40 | AUGUST 15 • 2024 J
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hrough programming,
Friday night Shabbats,
coffee hours and open office
doors, the staff at Michigan State
University Hillel and students of the
Jewish Student Union are looking
to establish a closeknit, supportive
community. Having a community to
fall back on is important for every
student in college, and MSU Hillel
and the JSU want to create a strong
support system for each and every
member of Michigan State’s Jewish
community.


A COMMUNITY
WAITING FOR YOU

Rebekah Weiskopf } jewish@edu

writer
No matter where you grow up,
big city or small town, when you
are Jewish, a community is always
waiting for you just a few steps
away. Coming into Michigan State,
Michigan State Hillel and the Jewish
Student Union want to create that
feeling of comfort and coziness for
all students, both in an out-of-state.
The transition back to school
from a summer of fun can be
difficult for all students, freshman
to seniors. From a welcome back
barbecue to a “happy hour” for
freshmen, each and every welcome
week event is being put on to help
create that feeling of community.

Looking forward, MSU Hillel and
the JSU are continuing to put on
the “classic” events, such as Sparty’s
Chanukah party and Shabbat at the
Breslin, as well as a multitude of
new and unique events put on by
the newest JSU GA board.
Through each and every event
being put on, all parties involved
want to create a Michigan State
Jewish community that is more
closeknit than ever.
Along with events, MSU Hillel
offers opportunities for students to
participate in paid fellowships, with
topics covering leadership, Shabbat
in the modern life, Israel education
and Jewish learning. Each of these
classes allows students to focus on
topics of interest, while getting to
know those around them.

A SENSE OF BELONGING

Minaleah Koffron } jewish@edu writer
When I’m feeling lost or upset, I
find my greatest comfort and mental
ease when I’m with my fellow Jews.
The JSU provides a variety of
spaces where students feel that sense
of belonging while enjoying the
many wonderful elements of the
university experience. It engages
students with their Judaism while
at MSU, laying the groundwork for
them to continue Jewish engagement
throughout their adult lives.
As the Religious and Spiritual
Life chair, my heart glows seeing
students come to services and
attend my Jewish holiday-centered
programming. For every student
who partakes in a religious
tradition at my events, builds a

social connection at the Jewish
Experience ones, or triumphs in
Jewish athletics, there is one more
person who associates Judaism with
something good and fulfilling. In a
world where pride in our identity
is essential, JSU’s work is quite
meaningful.


BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Maddie Dallas } jewish@edu writer
Throughout the past four years that I
have been a student at MSU, the JSU
has been a constant space in which I
can go to find community.
What I have learned from my past
years of involvement is that the JSU
and Hillel are always looking for
new ways to support all those who
call Hillel home.
Within the past year, new pro-
grams have popped up like the
Buddy Program, which is a mentor-
ship opportunity to link both upper-
classman and incoming freshman to
help make everyone feel welcome.
As someone who came from out
of state, I know this is something
I would have loved when I was a
freshman.
Although this wasn’t a program
three years ago, I was able to build
bonds with Hillel staff who encour-
aged me to take a more active role
within JSU leadership, which ulti-
mately led to me taking on the role

Being A Jewish
Spartan

Three perspectives on Jewish life
in East Lansing.

for college students
by college students

A group of former and current JSU
executive board leaders: Jacqueline
Forman, Rebekah Weiskopf, Skylar
Elbinger and Brie Cherrin.

End of the year Jewish Student Union Leadership Appreciation
Dinner at Joe’s on Jolly in Okemos