JLIC at Umass Amherst

JLIC at Umass Amherst OU's Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus is a joint program with Hillel that helps Orthodox students navigate college and their commitment to Judaism
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UMass isn’t your typical observant community and that’s the way we like it. The Orthodox Union’s Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst was created to help young men and women thrive in a campus environment and help Jewish students observe key aspects of Jewish life, such as Torah study, tefilah (prayer), kashrut, Shabbat, and Chagim (holidays). In partnership with UMass Hillel, the UMass Amherst OU-JLIC Directors, Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht serve as teachers, hosts and role models, learning with students one-on-one, coordinating services, weekly classes and social events, hosting Shabbat and Holiday meals, and building infrastructure for Jewish life on campus. Our OU-JLIC Directors seek to help you balance your commitments to Jewish life and provide avenues for spiritual development and leadership while experiencing college life. To see everything that's happening Fall 2020-Spring 2021, check out: http://www.umasshillel.org/ou-jlic

Mission: The OU's Heshe & Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus is a joint program with Hillel that helps Orthodox students navigate the college environment and balance their Jewish commitments with their desire to engage the secular world. It does this by placing an Orthodox rabbinical couple on each of its member campuses. The educators offer weekly Shiurim and classes, bring guest speakers and events to campus, and make key Orthodox necessities, such as Kashrut, Chagim and Shabbat, easier to observe and more meaningful. Additionally, JLIC families strive also for a more individualized touch. Students grace their Shabbat tables as regular guests, interact with them in informal settings, such as the cafeteria, and learn with them B'Chavruta.

Operating as usual

12/18/2020
UMass Hillel

UMass Hillel

Already binged everything on Netflix and Hulu? Stuck at home this winter wondering what to do? Change up your winter break by participating in UMass Hillel's WinterFest!

WinterFest is a chance to meet some cool new friends, take part in exciting virtual Jewish learning, and have cozy swag sent straight to your door. UMass Hillel is offering two amazing groups this January, including one just for freshmen. Learn more and register at bit.ly/umass-winterfest

**INCREDIBLE, AMAZING OPPORTUNITY ALERT**Looking for something meaningful to do this winter break? Care about the enviro...
12/10/2020
GrowTorah

**INCREDIBLE, AMAZING OPPORTUNITY ALERT**

Looking for something meaningful to do this winter break? Care about the environment? Wonder what Judaism teaches us about topics like: climate change, animal welfare, environmental racism, pollution, waste, water protection, land conservation? Want to hear from experts in the field and create positive motions for our world?

OU-JLIC at Umass Amherst is absolutely inspired to be partnering with GrowTorah on their inaugural GrowTorah Winter Fellowship for college students and young professionals! This two-week fellowship is part virtual beit midrash part environmental activism. $200 stipend.

For more information and to apply, go here: https://www.growtorah.org/winterfellowship

!!!APPLICATION IS DUE TONIGHT!!!

Growtorah, in partnership with the Orthodox Union’s Jewish Learning Initiative On Campus (OU-JLIC), will lead this 2 week journey for college-age students.

Give the Gift of Life! Swabbing takes just a few minutes but can make all the difference for another person's life.
10/21/2020

Give the Gift of Life! Swabbing takes just a few minutes but can make all the difference for another person's life.

Join us, as we join the Jewish communities around the world, to take the time today to say Tehillim (Psalms https://www....
10/19/2020

Join us, as we join the Jewish communities around the world, to take the time today to say Tehillim (Psalms https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.1?lang=bi) for the healing of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.

Rabbi Sacks has been instrumental in the development of Modern Judaism and has been a teacher to so many of us through his countless books, classes and online recordings.

If you have the time today, please have in mind Rabbi Sacks- HaRav Yaakov Zvi ben Liba, in your prayers and your learning.

May the merit of our learning and prayers bring Rabbi Sacks a speedy recovery.

