Hillel of Western Washington University

Welcome to WWU!

2009-08-13T11:09:00.001-07:00

If you are a new student at WWU, WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!!
If you are a returning student, we are so glad to have you back.

Hillel of WWU is kicking programming up a notch this year. Here are just a few things you can expect:

-Usual weekly social and educational events on Tuesdays
-More Shabbat dinners at Shalom Center
-Weekly Torah study on Thursday nights
-Holiday celebrations, including Yom Kippur services on campus. More information to come!
-Community service opportunities

See you in the New Year!

-Hillel WWU

Student Leadership

2009-05-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

The year is coming to a close (can you believe it?), and it is time to assemble a new student board for Hillel. I encourage you and your friends to consider a future as a student leader in Hillel of WWU. Opportunities in these positions range from meeting new people to deepening your sense of Jewish identity. Additionally, student leaders are often invited to partake in leadership conferences around the region, country, and world. As a graduate student who has been involved as a leader in Hillel for a few years now, I can personally testify that I have learned skills unique to my experiences in the organization. If you care about Hillel of WWU and enjoy attending the events, consider this opportunity. Remember, leadership can be big or small; formal or informal. Whatever your contribution, there is a place on the board for you.

Interested? Please email: hillelwwu@gmail.com or anna.talvi@gmail.com if you would like to correspond with me directly.

Shalom,
Anna

Matzo!

2009-04-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Need a kosher meal this Tuesday? Stop by Hillel where we will be making matzo from scratch and serving a meal that is delicious and entirely kosher for Passover. Give the salad bar in the dining halls a rest and join us for some home-cooked meal.

Thank you to all who helped with our Seder on Thursday night. It was a great success thanks to all of you!

B'Shalom,
Anna

Hillel Programming Survey

2009-03-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Purim!

Please take a moment to complete this five-minute confidential survey for Hillel of WWU. We will use the results to inform our programming in the coming months. Participating in the survey gives you the opportunity to enter into a drawing for a $20.00 gift certificate at a restaurant of your choice.

Click Here to take survey

B'Shalom,
Anna

WII PARTYYYY

2008-10-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hillel of WWU is having the greatest Nintendo WII party ever...(can't actually confirm this)...Join Hillel as we battle it out like total nerds. We will be having pizza, and tons of snacks. You can also sign up for our WII bowling tournament.

JEWS NIGHT OUT!!!!

2008-10-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

For any Jew at Western that is interested, Hillel will be giving an all expenses paid trip downtown to go bowling and chill at the Cobra Lounge. Everyone must be 18+ (I'm assuming everyone at Western meets that). Meet us at the Shalom Center for some food at 7:30, then we will leave via bus to the Bowling alley, we will play a few frames and then roll on over to the Cobra Lounge, Bellingham's only hookah bar...Did I mention its free....(Bring your WWU Bus Pass to cut out bus travel fees)...All you need to bring is yourself, and a pair of socks...unless you want to have to buy those awfully sexy socks at the bowling alley. If you can't meet at the Shalom Center @ 8:00 then just call Max Stahlberg (360-303-2914) and he will let you know how to get to wherever the group may be...

Need a place for Yom Kippur Services?

2008-10-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

We have got you covered for all of your Yom Kippur needs. We have been cordially invited by the local synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel, to attend all of their services free of charge. If anyone is interested in going here is the schedule:

Wednesday, October 8th 7:30pm Kol Nidre Service (7:00)
Thursday, October 9th 9:30am Yom Kippur Morning Service (9:00)
Thursday, October 9th 1:30pm Yom Kippur Family Service
Thursday, October 9th 3:00pm Service of Restorative Prayer and Healing
Thursday, October 9th 4:00pm Afternoon Service, Yzkor & Ne'ilah (break the fast will be after Ne'ilah)*** (3:45)

The times in parentheses next to each service are the times we will be meeting at the Shalom Center (102 Highland Dr. across from the ridge) for transportation down to the services. If you require transportation please let us know ASAP so that we can have enough room to get everyone down there. To RSVP for transportation or for any other questions please email us at Hillelwwu@gmail.com (note: If no one RSVPs then there will be no body to give you a ride at the Shalom center. Services without pickup times have no arranged transportation...but if you wish, they are very easy to get to via bus.

