Hillel at Ohio University

07/02/2020

Our joint statement with ADL Cleveland on the multiple incidents of racist, antisemitic graffiti defacing our beloved Ohio University graffiti wall.
cc: Sarah Livingston

James Pasch, ADL Regional Director, Sara Scheinbach, ADL Senior Associate Regional Director, and Sarah Livingston, Executive Director of Hillel at Ohio University release the following statement on the 7/1/2020 racist, antisemitic graffiti on campus:

This is the fourth time in six weeks that the Ohio University “free speech zone” has been defaced with racist, antisemitic graffiti. We are appalled and saddened that this continues to happen. It would be despicable on its own to have swastikas and an SS symbol spray painted in the area, but the fact that these hateful symbols were drawn over images of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery is sickening. This is a time for us to unite in a fight for justice and equality and we will not let hate and division stop us.

We know all too well that hate speech doesn’t stop with speech—it can grow and deepen and turn into real world violence. We stand unified in our condemnation of this hateful graffiti, and in our work to fight hatred and bigotry. We are actively working to connect with University administration and community leaders to prevent an escalation of racist and antisemitic rhetoric on campus and in our community. Ohio University is better than this; Ohio is better than this.

06/28/2020

So proud of our alumni Jamie Collins for her incredible accomplishments. Mazel tov on being named to CJNs 12 under 36 for 2020! A well deserved honour. #OUJews #OUOyVey
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Posted @withregram • @clevejn In the future, this generation of Clevelanders may be known for their grit, adaptability and compassion for those in need, and this year’s class of 12 Under 36 honorees certainly exemplifies that description. Meet the 2020 class of 12 Under 36 and register for our virtual awards ceremony to honor them at cjn.org/12under36.

06/26/2020

06/21/2020

To all our bobcat dads whether you’re a current parent, former parent, or an alumni with kids of your own we salute you today & always.
#bobcatdads
#ouhillel #ouoyvey
#jewishdads

06/19/2020

06/19/2020

Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat

We also invite everyone to celebrate Juneteenth with a special Kabbalat Shabbat service on Zoom at 5pm ET hosted by Be’chol Lashon and led by the amazing Rabbis Sandra Lawson and Isaama Goldstein-Stoll. Registration is free, but required to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rw_Pt4m7Toi_eFNFFfIx-w

Join Rabbis Sandra Lawson and Isaama Goldstein-Stoll for a special Kabbalat Shabbat service to mark Juneteenth.

06/19/2020

This Is Why Juneteenth Is Important for America

Today is Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating when more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Although Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, slaveholders withheld the status of their freedom from the people they enslaved so they could continue to reap the benefits of their labor.

This year, Juneteenth serves as a reminder that African Americans are still fighting against systems that prevent them from being completely free.

Here are some ways that you can celebrate Juneteenth:
-Educate yourself, your children, and other people in your life (watch the video below for starters)
-Use your voice and your platform to raise awareness
-Donate to local grassroots organizations that are advocating for racial justice
-Participate in protests in your city
-Sign petitions that are relevant to racial injustice such as:
Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor?source_location=topic_page
Classify the KKK as a terrorist organization https://www.change.org/p/department-of-counterterrorism-change-kkk-status-into-terrorist-organization
Support the Hands Up Act https://www.change.org/p/us-senate-hands-up-act
-Support Black owned businesses
-Offer resources to protesters who may be passing through your neighborhood

Juneteenth isn't just an obscure black holiday. It should be an American celebration. Subscribe to The Root: https://goo.gl/QMOjBE Visit us at: http://www.th...

06/18/2020

Tomorrow at 2 pm the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is having a conversation about Juneteenth, hosted by Bakari Sellers, a CNN commentator and former member of the South Carolina State Legislator.

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865 and the ending of slavery in Texas, which was the last state to officially free slaves. This year, the annual celebration of freedom comes as the country grapples with its long-standing history of systemic racism, as well as the fate of its Confederate monuments, flags and symbols amid nationwide protests against police brutality and racism after the death of George Floyd.

Register for this conversation at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8915857505023/WN_rt7F3uSlTmidjtCPal6YRw

06/15/2020

We were so sad to hear of another incident of antisemitic hate speech graffiti on the OU Graffiti wall. We are so happy that our community came together to replace hate with another message of love. #OUJews #HillelatOU #OUOyVey
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Posted @withregram • @ohio.university Late on Saturday, OHIO leadership was made aware of anti-Semitic images painted on the graffiti wall on the Athens campus.

Anti-Semitism is not tolerated on our campuses and does not reflect our strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We condemn antisemitism and all bigotry as a direct contradiction of our values.

Another individual or group exercising their own free speech rights has since repainted these portions of the graffiti wall as they are no longer visible.