Thank you to all those who came out for our Sharon Shocial Distance pizza in the hut! Thank you to Shira Almekies and th...
10/12/2020

Thank you to all those who came out for our Sharon Shocial Distance pizza in the hut!
Thank you to Shira Almekies and the Almekies family for hosting us!
#pizza #sukkot #pizzainthehut #socialdistance #safesix

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10/07/2020

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If you're looking for a way to celebrate Shabbat from home but aren't sure where to start, we've got you covered! Order your very own Shabbox- a FREE Shabbat kit filled with all the goodies you need to host a Shabbat dinner on your very own! Boxes can either be shipped or picked up in the Amherst area. Orders will be processed on a weekly basis, so make sure to order by Tuesday to ensure you'll get yours for next week. Place your order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZdIsl4zd7cvr3JQ8ihY66qKYh9a0o-Pe-KBbTI8WSDnAHJA/viewform

10/05/2020
JLIC at Umass Amherst

We're going live tonight! Join us on zoom or instagram live to schmooze or talk to us about any and all topics you may have about Judaism. Nothing is off limits! We'll see you in the Sukkah.

A safe zoom space where you can ask Ariella and Raffi
any and all your questions about Judaism!

Join us on zoom the first Monday of every Month at 8:00PM
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/99170527692

Don't miss a week, add it to your calendar!

Have a Q that you've been thinking about? Submit it here!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKJ8xqguzRrKHaMO-6JHg02Be_Wh9YeqwtXXIRucpyCqzKnQ/viewform

09/27/2020

Shavua Tov!

We will again be partnering with our friends at UMass Chabad for Yom Kippur services.

Sunday, September 27th

Kol Nidrei - 6:30 pm
Maariv evening service - 7:05 pm

Monday, September 28th

Shacharis morning service - 10 am
Mincha - 4:45 pm
Neilah - following Mincha
Maariv (fast ends) - 7:17 pm

Anyone who has tested positive for Coronavirus, regardless of whether the person does or does not have symptoms, should eat regularly on Yom Kippur. The same holds for a person who appears to be suffering from Corona even though they have not been tested. Any person in isolation due to contact with someone who has been infected with Corona, should eat and drink less than a shiur during Yom Kippur (contact [email protected] for details or any questions).

Hi Friends!We are doing something prettty great with the JCA (Jewish Community of Amherst).We are connecting UMass stude...
09/23/2020
Call for Volunteers!

Hi Friends!
We are doing something prettty great with the JCA (Jewish Community of Amherst).
We are connecting UMass students with members of the JCA who could use some socially distanced company, a phone call, or some help picking up their groceries.
You can participate if you are home or in the Amherst area!
Fil out this form so we can pair you up and help get you started on brightening someone's day!
https://forms.gle/k73wF5QEqaXoxamR9

UMass Hillel, OU-JLIC and the Jewish Community of Amherst are partnering to bring students together with elderly community members! We are looking for students who have some spare time in their week to participate in a socially distance outdoor visit with senior citizens in the Amherst Jewish commun...

09/18/2020

This year UMass OU-JLIC and UMass Chabad are teaming up Rosh HaShanah!

All services will be taking place outdoors and under a tent in front of the Chabad House (30 N Hadley Road Amherst, MA 01002).

All are welcome! Please mask up! Pray it don't spray it.

Friday, September 18:

Rosh Hashanah services - 7:15 pm

Holiday dinner at UMass Chabad (indoors) - 7:45 pm

Shabbat Saturday, September 19:

Rosh Hashanah services - 10:00 am (no shofar)

Holiday meal at UMass Chabad (indoors) - 2:30 pm (approximately)

Rosh Hashanah services 7:30 pm

Holiday dinner at UMass Chabad (indoors) - 8:00 pm

Sunday, September 20:

Rosh Hashanah services - 10:00 am

Shofar - 12 pm (approximately)

Holiday meal at UMass Chabad (indoors) - 3:00 pm

Shofar blowing at UMass Hillel (outdoors) 388 N Pleasant Street - 4:00 pm

Tashlich - leaves Chabad at 6:00 pm

Please text to 413-626-7820 if you are planning on coming.

OU-JLIC and Chabad House wishes you a happy and sweet New Year 5781!

09/09/2020
Friday Dinner Sign up - Fall 2020

Starting Friday September 18, Hillel is very excited to offer to-go boxed Shabbat Dinner meals, prepared by UMass Kosher Dining! All meals include small challah rolls and an 8 oz bottle of kedem grape juice. Thanks to the generosity of donors, these meals are FREE for UMass students.

https://umasshillel.wufoo.com/forms/friday-dinner-sign-up-fall-2020

Deadline for reservation is 5pm Monday of the week you would like a meal.

Pick up is outside Hillel (388 N Pleasant St), and pick up times will vary each week as the time start time of Shabbat changes. We will contact you to inform you of pick up times each week.

