Students are back on campus, and there is an incredible energy at UA Hillel. The start of a new academic year always brings a sense of possibility, but this year feels especially exciting as we welcome new students, reconnect with returning students, and begin a new chapter for Hillel. There is so much that is new, and we are thrilled about what this year will bring.
We are beginning the year with a stellar new team. We are delighted to welcome our new Executive Director, Shoshi Lipschultz, who is returning to the University of Arizona as a proud alumna and is deeply honored to be back at the place that helped shape her own Jewish journey. We are also excited to welcome Yahel Ben Sason, our new Israel Fellow from Herzliya, who brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a personal connection to Israel. Joining them is our new Engagement Associate, Eli Ovadya, who will help us build meaningful relationships with students and create even more opportunities for connection. Together, this team brings passion, creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to supporting students wherever they are on their Jewish journeys.
We kicked off the year with a fantastic FreshFest, where we had the opportunity to welcome our newest Wildcats and introduce them to the Jewish community at the University of Arizona. It was wonderful to see new faces, meet students who are just beginning their college experience, and help them discover that they have a Jewish home on campus. Our first Shabbat of the year continued that momentum, bringing students together around the table for a night filled with warmth, laughter, great food, and even better vibes. These moments are at the heart of what Hillel is all about: creating a place where students can show up as themselves, build friendships, celebrate Jewish life, and feel that they belong.
And we are just getting started! We are so excited to bring students together for social opportunities including our annual Block Party, giving students another fun and informal opportunity to connect, meet new people, and kick off the year together. Throughout the semester, students will have opportunities to celebrate holidays, participate in Shabbat, explore Jewish learning, connect with Israel, travel on Birthright, attend retreats and Shabbatons, and simply spend time with other Jewish students.
Student Leadership: Students Building the Jewish Future
At the center of all of this are our students. One of our greatest priorities this year is creating more opportunities for students to lead, create, and shape Jewish life at the University of Arizona. Hillel is not simply a place where programs happen for students, it is a community that students help build.
We are especially excited to help students discover their own leadership potential. Whether a student is ready to take on a formal leadership role or simply has an idea for something they would like to create, there is a place for them. We want students to leave Hillel not only with meaningful Jewish experiences and lifelong friendships, but with the confidence and skills to become the leaders and community builders of the future.
We feel incredibly fortunate to walk alongside our students during these transformative years. From a first Shabbat to a leadership role, from a new friendship to a deeper exploration of Jewish identity, every student’s journey looks different. Our job is to create the space, relationships, and opportunities that allow each student to find their own path. We are so honored to be part of that journey, and we cannot wait to see what our students build together this year.
