By Sara Rubinfeld, Development Manager at the Stuart and Suzanne Grant Hillel at University of Delaware
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We are thrilled to welcome thousands of Jewish Blue Hens and their families back to campus as we embark on another exciting academic year!
Our semester kicks off before classes begin with Markell Fresh Fest. This premier event for the class of 2030 begins with a lunch for students and parents where they can mix, mingle, and meet new people. Students will move in two days before the rest of the Class of 2030. Additionally, they receive personalized campus tours, hang out on Main Street with upperclassmen group leaders, and learn all about the Jewish community here at UD. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Markell/Weinstein family, long-time supporters of Grant Hillel at the University of Delaware, who make this incredible program possible.
Our fall semester will be filled with exciting programs and opportunities for students, such as:
- our annual High Holy Days celebrations for hundreds of students;
- the 3rd Annual Fall Fest, which brings together hundreds of students for a night of music from local bands and some good food;
- a Sukkot celebration, during which The Green will play host to our campus Sukkah once again;
- a semester-long Jewish Learning Fellowship, “Kol Yisrael,” a six-week learning cohort that helps students explore big ideas and wrestle with questions about Israel as a real-world case study;
- “Men 2 Mensches,” a four-part, student-led Jewish Learning Experience focused on the contemporary issues facing young Jewish men;
- the Ruach Fellowship, which is an initiative designed to train and empower students in ritual, prayer (tefilah), and song to enhance Jewish spiritual life on campus;
- and the Hillel Leadership Institute, which provides students with the skills and mentorship to build practical leadership skills.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the ongoing construction of our new building! Construction has been moving forward at a breakneck pace this summer. We are proud to be building the next chapter in Hillel’s history at UD. Since 1948, we have served as a gathering place and source of pride for the Jewish community on campus. We can’t wait to welcome you into our new space in Spring 2027. In September/October, we will begin to give “hard hat tours” of the space. Please contact Donna Schwartz to get on the list.
We look forward to another year of new opportunities, building lasting friendships, and creating unforgettable memories. This year promises to be filled with engaging classes, thrilling events, and abundant chances for growth.
To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.udhillel.org. You can also follow us on social media at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UDHillel,
Instagram: @UDHillel,
TikTok: @UDHillel.