Eruv Update~! Big day with the Sheriff of Hampshire County Patrick J. Cahillane who with his support we are able to move...
08/31/2020

Eruv Update~! Big day with the Sheriff of Hampshire County Patrick J. Cahillane who with his support we are able to move forward to the final stages of the Amherst Eruv Project! Thank you, Sheriff Cahillane and Jo-Anne Leahy of the Hampshire Sheriff's Office! #feelingsupported

08/27/2020
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08/27/2020

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We are so excited to be offering the Jewish Learning Fellowship again this Fall 2020! JLF is an 8 week *virtual* conversation seminar for students who want to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms. Each participant will receive a $200 stipend at the end of the class! Head to umasshillel.wufoo.com/forms/zr4hj4k0hyuqs6/ for more information and the application. Applications are open until this Friday, August 28th!

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08/26/2020

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We are so excited to once again be able to celebrate Shabbat with our UMass community! Whether you’re near or far, there’s an opportunity for everyone to be connected. If you’re on campus, we invite you to order a Shabbat kit filled with goodies to celebrate Shabbat from your own home. We will also be having a variety of gatherings, both in person and online. For more information and to RSVP for any of these events, head to bit.ly/828shabbat!

The full schedule is as follows:
Shabbat Box Pickup- 3:00-5:00 p.m. ET at Haigis Mall
Happy Hour at Hillel- 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET Masks required!
Online Gathering- 6:00-6:30 p.m. ET on Zoom
Reform Services- 6:30 p.m. ET on Zoom
Conservative Services- 6:30 p.m. ET on Zoom

There is nothing like learning Torah and discussing life with a group of friends. Really. Sign up here to add more light...
08/21/2020

There is nothing like learning Torah and discussing life with a group of friends. Really. Sign up here to add more light to your semester: https://forms.gle/R75FYKLrTp2PvVng6

Take advantage of these chances to grow meaningfully with your friends!
08/18/2020

Take advantage of these chances to grow meaningfully with your friends!

In this era of physical and social distance, we know that it can be hard to find ways to connect with others. This is why we are so excited to be sharing our upcoming opportunities for cohort experiences this fall! We will be offering several different options of virtual group experiences for a chance to do some learning on various topics, connect with others, and process the world around us. Some of the available options so far will be the Jewish Learning Fellowship, the Israel Learning Fellowship, and Jewish Learning Pods. Not sure which is right for you? Head to http://www.umasshillel.org/cohort-experiences to learn about each option and to register!

OU-JLIC is excited to be presenting a National Advanced Gemara Shiur with Rav Menachem Schrader!What: Masechet Beitsa (f...
08/18/2020

OU-JLIC is excited to be presenting a National Advanced Gemara Shiur with Rav Menachem Schrader!
What: Masechet Beitsa (from the beginning)
When: Sundays and Tuesdays 12-12:40pm EDT (starting Aug 30), some prep required
Who: Women and men on all college campuses (alumni are also welcome!)
Application: http://bit.ly/oujlicgemara
Questions? [email protected]

OU-JLIC is developing plans to continue its mission and best serve students and their religious and Jewish educational n...
08/06/2020
OU-JLIC Support of Students in Fall 2020

OU-JLIC is developing plans to continue its mission and best serve students and their religious and Jewish educational needs in the Fall of 2020. However, as the outlook for college, given the prevalence of COVID, is undergoing change, it seeks input from students, and other program participants, as to how best to direct its support and resources effectively. Please complete this survey to help OU-JLIC better gauge changing needs and interests. All individuals that complete this short survey will be entered for a chance to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards. Thank you in advance for your input! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OUJLICFallSupport

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

08/05/2020

Dear friends and family of OU-JLIC at UMASS AMHERST,

In this challenging environment for people everywhere you brought us light and hope, and gave of yourselves to support our community.

With your help we have exceeded our expectations and our fundraising goals for our Eruv project!

Thank you all from the deepest depths of our hearts for your selfless generosity and encouragement. When the time is right, come carry on Shabbat in Amherst with us!