Finally, If you are driving yourself to these services the services will be at The Leopold which is located at 1224 Cornwall Ave.

OFFICIAL FALL SCHEDULE!!!

2008-10-01T21:27:00.002-07:00

What is it exactly that we do at Hillel, well here is what we plan to do this quarter:

TUESDAY 10/7- Falafel and Movie Night (SC)

Falafel? What? Where? Come and Snack on one of Israel's greatest natural resources (at least it felt like it grew on trees while I was in Israel). While you are stuffing your face with delicious food, we will be having our annual showing of everyone's favorite Israeli movie....Walk On Water.

TUESDAY 10/14- CRASH COURSE IN HEBREW

Plan on going on Birthright soon? Want to impress your friends with a little hebrew? Just want to learn a little hebrew for fun? We will have a professional Hebrew teacher come to Hillel to teach us some basic Hebrew. Snacks will be provided.

F 10/17- Shabbat Dinner (SC)

Interactive Shabbat Dinner? Who has ever heard of such a thing, OY VEY what a Shanda! Learn to cook easy versions of Shabbat Dinner favorites.

T 10/21- Night out on Bellingham (Meet at Shalom Center)

Join Hillel for a night out. We will be starting out at the shalom center with some snacks, then we will take the bus downtown to go bowling, after bowling a few frames, we will end at the Cobra Lounge Hookah Bar. You might ask, "isn't that going to be really expensive for me, the average Western Student?"...don't worry, the only thing you need to pay ...is close attention to when the event is going to take place. (BRING SOCKS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY ANY)

T 10/28- TBA

T 11/4- Kristallnacht Program (SC)

Hillel will be meeting this evening to learn about and hold discussion on the topic of Kristallnacht. We will be having a guest speaker come to talk to us about the events that occured in Europe during Kristallnacht and how we can prevent them from ever happening again.

F 11/7- Shabbat Dinner (SC)

FREE SHABBAT DINNER!!!! this dinner will take place at the home of one of our generous board members. Enjoy a nice homecooked meal with all of your jewish friends. Please RSVP via facebook.

T 11/11- Jewish Jeopardy and Ice Cream Social (SC)

Join Quizmaster/Hillel President Max Stahlberg for a game of Jewish Jeopardy and and ice cream treats. There will be prizes for the team that wins...and ofcourse prizes for those who don't. Bring your competitive spirit and your thinking cap.

T 11/18- TBA

T 11/25- Interfaith Dinner with MSA and LSM (SC)

Join Hillel, the Muslim Student Association, the Luthern Student Ministries, the Bahai Student Association, and any other religious group for the second annual Interfaith dinner. Dinner will be potluck style with dishes from many cuisines. Please keep any dishes halal/kosher style (i.e. no pork, no shellfish, no meat mixed with dairy).

T 12/2- Hanukah Party (SC)

Every Jew's favorite holiday is here, we will be having our infamous white elephant gift exchange as well as latkes, and other fried treats. Did you think I would forget to mention that we will be having some intense games of Dreidel?

F 12/5- End of Quarter Shabbat (SC)

Hang out with your favorite jews on campus one last time before you leave for break. don't forget, we will will have our famous going away gift bags stuffed with lots of goodies.

WELCOME TO HILLEL FALL QUARTER 08

2008-09-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Shalom,

I want to welcome all of the new Jewish freshman on campus to their first quarter away from home; furthermore, I want to welcome back all returning students. I hope that your quarter is off to a good start and that your classes are going well. I just wanted to keep everybody updated with all of the necessary information regarding Hillel in the next few weeks.

First things first, this friday evening we will be hosting a shabbat dinner at 7:30pm at the Shalom Center. the shalom center is located at 102 Highland which is just up the street from the library, and just across the street from the ridgeway dorms. Doors will open at 7:00pm. I do ask that you please RSVP for this event so that we can prepare enough food for everyone that is coming.

Second, High Holydays are approaching very quickly. If you need a place to go for services please contact us right away for more information. Congregation Beth Israel, the local synagogue, has graciously invited us to their services at no charge. Transportation will be arranged if necessary. Again high holydays start this monday evening, so please let us know ASAP if you plan on attending.

