FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 53

ter became more than just 
a group of Jews; it became 
an understanding of safety 
and belonging. As Jews, we 
understand that, no matter 
what, our Jewish identities are 
intrinsic to one another. 
The Hillel at NMU chapter 
has been essential to my life 
through our Shabbat dinners, 
activities and storytelling. 
During our Shabbat dinners, 
we learned from all members 
about their Jewish faith and 
what being Jewish means to 
them. “Thank you for this,” 
I recall a member saying. 
“I am glad there is a Jewish 
community growing,” another 
member voiced. 
It became clear this orga-
nization is more than just a 
student organization; it is a 
space to learn about the beau-
tiful traditions of the Jewish 
culture. Living a Jewish life 
means different things to 
different individuals, and the 
Hillel at NMU chapter fosters 
these identities, understand-
ing that we all bring great 
perspectives that align and 
strengthen our organization. 
One of the biggest 

challenges we face as students 
in a rural community is 
the need for more diversity 
and finding a space that fits 
best. As Jewish students, we 
lack belonging to a Jewish 
community. With Hillel, we’ve 
been broadening perspectives 
on non-Jews being a part of 
our events, providing a sense 
of understanding. As we 
continue growing our Hillel 
community, we establish a 
sense of belonging for all. 
 As I complete my 
academics next fall, I will 
always reflect on Hillel at 
NMU and the community we 
started together. We express 
our gratitude through the 
support of the Hillel Campus 
Alliance of Michigan. Thank 
you for the endless support 
from afar, guiding the other 
leaders of Hillel at NMU 
and me. We extend our 
appreciation to all donors 
who make the Hillel Campus 
Alliance of Michigan possible, 
providing safe spaces for Jews 
of all identities and offering 
educational leadership and 
skills that will further our 
success.@

From left: senior Sarah Nennig-Kniaz, Madison Wis.; first-year 
grad student Mitchell Fugate, Kenosha, Wis.; freshman Riley 
Buckmaster, Deerfield, Mich.; sophomores Zoe Charness, West 
Bloomfield, Ashlee Cassell, Kingsley, Mich., and Anna Melnikoff, 
Naperville, Ill.; and senior Micah Benjamin, Overland Park, Kansas. 

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