This semester has tested our student community in new ways and at new levels. The challenge didn’t necessarily come from the classroom, but from anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric and actions on campuses across the country. So as we gather to celebrate Hanukkah – a story of the resilience of the Maccabees in the face of hate – we are inspired by the resilience of our own Jewish students today.
We are aware of an anti-Israel demonstration which took place on campus yesterday and are dismayed that this event took place just prior to the start of Hanukkah. But like the Maccabees, our Jewish students are undeterred in showing their Jewish pride and standing up against antisemitism. We at Hillel remain focused on helping them do so by providing enriching Jewish experiences, especially at a time meant for celebration.
Despite that show of darkness, our first night of Hanukkah celebration with Chabad demonstrated the light of our community. Around 100 students joined us on Rand Terrace to kindle the hannukiyah and come together in prayer and song. In the week to come, Hillel will continue to help students increase our light with opportunities each evening to enjoy Hanukkah foods, games of dreidel, and lighting hannukiyot. Tonight, we look forward to welcoming in Shabbat together at 5:30pm, with a special breakfast for dinner at 6:30pm and our annual Dreidels and Drag Oneg Shabbat to follow.
Tomorrow, our Jewish life committee is hosting Havdallah at 6:45pm at Hillel, followed by hot coco and kindling the Hanukkah lights. Keep an eye on our social media and weekly newsletter, coming to your inbox on Sunday, for times and locations for each remaining night of activities. Monday through Friday, we will also be providing our students with a nourishing lunch to enjoy with their Jewish community every day between 11am and 1pm. As we gather, the 150 hostages who will not be able to celebrate Hanukkah this year with their families remain front of mind.
Especially in these challenging times, we are grateful for the feeling of togetherness that Vanderbilt Hillel represents.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach.
