September 2020
Welcome back for what we know will be an interesting year ahead!
As we continue to navigate the new normal of living during this pandemic, Hillel Milwaukee is committed to offering a fantastic program this year. Things will look a little different, as we will offer a combination of in-person and virtual programs and gatherings. But one thing is constant and that is our commitment to you. We want to see you, we want to hear from you, and our intention is to navigate this uncertainty together. As we look forward to the return to campus life, here are the answers to some FAQs.
How can I get involved with Hillel?
Let’s connect. We will meet by Zoom, phone, WhatApp, social distancing, you name it! Schedule a date with Dalilah (dalilah@hillelmke.org) and Shaked (shaked@hillelmke.org) today.
Will the Hillel Milwaukee building be open?
Yes! Hillel Milwaukee will be open by reservation only, adhering to CDC and state of Wisconsin social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitizing policies. Information about how to reserve your space at Hillel Milwaukee is available on our website – CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT HILLEL.
What do I do when I enter Hillel Milwaukee?
When entering Hillel, you will be greeted by a friendly Hillel face, have your temperature taken, apply hand sanitizer, answer a short questionnaire, and waiver form. You will then be shown to your reserved zone in the building for your two-hour time-block or seat for Shabbat. Facial masks are required both indoors and outdoors unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Can I hang out or study at Hillel?
Yes! We encourage you to continue to consider Hillel Milwaukee as your home away from home. Since many other campus spaces will be restricted, we hope you will reserve your space and visit us often. If we reach our allowed capacity, a waiting list will be created.
What if I don’t have a mask?
We will provide you with a medical grade disposable mask.
Are you offering one-on-one meetings this semester?
Yes! Let’s go for a walk, or sit socially distanced outside on our patio while the weather permits. We even have heaters for when the Wisconsin winter hits. For those who are not comfortable with in-person gatherings, we are happy to hop on a Zoom or FaceTime call with you.
What’s up with Shabbat?
Hillel Milwaukee will continue to host our weekly Shabbats with a required RSVP and limited in-building capacity. Our Shabbat services will also be streamed virtually, and a Shabbat meal package is available for those students who cannot attend in person. Time slots for pick-up of meals will be communicated between staff and students to avoid lengthy waiting in line. Social distancing markings will ensure that students are following proper safety protocols. Hillel will rotate in-person student admittance to to allow for more students to celebrate Shabbat together. CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR IN-PERSON SHABBAT, SIGN UP FOR YOUR SHABBAT MEAL, AND ACCESS OUR WEEKLY SHABBAT ZOOM LINK.
What will High Holidays look like this year?
We will be providing a meaningful High Holiday experience while keeping the safety and well-being of our students in mind. Information about virtual options and meals will be on our website and social media when our safe plans are finalized.
Will there be Birthright and Maccabee Task Force trips to Israel this winter?
We are as eager as our students are to resume travel to Israel! At this time, we are unsure when these trips will be scheduled, but we will keep you updated as soon as we feel these programs are to resume. In the meantime, Hillel will continue to provide innovative and exciting Israel programming.
I am interested in learning opportunities. Do you have something for me?
Yes! We are excited to offer our 5th cohort of the Jewish Learning Fellowship, more commonly known as JLF this fall. Spend a semester with us taking a deep dive into all of life’s big questions, earning while learning! We are currently taking applications – CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY.
If you haven’t yet seen our social media, please join us this Monday, August 31 from 4-7 pm for our Welcome Back Walk About. It is your chance to meet other students and hear more about what we have in store this semester.
See you soon!
Deb Fendrich, Executive Director, deb@hillelmke.org – 414-630-1108
Anna Goldstein, Director of Jewish Student Life, anna@hillelmke.org - 224-330-7663
Dalilah Bernier, Springboard Ezra Fellow, dalilah@hillelmke.org – 850-443-7277
Shaked Ram, Israel Campus Fellow, shaked@hillelmke.org – 414-553-3015
As we continue to navigate the new normal of living during this pandemic, Hillel Milwaukee is committed to offering a fantastic program this year. Things will look a little different, as we will offer a combination of in-person and virtual programs and gatherings. But one thing is constant and that is our commitment to you. We want to see you, we want to hear from you, and our intention is to navigate this uncertainty together. As we look forward to the return to campus life, here are the answers to some FAQs.
