By Sheri Rodman

As I approach nine months in my role as Director of Hillel at VCU, I’ve had time to reflect on what I love most about this work—and it’s simple: providing space for students to do Jewish. Whether that means celebrating holidays, exploring identity, or building community, it continues to be a deep honor to support our students on their Jewish journeys.

Earlier this year, this High Holiday season was no exception. Mid-September we had a packed house for our Networking Shabbat Dinner, bringing together current students and alumni for a meaningful evening of connection. We joined with Congregation Beth Ahabah—just steps from campus—for High Holiday services, and hosted a Rosh Hashanah lunch and Yom Kippur Break Fast that were both filled to the brim with students (and bagels).

We even teamed up with Hillel at UVa for a classic fall apple-picking trip!

While the holidays kept us busy, they were also a time of reflection and action. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, we coordinated a critical meeting between students, faculty, staff, and VCU leadership to discuss the campus climate. We shared national data on the sharp rise in antisemitism on college campuses and, more importantly, the lived experiences of our own students. Alarmingly, half of the students who responded to our back-to-school survey reported feeling the need to hide their Jewish identity on campus. VCU leadership responded with openness and a strong desire to listen and learn. We are grateful for their partnership and for the opportunity to work toward making VCU a more inclusive and safe place for Jewish students—and all students.

In the week between the holidays, we reignited an important tradition: interfaith dialogue. Students and staff from the Muslim Student Association, The Pace Center, and Hillel came together for our first multifaith meeting in years. What started with a few nerves quickly turned into warm conversation and exciting ideas for future programming to build bridges and friendships across communities. Student leaders from each organization are working together to plan a Multifaith Friendsgiving event later this month, centered around food and gratitude traditions from each of our cultures. 

To commemorate October 7th, we hosted our "Donut Hate" campaign, inviting students to sign a pledge against antisemitism and all forms of hate—and, yes, pick up a donut. We planned to be on campus all afternoon... but we ran out of donuts in just over an hour! I was truly moved by the turnout, the thoughtful conversations, and the overwhelming show of allyship from the VCU community.

In early November, we are looking forward to joining students from the University of Richmond and Randolph Macon at Congregation Beth Ahabah’s ‘college night’ Shabbat services and dinner. It’ll be a fun evening bringing together Hillel students from all over Richmond.

One of our students was awarded an internship focused on integrating community service into our programming. Throughout the winter and next semester, we look forward to volunteering across the city—broadening our reach beyond campus and instilling the values of tikkun olam and giving back.

Thank you for following along, for supporting our students, and for helping us do this vital work. There is so much more ahead—and we’re grateful to have you on this journey with us.

See a photo from the Federation's Grand Event with featured speaker, Noa Tishby.