Third, We have been asked if any Jewish students on Western's campus would like to volunteer at the annual Pacific Northwest AIPAC dinner in exchange for free access to the dinner and the speakers. If you would like more information about this opportunity please let me know right away. The event will take place on the evening of October 5th.

Finally, Keep your eyes peeled for several upcoming events. The Pacific Northwest Retreat for all of the Hillel's across the region. It is a weekend retreat down at Camp Solomon Schecter just outside of Olympia, Washington that is a total blast. Also this Tuesday we will be hosting a Rosh Hashanah "Sweet Fest," Join us in devouring down tons of sweets in honor of the sweet new year. Also watch for the next posting that will have our complete fall quarter line up.

If you have any questions or you have a jewish related need feel free to reach me by email at Hillelwwu@gmail.com

L'shana Tova and Shabbat Shalom,

Max Stahlberg
President, Hillel of Western Washington University

See you next year!

2008-06-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hillel will not have meetings this summer, but please join us on Tuesday, September 23rd for our Beginning of the Year BBQ. More details will be posted in the coming months!

Best wishes for our 2008 graduates: Adam Levine, Rachel Hansen and Anna Talvi.

See you in September!
Hillel of WWU

End of Year BBQ, other announcements

2008-05-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

It has truly been an exciting year for Hillel of WWU. Thank you to student leaders, partnering clubs, the community board, and most importantly those of you who attend our events! It wouldn't be possible without you!

Our last event of the quarter will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd at Boulevard Park. We will be having a BBQ complete with games and other activities. There is public transportation that goes right by the park, and we will also be offering carpools from Shalom Center which will meet at 7:00. Vegetarian options will be available. Bring a friend!

Next year we have exciting programs in the works, including bi-monthly Shabbat dinners at the Shalom Center and an interfaith group called "Cafe Shalom" on select Monday evenings throughout the year. Keep checking the blog over the summer for more updates!

Have a wonderful summer,
Anna

Thank You

2008-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everybody who made Holocaust Remembrance Week and Israel @ 60 Week a success. Hillel continues to strive to bring new and dynamic programming to both Bellingham's Jewish community and Western Washington University's campus community. Without your support this would never have been possible.

Thank you:
Max Stahlberg
Anna Talvi
Adam Levine
Galit Oren
Rani Shakh
The Stahlberg Family
The Jaffe Family
The Schwartz Family
Celt Schira
Marcia Lippman
Steve Globerman
Ayal Levi
Rabbi Cindy Enger
Reverend Chris Berry
Dr. Ray Wolpow
STAND of WWU
WWU Lutheran Student Movement
Hillel of WWU
Associated Students of WWU
University Dining Services
Shalom Center
Everybody who somehow dedicated time to this project (if we have forgotten to name you, please email!)

Thank you,
Hillel of WWU

FALAFEL FEED TOMORROW!

2008-05-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Israel is 60, and to finish off two weeks packed with events on campus, we are very excited to be hosting our FALAFEL FEED!

$5.00 admission will get you a trip to our fantastic falafel buffet, where we will be serving falafel sandwiches, three different types of Israeli salads and an assortment of beverages. Dance the night away to Israeli hits and participate in a drawing for prizes!

This event is being held TOMORROW: Thursday, May 8th from 7:00-10:00 in the MAC Gym in the Wade King Recreation Center. This is open to the public.

B'Shalom,
Anna

It's never too late to join Hillel

2008-04-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hillel of WWU does some of its largest and most popular programs during Spring Quarter. New membership is always welcomed!

See for yourself during these coming events:

May 5th- "Walk on Water" showing at Communications Facility, room 110. Snacks and beverages provided.

May 6th- Former IDF member Ayal Levi speaks with students about Israel. Fraser Lecture Hall, room 4.

May 8th- FALAFEL FEED. Fully-catered falafel buffet accompanied by a night of Israeli dance music, partying and prizes. Rec Center, MAC gym (in the back of the building). Cost: $5.

May 13th- Photo Scavenger Hunt

May 20th- Game night and ice cream social

May 27th- Interfaith tolerance program

June 3rd- End of the year BBQ at Boulevard Park

I hope to see new faces during the last few weeks of this quarter. Good luck with midterms!

