for college students 
by college students

Nicole Ruza } jewish@edu writer

Jewish Learning 
with a New Twist
J

ewish learning has always 
been important to me. 
However, sometimes, I find 
that Jewish learnings I participate 
in could use a refresh to be more 
relevant and exciting. 
This is why I was so drawn 
toward Michigan State Hillel’s 
Chavurah program, an initiative 
launched in October 2021 to help 
students develop a better rela-
tionship with Jewish learning. 
Chavurah, which in Hebrew 
means a small group of learners, 
builds upon the success of other 
paid learning opportunities at 
Hillel, such as the Jewish and 
Israel learning fellowships, by 
offering short courses on inter-
esting topics for college students. 
Each Chavurah course lasts four 

weeks, and students receive a sti-
pend upon completion. 
Last semester, I participated 
in both Chavurah courses that 
were offered. In the #Blessed: 
Judaism and Gratitude course, 12 
of my peers and I learned about 
what Judaism has to say about 
thankfulness and gratitude while 
also learning from popular cul-
ture and more modern sources. I 
would often leave a session with 
questions in my head to ponder. 
I also took the Life’s Bigger 
Questions course that was 
offered to alumni of Hillel’s 
Jewish Learning Fellowship. We 
explored topics such as gossip, 
relationships and G-d. I would 
often leave sessions feeling more 
connected to my Judaism. 

My favorite part of the 
Chavurah courses was each con-
nection I made with my fellow 
Jewish Spartans. The Hillel staff 
educators made each session feel 
welcoming and warm, allowing 
us to learn and connect with each 
other. Not only did I strengthen 
relationships I had already had, 
but I also met new people who I 
now get to see at Hillel Shabbat 
dinners and other events. 

With the success of Hillel’s 
Chavurah program in the Fall 
semester, more courses will be 
offered this year, and I am very 
excited to continue to learn and 
grow as a Jewish person and 
build a stronger relationship with 
Jewish learning. 

Nicole Ruza of West Bloomfield is a junior 

at Michigan State University studying 

psychology. 

Nicole Ruza, pictured left, poses for a group selfie with other members 
of the MSU Hillel Chavurah #Blessed course. 

46 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 

 

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

Honors the Memory of
Honors the Memory of

Judge Avern Cohn

1925 - 2022

On Behalf of a Grateful Community
On Behalf of a Grateful Community