How can I get involved with Hillel?
Let’s connect. We will meet by Zoom, phone, WhatApp, social distancing, you name it! Schedule a date with Dalilah (dalilah@hillelmke.org) and Shaked (shaked@hillelmke.org) today.
Will the Hillel Milwaukee building be open?
Yes! Hillel Milwaukee will be open by reservation only, adhering to CDC and state of Wisconsin social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitizing policies. Information about how to reserve your space at Hillel Milwaukee is available on our website – CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT HILLEL.
What do I do when I enter Hillel Milwaukee?
When entering Hillel, you will be greeted by a friendly Hillel face, have your temperature taken, apply hand sanitizer, answer a short questionnaire, and waiver form. You will then be shown to your reserved zone in the building for your two-hour time-block or seat for Shabbat. Facial masks are required both indoors and outdoors unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Can I hang out or study at Hillel?
Yes! We encourage you to continue to consider Hillel Milwaukee as your home away from home. Since many other campus spaces will be restricted, we hope you will reserve your space and visit us often. If we reach our allowed capacity, a waiting list will be created.
What if I don’t have a mask?
We will provide you with a medical grade disposable mask.
Are you offering one-on-one meetings this semester?
Yes! Let’s go for a walk, or sit socially distanced outside on our patio while the weather permits. We even have heaters for when the Wisconsin winter hits. For those who are not comfortable with in-person gatherings, we are happy to hop on a Zoom or FaceTime call with you.
What’s up with Shabbat?
Hillel Milwaukee will continue to host our weekly Shabbats with a required RSVP and limited in-building capacity. Our Shabbat services will also be streamed virtually, and a Shabbat meal package is available for those students who cannot attend in person. Time slots for pick-up of meals will be communicated between staff and students to avoid lengthy waiting in line. Social distancing markings will ensure that students are following proper safety protocols. Hillel will rotate in-person student admittance to to allow for more students to celebrate Shabbat together. CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR IN-PERSON SHABBAT, SIGN UP FOR YOUR SHABBAT MEAL, AND ACCESS OUR WEEKLY SHABBAT ZOOM LINK.
What will High Holidays look like this year?
We will be providing a meaningful High Holiday experience while keeping the safety and well-being of our students in mind. Information about virtual options and meals will be on our website and social media when our safe plans are finalized.
Will there be Birthright and Maccabee Task Force trips to Israel this winter?
We are as eager as our students are to resume travel to Israel! At this time, we are unsure when these trips will be scheduled, but we will keep you updated as soon as we feel these programs are to resume. In the meantime, Hillel will continue to provide innovative and exciting Israel programming.
I am interested in learning opportunities. Do you have something for me?
Yes! We are excited to offer our 5th cohort of the Jewish Learning Fellowship, more commonly known as JLF this fall. Spend a semester with us taking a deep dive into all of life’s big questions, earning while learning! We are currently taking applications – CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY.
If you haven’t yet seen our social media, please join us this Monday, August 31 from 4-7 pm for our Welcome Back Walk About. It is your chance to meet other students and hear more about what we have in store this semester.
See you soon!
Deb Fendrich, Executive Director, deb@hillelmke.org – 414-630-1108
Anna Goldstein, Director of Jewish Student Life, anna@hillelmke.org - 224-330-7663
Dalilah Bernier, Springboard Ezra Fellow, dalilah@hillelmke.org – 850-443-7277
Shaked Ram, Israel Campus Fellow, shaked@hillelmke.org – 414-553-3015
April 30, 2020
Dear Hillel Family,
Week 7. That is how I have come to count the days since I began sheltering in place with my family. While some joke about losing track of hours and days, I chose to simply count the weeks. Seven weeks since our staff has gathered for daily check in’s and organized our ’to do lists'. Seven weeks since our building was filled with loud voices and laughter from students as they ate, studied and hung out together. Seven weeks since we hugged and ate the fruity Mike and Ike candies that have become symbolic of our oneg- pre-Shabbat snack.
