By Sheri Rodman

Last year, an older international graduate student found her way to Hillel at VCU.

Originally from Colombia, she wasn’t raised Jewish, but she had a Jewish friend growing up. In the years following October 7, she found herself increasingly curious about Judaism and looking for an opportunity to learn with a local rabbi. After a couple of false starts, she eventually connected with Hillel, and I was able to introduce her to Rabbi Scott Nagel.

Six months later, I received a short “Shana Tova” message from her. She told me that her work with Rabbi Nagel was “the best thing that is happening in my life right now.”

She is not necessarily the student we would have expected to walk through Hillel’s doors. But stories like hers are exactly why we are here. Hillel is a place for Jewish students to find community, but it is also a place where anyone who is curious, searching, learning, or looking for connection can find a welcoming Jewish space.

There is lots happening at Hillel this fall, and we’re excited to share some of it with the Richmond Jewish community.

Nosh & Know: You’re Invited!

We’re excited to continue our new Nosh & Know series, a collaboration between Hillel at VCU, Temple Beth-El, and VCU’s Department of History. For our second session, we’ll gather over bagels and wrestle with the question: What do I do when the world feels broken?

Students, faculty, staff, and friends from the wider Richmond community are all welcome. Bring your curiosity, grab a bagel, and join us for what we hope will be a thoughtful and meaningful conversation. Please RSVP by October 13.

A Sweet Start to the New Year

Our students had a warm and meaningful High Holiday season. We are so grateful to Congregation Beth Ahabah for welcoming our students for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Having such a welcoming synagogue just steps from campus is a tremendous gift to our students and to Hillel.

Students gathered at Hillel for an Erev Rosh Hashanah Shabbat dinner and Rosh Hashanah lunch, and then came together again for a break fast after Yom Kippur. In a decision that perfectly captures the beauty of student-led Hillel, they chose Chinese food.

Chinese food on Christmas Eve? A classic. Chinese food after Yom Kippur, while you're starving? Perhaps not the choice I would have made—but this is their Hillel, and I love that they get to make those choices.

We also launched our Jewish Learning Fellowship, one of Hillel’s flagship learning programs. A wonderful cohort of students is now spending ten weeks together exploring Jewish ideas, building relationships, and asking big questions together.

Meet Our Student of the Month: Gabby

We’re also excited to introduce Gabby, our student of the month! Gabby is Hillel at VCU’s current student board president. Originally from Louisiana, she is studying forensic science and hopes to attend medical school.

Outside of her studies and leadership at Hillel, Gabby is a boxer and an avid reader. And, importantly, she loves Shabbat.

Gabby represents so much of what we hope to see in our student leaders: curiosity, commitment, warmth, and a willingness to help create the kind of Jewish community they want to be part of.

October at Hillel

October will bring plenty more opportunities for students to connect and engage.

October 7th will mark three years since the horrific attacks in Israel, and Hillel will once again commemorate the day by focusing on something our students can do: stand against antisemitism and hate.

We’re bringing back our Donut Hate campaign where students can sign a pledge to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hate—and then grab a donut! We’re hoping for another great turnout, so if you’re on campus, come find our table, sign the pledge, and join us.

Later in the month, we’ll host a Purple Shabbat with JCADA in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, creating space for students to learn, reflect, and connect around an important issue.

And because college students deserve some fun, we’re also leaning into the fall vibes with a movie night at The Byrd to see Hocus Pocus and a spooky-themed Torah on Tap later in the month.

It’s a busy season at Hillel, but that’s exactly what we hope for: students learning together, celebrating together, asking hard questions, making their own choices, and finding a Jewish community that feels like home.

And every once in a while, someone unexpected walks through the door and reminds us just how far that welcome can reach.