06/12/2020

06/11/2020

Just a reminder that tomorrow at 3pm Eastern [email protected] has a phenomenal event with NBA legend Byron Scott who played for the Lakers & lived in LA during the LA riots. He is joined by his best friend, business leader Charlie Norris, whose father lost his whole family in the Holocaust. These men know a bit about discrimination. It's going to be an informative and timely conversation.

You can register here: https://hillel.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEuf-irrTkvG9GdoYTyVBvArPCJJPHXYN8c

06/11/2020

Ohio University Hillel is looking for a highly organized and challenge-ready part time Office Manager. An ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a timely and organized workflow. The right candidate will also assist our Hillel by streamlining or creating new systems to increase efficiency. This position reports to the Director.

Responsibilities include:
Office Management
• Pay bills, Manage budget and reconcile income and expenses in Quickbooks online.
• Process checks and invoices, and reimbursements
• Communicate with external vendors
• Maintain software and online accounts
• Assist with mailings
• Maintain inventory for supplies
• Organize the physical office space for efficiency and cleanliness

Communications
• Respond to inquiries from students, visitors, donors, vendors and others
• Support ED and other staff with scheduling, including
• Coordination with on and off campus partners (OUPD/APD etc)
• Filter and direct inquiries related to programming and student opportunities
• Work with staff & students to update user friendly Hillel website

Desired Experience and Qualifications:
• High School Diploma required, higher education preferred but not needed
• Experience working in a busy office environment
• Strong technology skills
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Google Suite, and Quick Books
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Able to organize and prioritize work independently
• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively

What You’ll Receive:
• $13-17 per hour commensurate with experience
• Flexible hours
• Work as part of a fantastic team in a mission driven organization
• Opportunities for professional development

About Hillel at Ohio University:
Ohio University is home to roughly 600 Jewish students and our Hillel is the central address for Jewish Campus life. Founded in 1939, OU Hillel has grown and developed into a place for Jewish life not just for students at OU but for the entire Southeast Ohio Jewish Community. We are the primary home of Jewish culture, education, and religion in the region.

To Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

06/10/2020

Join Hillels of Florida this Friday at 3 pm EST as they talk with NBA Champion Byron Scott and Jewish business leader Charles Norris on the importance of communication to create change during this turning point in the fight against racism. Byron grew up in LA in the 60s/70s and played for the Lakers during the LA riots. Charles' father lost most of his family in the Holocaust and raised Charles to stand up against hate. Together they formed a friendship and are excited to discuss how we can play a proactive role in making change.

To register for this event go to: https://hillel.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEuf-irrTkvG9GdoYTyVBvArPCJJPHXYN8c

06/10/2020

TLVi

TLVi

#UNDER30 Erykah Gaston

06/05/2020

06/04/2020

I’m a Black, Jewish Teen Calling For Unity

"This should not only be black people vs. the police, black people vs. the government, or black vs. white. It should be everybody against racists, supremacists, inequality and injustice."

We could not be more proud of Erykah Soria and her words, and hope everyone will take the time to read and share.

It should be everybody against racists, supremacists, inequality and injustice.

06/03/2020

Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof
“Justice, justice you shall pursue.”
(Deuteronomy 16:20)

These words of Torah are words that our staff at Ohio University Hillel strives to live by. We are heartbroken and outraged about the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black men, women, and children at the hands of police brutality and systemic racism in our country. As inheritors of a legacy that has been subjected to bigotry and oppression for generations, it is our sacred duty to support People of Color, to make space for their voices, and to speak out and take action against injustice whenever we see it. As the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us in 1963, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (How has so little changed in 57 years?)

We stand with all People of Color here in Athens and across the world to say that we believe Black and Brown lives matter. Hillel at Ohio University will continue to be an ally in this fight. We are actively working to educate ourselves and to understand that, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be antiracist.”- Angela Davis

We are committed to listening to, and working with, Ohio University’s diverse communities to help heal the racial and social justice issues here in Southeast Ohio in the hope that it will have far reaching and lasting effects in communities around the world. We are making space for the voices of POC and especially Black Jewish voices.

To any students or community members that need someone to talk to, Sarah and Jon are here for you. We will guide you toward important Black voices, authors, and activists on the front lines of this fight against racial injustice. For educational resources and more ways you can help, please visit the links below.

In the wise words of Rav Nachman of Breslov, “Always help those who are being persecuted.”

