By Emily Simon
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Being Jewish always made me stand out. Growing up in Lewes, Delaware, I was often the only Jewish student in my classes. To my peers, I was “very Jewish,” though to myself I felt like a “normal” Jewish kid.
Judaism was an unassuming yet ever-present part of my family life. It wasn’t overwhelming or intense; it was simply a matter-of-fact part of my identity. It was the steady background to my childhood—from Sunday morning Hebrew school to my Bat Mitzvah—grounding me in the knowledge that being Jewish was a core part of what made me special. Yet, while I always understood its importance to my family, it wasn’t until I went away to college that I truly discovered what Judaism meant for me as an individual.
In 2022, I graduated from Cape Henlopen High School and headed to James Madison University (JMU). I quickly found my footing socially, making friends in my residence hall and joining CHAARG, a health and wellness club that kept me active and engaged. On the surface, my transition to college was seamless. I was busy, social, and involved. Yet, beneath the surface of my packed schedule, I felt a persistent void. Something was missing.
At the time, JMU had a very active Chabad, but the Hillel appeared to be inactive. When I messaged the Hillel Instagram account in August 2022, I was redirected to a Chabad GroupMe. It wasn’t until October that I was invited to a new group chat specifically for Hillel. My memory of freshman year is a bit of a blur, but a few key moments stand out: I tried a Chabad “Lunch and Learn” which didn’t quite click for me, but later attended “Mega Shabbat”—a gala-style dinner on campus. I had a blast, made new friends, and began regularly attending Chabad dinners. However, by the spring, I saw the first seeds of a Hillel resurgence taking root. I knew I wanted to be part of creating that community.
I stepped into leadership in the summer of 2023, taking over the JMU Hillel Instagram account. After a semester of small events and new faces, we realized the potential for growth and formed our first official board. Throughout 2024, I served as marketing chair, developing our visual brand and social media strategy. By 2025, I stepped into the role of Executive Vice President, where I continued overseeing the social media strategy and worked to plan and execute events.
In the fall of 2025, we saw a massive surge in attendance. As we moved beyond occasional gatherings to implement weekly programming and monthly Shabbat dinners, the momentum became truly palpable. Most importantly, we finally acquired a dedicated room on campus—a physical home for Jewish students at JMU. For years, we had been a nomadic group, meeting in various corners of the student union. Having our own four walls changed everything; it gave us a sense of permanency and pride.
As a testament to our incredible growth, JMU Hillel recently embarked on its first-ever Birthright trip. Joined by University of Virginia’s Hillel and two of its experienced staff members, I was able to go on this once-in-a-lifetime journey surrounded by the very community I helped build. Visiting Israel has been a lifelong dream of mine, and sharing it with this specific group made the experience even more meaningful. Standing at the Western Wall and hiking through the desert with my JMU peers was a “full circle” moment. I returned with an even deeper connection to my Jewish identity, and I am already counting the days until I can return.
What started as a small group has grown into a family and a home for many. To illustrate the impact of this community beyond my own journey, I asked my peers to share their experiences:
Abby Stern (Sophomore): “My relationship with Judaism has been strengthened greatly since coming to JMU. Being in Hillel has not only helped me connect with Judaism but also enables me to help others connect to Judaism.” Abby joined the board in the winter of her freshman year and has given her all to planning events that make Jewish students feel seen.
Maggie Hessberg (Sophomore): “Immediately after going to my first JMU Hillel event, I felt welcomed and eager to participate more. JMU Hillel has created such an open space where everyone can be themselves and it is such an amazing community.” Maggie’s dedication to helping others find their Jewish identity has been a cornerstone of our board.
Zach Ginsburg (Senior): “JMU Hillel is a chosen family. Our community is warm, tight-knit, encouraging, and truly there for you when you need it.” As a founding member, Zach has seen the “vibe” of our community evolve into the accepting, low-stakes, and loving environment it is today.
Halle Schwartzman (Senior): “Not having a space for Jewish students on campus would have felt like an empty hole in a vibrant community. This was a priority of mine and I am so glad that it is now in such a good place compared to when we started.” I will always attribute the “rebirth” of JMU Hillel to Halle’s two years as president. She set the foundation upon which we all stand.
The common thread through all these stories is the joy of being a part of something greater than oneself.
Being Jewish is a unique gift, but sharing that Judaism with others creates something otherworldly.
It turns an ancient tradition into a living, breathing support system that carries us through the challenges of college life.
JMU Hillel has been a defining passion project, teaching me that perseverance and vision can truly reshape campus culture. I am incredibly proud of what my peers and I have built, and I hope this organization continues to thrive as a safe haven long after I am gone.
Looking back, I realize that in rebuilding Hillel, I wasn’t just building and organization; I was building the home I had been looking for since I left Delaware.
About the Author:
EMILY SIMON is a JMU senior and aspiring LCSW from Lewes. She is a Psychology major who is passionate about supporting and working with children. When she’s not studying, Emily can be found hiking, working out, or enjoying quality time with her friends and family.