B'Shalom,
Anna

Looking for Leadership Opportunities?

2008-04-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

There are always opportunities to be a student leader within Hillel. We are currently seeking board members for the 2008-2009 academic year, social programmers, community/university liaisons and volunteers for our events. We have positions that fit all levels of time commitment--please visit me during my office hours (Tuesdays 6-7:30 upstairs in the Shalom Center) or email hillelwwu@gmail.com if you are interested.

Don't forget--next week we have Holocaust Remembrance Week followed by Israel @ 60! Tell your friends!

B'Shalom,
Anna

Reminder

2008-04-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hillel will not be meeting in the Shalom Center on Tueday, April 29th nor on Tuesday, May 6th. During those weeks, we will be hosting events on campus for Holocaust Remembrance Week and Israel@60! respectively.

April 29th we will be in Communications Facility 110 beginning at 6pm.
May 6 we will be in Fraser 4 beginning at 6pm.

B'Shalom,
Anna

Hillel and LCM Dinner

2008-04-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hillel has invited Lutheran Campus Ministries (our Shalom Center family) to a kosher-for-Passover dinner on Tuesday, April 22nd, at 7:30.

Many of you many remember our dinner last quarter that we hosted with Muslim Student Association. Forming these alliances with other smaller religious groups on campus creates community, builds tolerance, and enables us to learn from one another! Social activities will accompany the dinner.

Speaking of Pesach, are you still looking for a Seder to go to (either on the first or second night)? If so, please email hillelwwu@gmail.com, and I will find a place for you to go. Many families in the area would be excited to host a Western student at their Seder, so please don't hesitate to ask!

B'Shalom,
Anna

Holocaust Remembrance Week

2008-04-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

We have made a few changes to the events and programs during Holocaust Remembrance Week. The dates and times, however, have stayed the same. Here is the final schedule of events:

April 28th- Hillel of WWU and STAND will be co-hosting a showing of the film Hotel Rwanda as well as a dialogue afterwards. CF 110, 6-9.

April 29th- Rabbi Cindy Enger of Bellingham's Congregation Beth Israel will come and share her expertise on the subject of modern day Holocaust denial. How is this crime presenting itself, and what can we do when faced with it? Hillel members will entertain Q&A after the talk. CF 110, 6-8.

April 30th- Join us for a special collaborative presentation on modern day genocide and how we can use our voices to educate and alert others of this issue. STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) will co-present information and give advice to students seeking a way to become involved in anti-genocide advocacy. CF 110, 6-8.

May 1- Candle Light vigil in red square in remembrance of the Holocaust. Red Square, 8-9 pm, candles and beverages provided.

Would you like to volunteer at any of these events? Just email hillelwwu@gmail.com and we would be happy to work with you.

B'Shalom,
Anna

Western Front Covers Holocaust Remembrance Week

2008-04-11T14:49:00.001-07:00

The Western Front's Jesse Amorratanasuchad covers Hillel's Holocaust Remembrance Week in this article from the 4/11 edition

B'Shalom,
Anna

Holocaust Remembrance Week

2008-04-09T14:31:00.001-07:00

For the first time at Western Washington University, Hillel will host Holocaust Remembrance Week, which will facilitate a week of workshops for the campus community (April 28th-May 1). We are very pleased to announce that the response from students and faculty about this event has been very positive and helpful. We have several members of our community working with us on this project, and I would like to highlight them:

Rabbi Cindy Enger- Rabbi Enger is a spiritual and community leader in our community. She currently serves as a the rabbi for Congregation Beth Israel. Rabbi Enger has a vast repertoire of experiences working within the Jewish community in areas spanning social services to spiritual and religious guidance. Prior to her rabbinical career, Rabbi Enger practiced law in Chicago. We are lucky to have her as our speaker for our event "Confronting Modern Holocaust Denial" on Tuesday, April 29th.

Reverend Christopher Berry- Rev. Berry has worked as an interfaith leader in our campus community for many years. He currently directs the Shalom Center, home of both Hillel of WWU and Lutheran Campus Ministries of WWU. In addition to numerous activities and areas of involvement, Rev. Berry sits on the advisory board of the Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education at Western Washington University and has been a mentor to WWU Hillel throughout the years.