So, I’m just gonna say it. I miss my staff —like our Israel Fellow Shaked Ram and her daily complaints about the impossible Milwaukee winter. I miss our students-- like Robert Larson, who unknowingly hums outside my office and interrupts my train of thought while I am working. Or Matty Powell, with her throaty laugh, as she plops down on a chair in my office just to chat. I miss my visits with our gracious donors and sharing the wonderful opportunities our students are experiencing because of their generosity. I miss gathering with my amazing Game Night co-chairs as we started to plan for Year 3 of our signature friend raiser. I miss.
And yet, I am grateful. Grateful that our staff is healthy and strong, and continues to amaze me with their creativity to find meaningful ways to bring Jewish life in a virtual space to our students. Grateful for the amazing support of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation under the leadership of Miryam Rosenzweig and Moshe Katz. Grateful for my Hillel International colleagues as we navigate these times of uncertainty together. Grateful for my supportive friends and family as we laugh over Zoom and share recipes and must see TV shows.
In this week’s Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim we hear of many mitzvot ( divine commandments) from the prohibition of idolatry, giving of charity, honesty in business, honoring of parents and sacredness of life. Included is the dictum which the great sage Rabbi Akiva called a cardinal principle of Torah, and of which Hillel said, “This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary”--“Love your fellow as yourself.”
I find this message particularly fitting as next week Hillel International will be launching its' first ever Global Giving Week. Hillel Milwaukee will be participating in this global unity fundraiser and all gifts made from May 4-8 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2500 per gift. We know these are challenging times for many, but this is a grassroots campaign and no gift is too small. So if you are able, please consider fulfilling a mitzvah, and showing your support to Hillel Milwaukee, so that we can one day in the near future return to campus vibrant and strong. So I can lament with Shaked over the dreary winter. So I can learn the tune that Robert is singing. So I can share a laugh with Matty and then return a call to a gracious donor.
Until then…I miss. I am grateful.
Shabbat Shalom,
Julie Schack
Executive Director
Week 7. That is how I have come to count the days since I began sheltering in place with my family. While some joke about losing track of hours and days, I chose to simply count the weeks. Seven weeks since our staff has gathered for daily check in’s and organized our ’to do lists'. Seven weeks since our building was filled with loud voices and laughter from students as they ate, studied and hung out together. Seven weeks since we hugged and ate the fruity Mike and Ike candies that have become symbolic of our oneg- pre-Shabbat snack.
So, I’m just gonna say it. I miss my staff —like our Israel Fellow Shaked Ram and her daily complaints about the impossible Milwaukee winter. I miss our students-- like Robert Larson, who unknowingly hums outside my office and interrupts my train of thought while I am working. Or Matty Powell, with her throaty laugh, as she plops down on a chair in my office just to chat. I miss my visits with our gracious donors and sharing the wonderful opportunities our students are experiencing because of their generosity. I miss gathering with my amazing Game Night co-chairs as we started to plan for Year 3 of our signature friend raiser. I miss.
And yet, I am grateful. Grateful that our staff is healthy and strong, and continues to amaze me with their creativity to find meaningful ways to bring Jewish life in a virtual space to our students. Grateful for the amazing support of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation under the leadership of Miryam Rosenzweig and Moshe Katz. Grateful for my Hillel International colleagues as we navigate these times of uncertainty together. Grateful for my supportive friends and family as we laugh over Zoom and share recipes and must see TV shows.
In this week’s Parsha Acharei-Kedoshim we hear of many mitzvot ( divine commandments) from the prohibition of idolatry, giving of charity, honesty in business, honoring of parents and sacredness of life. Included is the dictum which the great sage Rabbi Akiva called a cardinal principle of Torah, and of which Hillel said, “This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary”--“Love your fellow as yourself.”