Sending everyone strength and love,
Sarah, Jon and the Hillel at Ohio University Board of Directors

Recommended Resources and Action Items:
Hillel International Statement- https://www.hillel.org/about/news-views/news-views---blog/news-and-views/2020/06/01/a-moment-for-action-hillels-statement-in-support-of-racial-justice

Black Jewish Voices- Responses to the protests in their own words- https://www.jta.org/2020/05/31/united-states/believe-us-black-jews-respond-to-the-george-floyd-protests-in-their-own-words

How Can a White Jews Support Black People Now?- https://www.jta.org/2020/06/01/opinion/im-a-black-reverend-whose-grandfather-marched-with-king-and-heschel-heres-how-white-jews-can-support-black-people-right-now

Antiracism Resources for Everyone- http://bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES

75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice- https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

Places to Donate:
NAACP- https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1

Justice for David McAtee- https://www.gofundme.com/f/justicefordavidmcatee

The Bail Project- https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-bail-project

05/29/2020

As we come to the end of counting the Omer and we begin the celebration of Shavuot all of us at Hillel want to wish you a Chag Shavuot Sameach!

Shavuot has both agricultural and spiritual significance. It marks the all-important wheat harvest in Israel (Exodus 34:22), and it commemorates the day God gifted the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai. Midrash says that all Jewish souls, past, present, and future, were at the revelation at Sinai. We think that means that when you meet a fellow Jew that you swear you know but have never met before it really means you met at Sinai. Have a wonderful holiday, a shabbat shalom, and may all your cheesecake taste delicious.

05/26/2020

Hillel at Ohio University

05/26/2020

Meet Full House’s Stephanie Tanner all grown up! Jodie will discuss her career, life during COVID-19, and raising a Jewish daughter. Sign up for her #HillelAtHome session on Monday June 1st at 3:00 pm ET at hillelathome.org

05/22/2020

05/20/2020

End of Year Survey

Attention OU Students! Hillel strives to provide the best college experience we can for you, but we can't do it without your feedback! Please take a few minutes to fill out our anonymous survey below and help us understand what we did right this past year and what we can do better!

This survey is specifically for students at Ohio University. This survey is 100% Anonymous. Please fill it out as thoroughly and honestly as possible.

05/12/2020

Community needs update from our friends at avalanche pizza. Please share if you know anyone in need.

If your family is in need of Food WEDNESDAY, APRIL May 13th 2020, please come to the Nelsonville Food Cupboard, 421 Chestnut Street, Nelsonville. Margaret and the fabulous folks there will be distributing 150 great lunches. We will also have 50 sealed lunches in front of Avalanche (329 East State Street)for an honor system take as needed lunch.

Menu: Deli sandwich with RL Valley beef, Woodland Ridge ham, Genoa Salami, Provolone, lettuce and tomato/ Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich/ Potato Chips/ Three Bean Salad/ Fruit Cocktail/ Granola Bar and an added treat of 3-pack comic books thanks to Rusty Robert Russell Rittenhouse, Adam Rapp and Sandy Plunkett and pick up a safe breathing mask made by Passion Works Studio and Patty Mitchell. SPECIAL THANKS to all who donated to us to feed our neighbors like Lindsey Swank and her kids and Christ Community Wesleyan Church in Albany (thanks Matt Gaiser, the whole congregation and board)

05/10/2020

We love the moms of our students, past & present, we love our students who have become moms, & we think moms run the world! Happy Mother’s Day!!!
#OUOyVey
#OUJews
#HillelatOhioUniversity
#MothersDay2020

05/08/2020

05/08/2020

Shout out to Landon Crawford and all our Hillel seniors on launching into their next adventure. #seniorsendoff we love you all!!

For our final day of #HillelGlobalGivingWeek, Hillel is honoring all of our graduating seniors! 🎓 To the Class of 2020, thank you for your perseverance, commitment, and strength during this time of adversity.

Join us in our #SeniorSendoff, and make a gift in honor of the Class of 2020 at bit.ly/GlobalGivingWeek.

05/08/2020

Today is the last day of #HillelGlobalGivingWeek and we have come so far! As of this morning we have raised $13,343 for Ohio University Hillel, only $1,657 away from our goal of $15,000.

To wrap up this incredible week of giving and commemorate #seniorsendoff, our #HillelHero is Jordyn Zimmerman! Jordyn has been an incredible Jewish leader on our campus and within the Hillel movement for the past four years. As both an Intern and a member of (co-chair this year!) Hillel International's Student Cabinet, Jordyn has advocated for more inclusion and accessibility within Jewish spaces and has helped us better understand how to engage with every Jewish student on campus. As she reflects: "Over the past four years, Hillel has been so many things for me — it’s fostered connections in my life, served as a safe space, helped me build confidence, and encouraged me to develop as a leader. Not only have I grown personally, but I’ve grown Jewishly, as well."

We're so proud of our graduates and grateful for the time they spent on campus and at Hillel. Our relationships with students last far beyond their time in Athens. With your generosity, building life changing relationships can continue long into the future! If you are a parent of a senior we'd love to see you donate $20.20 in honor of your senior! For your last chance to double your impact on Jewish student life in Athens donate at Hillel.org/OhioUniversity