40 | AUGUST 15 • 2024 J N T 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