Challah for Hunger:

Contacts:  Shayna Bernstein, shaynab@email.unc.edu Sara Desberg, sdesberg@email.unc.edu 

Challah for Hunger is an international non-profit organization which raises money and awareness about hunger through the production and sale of challah bread. With the help of volunteers, we bake and sell challahs on campus every other week. Half of our proceeds go to the American Jewish World Service and the other half is donated to local or other organizations such as the Interfaith Council's food bank. This year we have begun to partner with other campus organizations, and these partnerships help determine where our profits are donated as well. Our typical challah flavors include chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar, sesame and plain, but we also make weekly specials like pumpkin and apple cinnamon! Don't hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in volunteering!

Engagement Committee:

Contacts: Emily Strickman, strick92@email.unc.edu   Dara Schwartz, dmschwar@email.unc.edu 

The Engagement Committee plans the “Week of Welcome” events at the beginning of each school year; events to introduce students to Hillel, and Jewish opportunities on campus. The committee is focused on keeping student engaged throughout the year by hosting events that peak different interests. We understand that each person has their own concept of Jewish identity and want to make sure that everyone feels included during the year. 

First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH):

Contacts:  Lauren Donoghue, ldonoghu@email.unc.edu Mike Cohen, mrcohen@email.unc.edu 

This group is run by two sophomores first semester and two first year students in the spring. This is a group for First years to explore their connection with Judaism, plan and host cultural events, as well as discover what it is like to be a part of the Jewish community at UNC-CH! 

Holocaust Education Project (HEP): 

Contacts: Nikki Eskenasi, eskenasi@email.unc.edu Rachel Zidar, zidar@email.unc.edu The Holocaust Education Project plans events for education and remembrance of the Holocaust. One annual event is the “Reading of the Names,” which takes place on Holocaust Remembrance Day. This academic year marks the 15th year of this event on campus. Students read names of those that were lost in the Holocaust for 24 hours in the Pit. Other events include trips to local Holocaust museums. This academic year, we are excited to announce that Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor, and world humanitarian Elie Wiesel is coming to campus.   

Israel Committee:

Contacts: Haley Sklut, sklut@email.unc.edu Jacob Plitman, plitman@email.unc.edu  

The Israel Committee meets to discuss Israel and how to talk about it on campus. They plan many types of events related to Israel, ranging from the annual “Israel Fest” celebration in the Pit to speakers to fundraising events. This year’s Israel programming will be enriched by Hillel’s new Israel Fellow.

Religious Committee: 

Contacts:  Anna Bobrow, abobrow@email.unc.edu Jonathan Edelman, edelmanj@unc.edu 

The Religious Committee organizes Shabbat services (Reform, Conservative and Alternative), programs for religious holidays, and Jewish learning events (“Dinner and a Rabbi”).  All denominations and viewpoints of Judaism are welcome. 

Social Committee: 

Contacts: Allie Isaacson, aisaacso@email.unc.edu Noam Soker, sokern@email.unc.edu The Social Committee plans events for students to mingle, meet new people, and have fun! Events in the past included UNC-CH basketball parties, Hannukah parties, and Purim parties. They often meet in restaurants, on campus, or in student apartments or dorms to chat about what to plan for the year. 

Tzedek Committee: 

Contacts: Matt Altman, maltman@email.unc.edu Sivan Levine, skl407@email.unc.edu  The Tzedek (“Justice” in Hebrew) Committee works to promote social justice and direct service in the Chapel Hill community and abroad.  Events in the past have included: Project Rush Hour (a volunteer program for students to work at the local Interfaith Council Food Pantry) and Alternative Break trips that helped with Katrina relief in New Orleans as well as infrastructure projects in Argentina. The Tzedek Committee is a way get connected with people interested in social justice and will help leave your heelprint on campus and in the world.