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