I find this message particularly fitting as next week Hillel International will be launching its' first ever Global Giving Week. Hillel Milwaukee will be participating in this global unity fundraiser and all gifts made from May 4-8 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2500 per gift. We know these are challenging times for many, but this is a grassroots campaign and no gift is too small. So if you are able, please consider fulfilling a mitzvah, and showing your support to Hillel Milwaukee, so that we can one day in the near future return to campus vibrant and strong. So I can lament with Shaked over the dreary winter. So I can learn the tune that Robert is singing. So I can share a laugh with Matty and then return a call to a gracious donor.
Until then…I miss. I am grateful.
Shabbat Shalom,
Julie Schack
Executive Director
March 17, 2020
Dear Hillel Milwaukee Community,
Given the current coronavirus crisis and the prolonged uncertainty of holding large scale community events, we have made the regretful decision to cancel this year’s Blue and Gold Community Shabbat that was planned for Friday, April 24th. We would like to thank all of those involved, particularly our co-chairs, Nina Gary, Brandon Halpern, Amanda Krahn, and Ben Stern for your passion and commitment to planning what was sure to have been an inspiring evening.
The good news is that we are still accepting student applications for our Bernard & Helen F. Soref Scholarships. Applications are available online at www.hillelmke.org/scholarship and are open to eligible students through Friday, April 3rd. Scholarship recipients will be announced the week of April 20th. We hope all of our students take advantage of this exciting scholarship opportunity.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Jewish student life and we look forward to you joining us next year for Blue and Gold Community Shabbat with Hillel MKE.
Julie Schack
Executive Director
Given the current coronavirus crisis and the prolonged uncertainty of holding large scale community events, we have made the regretful decision to cancel this year’s Blue and Gold Community Shabbat that was planned for Friday, April 24th. We would like to thank all of those involved, particularly our co-chairs, Nina Gary, Brandon Halpern, Amanda Krahn, and Ben Stern for your passion and commitment to planning what was sure to have been an inspiring evening.
The good news is that we are still accepting student applications for our Bernard & Helen F. Soref Scholarships. Applications are available online at www.hillelmke.org/scholarship and are open to eligible students through Friday, April 3rd. Scholarship recipients will be announced the week of April 20th. We hope all of our students take advantage of this exciting scholarship opportunity.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Jewish student life and we look forward to you joining us next year for Blue and Gold Community Shabbat with Hillel MKE.
Julie Schack
Executive Director
March 15, 2020
Dear Hillel Community,
As a follow up to my earlier statement about Hillel Milwaukee moving to an online learning platform as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, I wanted to follow up with the decision that we made to close the Hillel Milwaukee building until Monday, April 13th. Our team will all be working remotely during this time as a measure to ensure we all stay healthy and mitigate spreading of the virus. We are hard at work planning creative, fun ways to stay connected with you, our students, during this time and we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions too. It is more important than ever that we continue to strengthen our Kehillah Kedoshah- our holy community, and know that the Hillel team is here to support you in any way that you need. Please note that the proverbial ‘door; is always open and we trust that you will reach out on ways we can be supportive. We will be creating new, inventive spaces for Jewish learning, mindfulness and wellness, and of course Israeli cooking! We trust that you are stocking up (but leaving some toilet paper for your neighbor!), practicing social distancing and finding ways to stay connected with friends and family.
Kol Tuv ( all good things) and we look forward to the time when we can all be together soon.
Julie Schack
Executive Director, Hillel Milwaukee
As a follow up to my earlier statement about Hillel Milwaukee moving to an online learning platform as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, I wanted to follow up with the decision that we made to close the Hillel Milwaukee building until Monday, April 13th. Our team will all be working remotely during this time as a measure to ensure we all stay healthy and mitigate spreading of the virus. We are hard at work planning creative, fun ways to stay connected with you, our students, during this time and we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions too. It is more important than ever that we continue to strengthen our Kehillah Kedoshah- our holy community, and know that the Hillel team is here to support you in any way that you need. Please note that the proverbial ‘door; is always open and we trust that you will reach out on ways we can be supportive. We will be creating new, inventive spaces for Jewish learning, mindfulness and wellness, and of course Israeli cooking! We trust that you are stocking up (but leaving some toilet paper for your neighbor!), practicing social distancing and finding ways to stay connected with friends and family.
