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November 8, 2012 / 23 CHESHVAN 5773

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VOLUME 3, NO. 3

Student
Engagement

Sukkot sparks learning
at Hillel at EMU that
continues into new
Hebrew classes.

U-M Hillel's Outdoor Adventure group
breaks stereotypes.

Rachel Orbach } jewish@edu Writer

H

illel at Eastern Michigan

University has a new focus
for student engagement

efforts this academic year built

around Jewish traditions and hands-
on experiences for college students.

Partnering with the New York-

based National Jewish Outreach

Program (NJOP), Hillel at EMU cel-

ebrated "Sukkot Across America" with
dozens of other campuses and syna-

gogues around the country hosting

similar events during the interim days
of Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival

and "Festival of Booths."
Hillel at EMU students participated

in an outdoor workshop in Hillel's
backyard sukkah, exploring the his-

tory and rituals of the holiday, learn-

ing the associated blessings, shaking
the lulav and etrog, and discovering

the reasons behind the various rituals
and ways of celebrating.

Not only did students have a fan-
tastic social experience, but many had

never had an opportunity to really
learn about the holiday of Sukkot

before. Dan Morris, EMU senior

Sophomores Max °lender of West Bloomfield and Adam Tannenbaum of Scotch
Plains, N.J., enjoy the glorious outdoors.

ome still harbor the notion that Jews don't camp. Or hike.

Or canoe. But at the University of Michigan, Hillel Outdoor

Adventure is shattering these presumptions, and more. Late

in the fall of last year, my sister, Teddie Olender, and I

and former Washtenaw Community

started a new Hillel-sponsored and U-M-recognized student group for

College student from Ypsilanti, was
inspired by his experience with this
event.

Hillel students to experience the great outdoors together.

"More now than ever before, Hillel

at EMU is educating the essence of
Judaism from all aspects, from learn-

Teddie, then a senior, and I, a freshman, shared a passion for both

Hillel and the outdoors, and savored the opportunity to combine

these passions and share them with our fellow Jewish Wolverines.

The group has rapidly grown in membership and recognition since its

inception. Events so far, including campouts, a hiking trek, ski and

ing Hebrew, studying, holidays and

snowboard trip, cookout, bonfire and canoe trip spanning Southeast

Shabbat," he said. "I enjoy seeing

Michigan, have been exceptional, with numerous participants return-

growth in the Jewish atmosphere at
Hillel at EMU."

ing for future events.

While most Hillel at EMU programs

Planning and leading events in our second year with new co-leader,

Elana Graf, has been fulfilling and fun, providing a chance to meet

are led by students based on their
interests, participating in Sukkot

more great people while experiencing the natural beauty of Michigan.

Across America was the idea of

to take root as a staple of the U-M Hillel, and hopefully prove, once

Executive Director Clara Silver and

and for all, that being Jewish and an outdoor enthusiast doesn't have

implemented by Hillel at EMU's new

to be mutually exclusive. @

Irwin and Bethea Green College Life
Fund Fellow, Alex Hecht.

"Usually students drive events at

As Hillel Outdoor Adventure continues to grow and evolve, it is sure

U-M Hillel's Outdoor Adventure group is ready
for a canoe trip.

Max Olender of West Bloomfield is a sophomore at the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Student Engagement on 29

November 8 A 2012

27