Dr. Ray Wolpow- Dr. Wolpow has led education efforts on the Holocaust in the Bellingham community for several years. He directs the Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education at Western Washington University and has been an invaluable wealth of information for all students and community members who wish to learn and explore issues surrounding the Holocaust, genocide and ethnocide.

STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition)- STAND works to educate students and community members on the reality of the situation in Darfur, raise relief funds, and advocate for political action. We are grateful to have STAND co-presenting with us for our "Modern Day Genocide" program on Wednesday, April 30th.

I hope that you will consider joining us for this week of workshops and presentations, on which many leaders and experts in the community have colaborated with Hillel. All of the events are free, and parking in the C-lot (on the south side of campus) will also be free.

B'Shalom,
Anna

Upcoming Spring Quarter Events

2008-04-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

We're into week two of the quarter and I am realizing just how busy these next few weeks will be! Hillel is a great place to stop by on Tuesday nights, relax a little (or bring your homework because we do have free wireless internet), and join us for an event or two. Here's what we have coming up:

4/8: Hookah @ Shalom Center
We'll have some Middle Eastern snacks, hookah going on outside and plenty of inside activities for those who don't smoke.

4/15: Elections and Dinner
Want an experience being a Jewish leader on campus? Then you should run for Hillel board! You could be a part of creating weekly programming, working with community members and gaining life-long skills.

4/22: Passover Dinner
Let's be honest: the dining halls are not exactly the best place to go during Passover. Come over to the Shalom Center, where a kosher-for-Pesach feast will be awaiting you.

4/29: A Week of Remembrance (Ongoing Holocaust programs)

Hillel of WWU is hosting a week of events about the Holocaust for the entire campus and Bellingham community. Hillel is striving to make a difference so that the tragedy of genocide (which continues to happen in the present day) is forever ended. All of these events are FREE and open to the public.

April 28th- Hillel of WWU and STAND will be co-hosting a showing of the film “Hotel Rwanda” as well as a dialogue afterwards. CF 110, 6-9.

April 29th- Rabbi Cindy Enger of Bellingham's Congregation Beth Israel will come and share her expertise on the subject of modern day Holocaust denial. How is this crime presenting itself, and what can we do when faced with it? Hillel members will entertain Q&A after the talk. CF 110, 6-8.

April 30th- Join us for a special collaborative presentation on modern day genocide and how we can use our voices to educate and alert others of this issue. STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition) will co-present information and give advice to students seeking a way to become involved in anti-genocide advocacy. CF 110, 6-8.

May 1- Candle Light vigil in red square in remembrance of the Holocaust. Red Square, 8-9 pm, candles and beverages provided.

5/6: Israel at 60! (A week of Israel-related programming)

Israel is turning 60! Come celebrate this occasion with Hillel of WWU during a week of Israel-related programming!

May 5th- "Walk on Water"
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0352994/) showing with Israeli snacks, CF 110 6pm-9pm (you can park in the C-lot for free!)

May 6th- Speaker Ayal Levi, a former member of the IDF and now current student of medicine at University of Victoria, will come and share his experiences in a presentation followed by questions and answers. This event will take place in Fraser Hall (we will update you on the room soon!) from 6-9.

May 8th- FALAFEL FEED!!! We are hosting a fully-catered falafel feed with Israeli music, prizes and a surprise performer! Cost is minimal; $5.00 a person. If you are a student and volunteer to help with set-up, you don't have to pay. Rec Center: MAC Gym, 7-10!!

5/13: Game Night
Unwind by playing all of the classics! Chinese food is on the menu!

5/20: Photo Scavenger Hunt
Groups will compete to take photos of some of the strangest poses and artifacts that we have ever asked for.

5/27: Mariner's Game
This event may be moved to a Saturday evening due to game availabilities.

6/3: End of the year BBQ at Boulevard
A Hillel of WWU tradition: S'mores, hot dogs, all of your favorite bbq foods along with frisbee, a pinata and end of the year awards.

I hope that you will join us for some (or all) of these events. Keep checking the blog for updates on our programs for this quarter, volunteer/international opportunities, Hillel news, and other information.

B'Shalom,
Anna