Finding a Home in Hillel
Zoe Kurtz ‘22 knew she wanted to attend a school with “a strong Jewish community.” This led her to becoming involved with Elon’s Hillel organization within her first week of being on campus.
“I got involved through some older friends that I had, they told me about some of the events that Elon held and how much they loved it,” explains Kurtz. “They also encouraged me to come to meet new students and get involved in leadership on campus.”
Since joining the organization, Kurtz has taken on several leadership positions and currently serves as the Public Relations Chair. She was previously a MitzVote ambassador and the Israel chair in addition to helping plan several campus events.
Kurtz’s favorite part of Hillel is the people. “I can honestly say that I have met my best friends through Hillel and that they will be in my life forever,” she says. “I have been able to create such meaningful friendships and memories with people from all over different areas on campus.”
Of all her experiences during her 2.5 years at Elon, Kurtz says that “Hillel is by far one of favorite things Elon has given me.” The organization has become her “home away from home” because “it has provided me with a community of people that I know have my back and support me.”
Photo from pexels.com.
Although Hillel was created to give Jewish students a place to practice their religion and culture, it’s open to all students. Hillel holds events such as bagel brunches, singing Shabbat services, Israeli cooking classes, and other bonding events such as most recently, tie-dyeing masks! “I know several non-Jewish students that have attended Hillel events,” Kurtz says. The Hillel house’s doors are always open to students who want to learn more about the Jewish culture.
“I love how open and inclusive Hillel is, and how nobody is considered a stranger,” says Kurtz. “I can walk into the Hillel house and immediately start a conversation with somebody I have never met before.”
For more information about events at Elon’s Hillel house, be sure to check out their Instagram @elonhillel!