Love,
Raffi, Ariella and the entire Jewish community of Amherst

Today is the final day to give to the UMass Amherst Eruv Project!!! If you want to get in on this humongo mitzvah, go he...
07/31/2020
OU-JLIC Eruv Project UMass Hillel

Today is the final day to give to the UMass Amherst Eruv Project!!! If you want to get in on this humongo mitzvah, go here: https://minutefund.umass.edu/project/21237 Thank you all for your support and generosity!! Shabbat Shalom uMevorach! Good Shabbos Good Shabbos!!

Help UMass Amherst raise $20,000 for the project: OU-JLIC Eruv Project UMass Hillel. Your gift will make a difference!

Tisha B'Av begins this Wednesday evening July 29th.Please join us on Thursday, July 30th, as OU-JLIC Educators Present: ...
07/28/2020

Tisha B'Av begins this Wednesday evening July 29th.

Please join us on Thursday, July 30th, as OU-JLIC Educators Present: Kinot Unlocked at 10:00 AM EST / 5:00 PM IST over Zoom: Bit.ly/jlictishabav

In Amherst the fast begins Wednesday at 8:12 PM and ends Thursday at 8:44 PM.

Are you an incoming UMASS AMHERST or Five College student??? Are you the parent or friend of an incoming UMASS AMHERST o...
07/24/2020

Are you an incoming UMASS AMHERST or Five College student??? Are you the parent or friend of an incoming UMASS AMHERST or Five College student??? Let them know to register for the OU-JLIC Campus Meeting for Incoming Students that will take place over Zoom on Sunday, August 2nd at 8:00 PM!!! https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/91241275891

We have 1 WEEK LEFT to raise the rest of the funds needed for our UMass Amherst Eruv! Let's raise $548 to reach $18,500 ...
07/08/2020
UMass Amherst Eruv

We have 1 WEEK LEFT to raise the rest of the funds needed for our UMass Amherst Eruv!

Let's raise $548 to reach $18,500 by tonight!

WE CAN DO THIS!!
Support the UMass Amherst Eruv: minutefund.umass.edu/eruv

https://vimeo.com/433679507

UMass Amherst Hillel and OU-JLIC are building an Eruv in the Amherst area. We would love your support! minutefund.umass.edu/eruv

Our community here at UMass is a vibrant, loving, and welcoming community. Our students work hard to continue to learn a...
07/03/2020

Our community here at UMass is a vibrant, loving, and welcoming community. Our students work hard to continue to learn and grow in their Jewish observance. We are so lucky to have Kosher dining, a mikvah, as well as places to worship and gather. For our community to continue to grow we need an Eruv at UMass Amherst and we are so close to reaching our goal to make that a reality. Please help support the students at UMass Amherst by donating to the UMass Amherst Eruv fund! We can't do it without you!

DONATE NOW! minutefund.umass.edu/ERUV

With all that the Fall 2020 semester at UMass Amherst will bring, make it possible for the Jewish community to gather sa...
07/01/2020
OU-JLIC Eruv Project UMass Hillel

With all that the Fall 2020 semester at UMass Amherst will bring, make it possible for the Jewish community to gather safely outdoors for Shabbat by giving to the Eruv project today! 88% there!

https://minutefund.umass.edu/project/21237

Help UMass Amherst raise $20,000 for the project: OU-JLIC Eruv Project UMass Hillel. Your gift will make a difference!

Thank you for all your support for the UMass Amherst Eruv! We're almost to our goal, Let's wiggle! minutefund.umass.edu/...
06/29/2020
UMass Amherst Eruv

Thank you for all your support for the UMass Amherst Eruv!
We're almost to our goal, Let's wiggle!
minutefund.umass.edu/eruv

Help these UMass students with their Eruv campaign!
https://vimeo.com/433679507

UMass Hillel

UMass Amherst Hillel and OU-JLIC are building an Eruv in the Amherst area. We would love your support!

"I want to be able to carry my gloves. I'm a man of simple needs."-Shai Bocarsly '23The UMass Amherst Eruv will allow Sh...
06/25/2020

"I want to be able to carry my gloves. I'm a man of simple needs."
-Shai Bocarsly '23

The UMass Amherst Eruv will allow Shai to carry his gloves, keys, and maybe a book on Shabbat! Help Shai carry his gloves by donating to the UMass Amherst Eruv project!

https://minutefund.umass.edu/project/21237

Thank you for all your support!

After many years of hard work, we are ready to begin construction on the UMass Amherst Eruv! The Eruv at UMass Amherst w...
06/24/2020

After many years of hard work, we are ready to begin construction on the UMass Amherst Eruv!
The Eruv at UMass Amherst will enable our UMass Amherst Jewish community to continue to grow and to become an accessible, loving, and welcoming community for all.

