leadership, service and support
in the areas of Jewish student life, Jewish learning, engagement,
fundraising, board development, accreditation, planning human
resources, communications, information technology, fiscal management,
and other areas of organizational development.
Regional Centers
provide guidance and supervision to Hillels in major metropolitan
areas and adjacent communities. Campus-based Hillels facilitate,
and help students initiate activities that are most satisfying
to the students on that particular campus.
Local Boards guide
Hillel Foundations and some affiliates; these Boards include
community members, students and faculty.
Diverse Backgrounds
Jewish students
of all backgrounds - secular and religious, former Soviet and
Iranian Jews, Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and "just Jews" -
come to know each other through Hillel: together they create
a campus Jewish community that reflects their own interests and
needs.
Tasks
Ahead For Our Hillel:
William and Mary Hillel is currently involved in a number of initiatives to
proactively enhance Jewish life and diversity at William & Mary, which
this web site represents. A large-scale fundraising campaign, active freshman
involvement, upgrading quality of programming, leadership training, closer
relations with faculty at the College, establishing a Hillel house, and continue
organizing an annual statewide Hillel Shabbaton top our current agenda.
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Mission Statement
Hillel International's
mission is to "Maximize the number of Jews doing Jewish
with other Jews." Hillel actively seeks to engage uninvolved
Jewish students on their own terms: to provide them with opportunities
to do Jewish that are meaningful and appealing to them. Students
are empowered to take responsibility for their Jewish identity,
whether they wish to participate in a community service project,
express themselves artistically, participate in a social event,
engage in informal Jewish learning or attend religious services.
Any student may participate in Hillel - no membership is required.
Hillel is committed to a pluralistic vision of Judaism that embraces
all movements.
William and Mary
Balfour Hillel's mission is to provide facilities, guidance,
and organization for the cultural, educational, religious, and
social welfare of Jewish students at the College of William and
Mary in accordance with the goals and objectives of the International
Hillel Foundation.
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Vision Statement
Hillel provides
a unique and vital service, in educating not only the Jewish
community but also the William and Mary community as a whole
about our rich traditions and history. The values and priorities
that we attach to our Jewish community must be displayed in every
event and duty that is undertaken. We must shmor v'zachor, honor
and celebrate, our Jewish heritage and community. Our energy
must focus not only on rituals which we as Jews and as a Jewish
organization must observe, but must celebrate all of those things
that make us proud to be Jewish and let us enjoy being part of
our Jewish community. Through developing as a group in strength
and size, energy and understanding, openness and engagement,
we will create the foundations for the fundamentals that are
essential to modern Jewish community: pride and identity. We
shall provide a Jewish community at William and Mary of which
every Jewish student may be justly proud, as well as setting
a place at our table for every sort of Jewish identity, be it
based on culture, ethnicity, or theology. We shall further endeavor
to create avenues for all of these diverse individuals to deepen
their Jewish identities through Hillel as well as on their own,
and to be ready to support them in their journey.
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Letter from the President
Coming Soon!
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More About Us
Find out
more about us:
What is William and Mary Hillel?
Hillel
is a welcome celebration.
From the first week of school to the last days of classes, Hillel welcomes
students to an exciting and broad array of activities in a pluralistic atmosphere.
Hillel
is active student leadership.
The student board is directly involved with the success of Hillel activities.
Students bring together a wide range of experience, and implement all Hillel
programs at the college. There are many opportunities for students to use their
talents and experience in leadership roles and Hillel strongly encourages students
to take an active role in any program that interest them.
Hillel
is a taste of Israel.
Activities throughout the year bring a slice of the Jewish state to the heart
of Williamsburg, VA. From Israeli night at the Cafeteria, to Israeli folk dancing
at the local synagogue, Hillel helps bring the culture of Israel to the William
and Mary community. Hillel also actively promotes travel and educational programs
to Israel.
Hillel
is a myriad of Jewish culture.
Hillel brings speakers, art exhibits, movies, musicians, and much more to campus.
Hillel
is a Jewish home.
Whether it is matzoth ball soup, Jewish comedy, birthday cards, advice for
classes, or general mentoring….Hillel provides a home for Jewish students
at William and Mary. Everyone has a place at Hillel, including Orthodox, Conservative,
Reform, Reconstructionist, secular, or "Just Jewish." Hillel offers
a pluralistic environment catering to all students on campus. Athletes, secular
Jews, cultural Jews, religious Jews, and activists all have a home in Hillel.
Our community strives to be considerate to the diverse needs and interests
of our students.
New activities
start all the time based on student feedback. Hillel is a strong
network for every Jewish student to feel comfortable to own their
Judaism at W&M on their own terms, however they feel comfortable
expressing their Judaism. W&M has a very highly active, tight-knit,
pluralistic Jewish population ranging from freshmen to graduate
students that interact within and outside of organizational bounds.
Hillel is working
with and helping other communities.
Students can donate time, energy, and talents through Hillel's outreach program
with the Big Brother Big Sister program. Through volunteer efforts with the
Boys and Girls Club of Williamsburg and with many students teaching Sunday
school at local area synagogues, we are able to help the community while performing
acts of Tikkun Olam.
Hillel
is having fun!
You can always find a deli night, mixer, study break or night on the town with
Hillel. With our Weekly Shabbat dinners, to regular socials and events, there
is never a dull moment!
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