In this Issue:

• Scott, Lewis Summer Intern, writes about his experience

• Hillels on campuses welcome back students

• Birthright Israel registration opens soon

• High Holidays at Hillel

Join other supporters of Jewish campus life in The Hillels of Illinois Facebook group.

"Sure, I leave this internship with a greater understanding of how to work in journalism. But more importantly, I leave it with a greater understanding of the Jewish community. I leave it knowing that despite all our differences, we are all a part of something. We are all a part of the Jewish community."

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Hillels across Illinois campuses are welcoming new and returning Jewish students back to school, connecting them to each other, to Hillel staff, and to their community on campus. On a number of campuses, students have already had their first Shabbat experience of the new semester. Busy back-to-school schedules have also included, amongst many activities, an Israeli-style rooftop party at the Cohen Center in Urbana-Champaign, welcome-packets sent by Loyola Hillel to each new Jewish student that included invites to dinner out with Jewish students, and a bonfire at UIC’s Levine Hillel at which new students met for the first time. Hillels on campuses that haven’t yet started their semesters are also gearing up for the arrival of new and returning students. On September 14th, Fiedler Hillel will hold its Freshman Fest, an overnight event that welcomes new students to campus the day before they move into dorms, providing an “inside scoop” to life at Northwestern for Jewish students.

For more information on campuses or to learn more about connecting a student to Jewish life on campus, please contact the Hillels of Illinois or visit our campuses page for contact information.

Registration for Birthright Israel trips opens Wednesday, September 9 at 9 am, EST for new applicants. For students who have registered in the past and have either withdrawn their applications or have been waitlisted, registration opens early: Tuesday, September 8 at 9 am, EST. Because of the huge demand for Birthright trips and the more limited funding for this year and next, most students are now selected for a trip from a waitlist. Those who have applied and been wait-listed are able to register a day earlier than regular registration.

For help in signing up for their campus’s trips, students can be in touch with their local Hillel, the Hillels of Illinois office, or visit Shorashim for information on a JUF Birthright Israel trip.

The High Holidays are a short time away. For students on campus and away from home, Hillels provide meaingful ways to connect Jewishly on the holidays, through various programs, meals, and services. For information on holidays on specific campuses, please visit our campuses page for contact information.