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Philly Hillel
 

My First Semester at Hillel - Phil Nordlinger, Director

The start of a new campus year is full of energy and excitement. Students walk to class with crisp notebooks, residence halls are freshly painted, and professors distribute new syllabi.  As I walk around Temple University, 10 years after completing my graduate degree in secondary education, I am struck by the growth, changes, and cycle that naturally exist on a college campus.

As I begin my time as the Director of Hillel at Temple University, I am continuously learning about the college environment and about the millennial generation- the students on campus.  Each day I reflect upon what I have learned and what I have seen and I realize  that Hillel's work at Temple has just begun. I have met over 100 students, seen construction crews begin the initial phases of construction of the Edward H. Rosen Hillel Center, and have gotten to know the fabulous and dedicated staff of Hillel at Temple University.  As students  immerse themselves in their studies, I am impressed with their dedication to their scholastic achievements and to their commitment to this Jewish community.

With Rosh Hashanah starting a little later this year, students have had the opportunity to acclimate themselves to campus and create a rhythm for themselves- go to class, go to the dorms, go to a Hillel event. Whether it is Shabbat services, falafel making, or attending a Phillies game, students are creating friendships that will last a lifetime and creating positive Jewish memories. With the beginning of the year 5769 approaching, we have the opportunity to build on the momentum of last year and create a wonderful and vibrant Jewish community here at Hillel and on Temple's campus.  I look forward to sharing our successes with you in the coming weeks and months.

The staff of Hillel at Temple University wishes you a Shanah Tova u mtukah,
A Happy and Sweet New Year,

Phil Nordlinger, Judah Ferst, Sarah Beth Feinberg, Sharon Coates-Brunswick

Hillel of Greater Philadelphia is a constituent agency of the
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia,
affiliated with Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.