Please help us reach our goal by donating now to the UMass Amherst Eruv project!

https://minutefund.umass.edu/project/21237

UMass Hillel DEGEL at UMass Amherst

"I'm excited to feel more at home, at home"Shlomo Warren'23Support the UMass Amherst Eruv project so that students at UM...
06/23/2020

"I'm excited to feel more at home, at home"
Shlomo Warren'23

Support the UMass Amherst Eruv project so that students at UMass can feel more at home!

DONATE NOW!
https://minutefund.umass.edu/project/21237

Address

388 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA
01002

General information

JLIC is a program of the OU in partnership with Hillel

Telephone

(413) 679-1818

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Videos

Monthly Monday AMA
Monthly Monday AMA

A safe zoom space where you can ask Ariella and Raffi any and all your questions about Judaism! Join us on zoom the first Monday of every Month at 8:00PM https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/99170527692 Don't miss a week, add it to your calendar! Have a Q that you've been thinking about? Submit it here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKJ8xqguzRrKHaMO-6JHg02Be_Wh9YeqwtXXIRucpyCqzKnQ/viewform

Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah Fest 5780
Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah Fest 5780

Online College Night Tonight!
Online College Night Tonight!

Don't forget to sign-up for our online college night, tonight! https://www.facebook.com/NationalJLIC/videos/368839267244014/

The Indispensable Guide To Jewish Campus Life
The Indispensable Guide To Jewish Campus Life

👨‍🏫 If your religious teen is headed off to college, then you need the facts. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know about Orthodox Jewish life on college campus. Our free guide includes information never heard before plus advice on comparing schools and how to make the most of the college experience. Sign up to be notified when the online college night webcast goes live. https://go.ou.org/psguide 👍

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JLIC is an OU program in partnership with Hillel.

OU-JLIC strives to ENGAGE students navigating the university environment while balancing their Jewish life. In addition, OU-JLIC EDUCATES and provides avenues for spiritual development and exploration for Jewish students from varied backgrounds. OU-JLIC presents a positive, sophisticated and welcoming face for Judaism on campus.

We strive to INSPIRE young adults to take ownership and responsibility for their Jewish lives in their communities. We host students for Shabbat meals and Shabbat programming, create social events, learn with students b'Chavruta, and prepare couples for marriage. We are always available to SUPPORT students in all aspects of university and communal life.

Nearby universities

Other Colleges & Universities in Amherst

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Hakesher and IAC Present Mimouna 2019 which is just around the corner. This s a UNIQUE MOROCCAN-ISRAELI CELEBRATION who immigrated to America. Come one come all, bring your guest from overseas Sun April 28, 2019 Solomon Schechter Day School 125 Wells Ave Newton Centre, MA 02459 Join us for an end of week after Passover to sing, dance and eat the foods that we could not have the previous seven days. Food graciously prepared by Amnon. Partnering with IAC. We are hosting a DJ who will lead us in singing and dancing to Israeli, Oriental, and Mizrahi music. Join us! Please forward to your friends, neighbors and colleagues. The advance price is $20 and at the door $25 which includes special Moroccan refreshments. Entrance will be for Eventbrite ticket holders only. Purchase your tickets now, and avoid long lines Contact us at 617-738-5038, 617-935-3250, or [email protected] for more info or to reserve your space with payment. If you can't see the flyer click on this link http://www.hakesheronline.com/events/Mimouna_2019_Flyer_Web.jpg To purchase tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mimouna-celebration-tickets-59394438364?fbclid=IwAR0CL0-b_jwX0aKM5rdb91E9f_AKdmYJmCjrIZHQPnt15iZsRyJye-NDhfY About Mimouna: Moroccan Jews traditionally marked the end of Passover with an interactive community celebration, going from home to home in the Jewish quarter to share sweets and greetings. In some communities, Muslim neighbors participated in the celebration. The holiday was brought to Israel by Moroccan immigrants and is today a quasi-national holiday celebrated by Jews of all ethnic backgrounds. See videos of 2018's celebration here: https://youtu.be/9cNF7_It4f4 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1030538323762927 Note: Please let us know if you are not around Boston anymore, and we can take you off the list. Please refrain from blocking us