Kol Tuv ( all good things) and we look forward to the time when we can all be together soon.
Julie Schack
Executive Director, Hillel Milwaukee
March 12, 2020
Dear Hillel Friends,
Our primary role at Hillel Milwaukee is to support our students both spiritually and emotionally and we know that the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 has been sad, confusing and stressful. As a community we have just celebrated the holiday of Purim, in which we recognize the chaotic nature of our world where as the saying goes, a Jew learns to laugh with one eye and cry with the other.
We have been monitoring the unfolding of the corona virus pandemic, and this week we learned that the primary campuses we serve will be moving to remote on line instruction until April 10th. UWM has decided to expand its spring break for two weeks until March 29th to allow time for faculty to properly equip themselves with this decision, and Marquette will implement on line learning effective March 23rd. Students living in university housing are being asked to vacate their residence halls and refrain from returning to campus following spring break.
Hillel Milwaukee is actively engaged with University administration, Hillel International, the greater Milwaukee Jewish community and our other many partners. At this time, we have made the following decisions regarding programming and building usage until April 10th:
We recognize at times like these the urgency to support one another. Our Hillel Milwaukee team is dedicated to assisting our students in whatever way possible. Your wellbeing and safety is our #1 priority. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 414-961-2010, or contact me directly at Julie@hillelmke.org for any specific questions or concerns.
In good health,
Julie Schack
Executive Director
Hillel Milwaukee
Our primary role at Hillel Milwaukee is to support our students both spiritually and emotionally and we know that the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 has been sad, confusing and stressful. As a community we have just celebrated the holiday of Purim, in which we recognize the chaotic nature of our world where as the saying goes, a Jew learns to laugh with one eye and cry with the other.
We have been monitoring the unfolding of the corona virus pandemic, and this week we learned that the primary campuses we serve will be moving to remote on line instruction until April 10th. UWM has decided to expand its spring break for two weeks until March 29th to allow time for faculty to properly equip themselves with this decision, and Marquette will implement on line learning effective March 23rd. Students living in university housing are being asked to vacate their residence halls and refrain from returning to campus following spring break.
Hillel Milwaukee is actively engaged with University administration, Hillel International, the greater Milwaukee Jewish community and our other many partners. At this time, we have made the following decisions regarding programming and building usage until April 10th:
- We will cancel all non-essential programs including weekly Shabbat and Passover seder until April 10th. With the fluidity of the situation, we will update our students and community with any changes as they unfold.
- Despite not holding student programming, our building will remain open during normal business hours M-F 9a-5p.
- Our staff is dedicated to supporting our students during this stressful and confusing time and are working diligently to determine what remote programs we can offer in the coming weeks based on student feedback. JLF will continue with a remote learning model. We have yet to determine whether our Side x Side trip to Israel will take place in May. We will continue to monitor the travel guidelines in the weeks to come.
- Many of our students will feel the financial implications of the universities shutdown and we will be available for consultation and crisis management. In addition, we will be boosting the grocery items available from our Hillel food pantry for those students who can benefit from it. We will be adding kosher for Pesach items in the coming weeks.
- Following the recommendations from the universities and health professionals, we strongly request that if you are not feeling well, please refrain from visiting the Hillel building until you are better.
We recognize at times like these the urgency to support one another. Our Hillel Milwaukee team is dedicated to assisting our students in whatever way possible. Your wellbeing and safety is our #1 priority. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 414-961-2010, or contact me directly at Julie@hillelmke.org for any specific questions or concerns.
In good health,
Julie Schack
Executive Director
Hillel Milwaukee
