Northeastern University Hillel

Northeastern University Hillel (originally known as The Bnai Brith Hillel Counselorship of Northeastern University) was founded in 1962 in Boston, Massachusetts. It is sanctioned by Hillel International. In 1978, Hillel moved into a newly renovated building at 456 Parker Street and a greater focus on Jewish religious and ritual life ensued. In 2001, Northeastern Hillel moved into its current location–the Albert S. Frager Building, located at 70 St. Stephen Street. Today it serves a Jewish population of about 1500 students at Northeastern University as well as more students at surrounding universities.

At that time, the focus was on creating dynamic Jewish programs to bring students through the doors to “do Jewish.” Today, Northeastern University Hillel engages Jewish students where they are —spiritually and geographically– creating meaningful Jewish experiences within their existing networks, helping to pave the way to expand and enhance their Jewish journeys.

History

The Northeastern Hillel has grown to the point that it is the largest per capita religious group on campus. But a mere number alone is not an adequate criterion for establishing a group's success or failure. Therefore, the Northeastern Hillel family, that is, advisory board members, faculty and religious advisers, and student have nurtured and developed criteria for quality.

In October, 1961, a small group of Jewish Northeastern Alumni were brought together by Mr. Julius Abrams to discuss the possibility and feasibility of sponsoring a Hillel group on campus. From earlier talks with Jewish students, the alumni came to the conclusion that Hillel could be an integral part of the students' lives.

Rabbi Maurice Zigmond, Harvard University Hillel Adviser and New England Regional Hillel Adviser, spoke to the alumni about the work that had to be done in order to have a councillorship. The alumni agreed to undertake the tasks that lay before them in order to secure a counselorship, and so Rabbi Zigmond conveyed the hopes and aspirations of the Northeastern alumni to the National Hillel Commission, and requested the formation of this counselorship. The advisory committee obligated themselves both financially and morally to support this new Hillel group. A Hillel Advisory Committee was elected with Mr. Milton Cail being named Chairman, Mr. Morris Silverman as Treasurer, and Mr. Nathan Tucker as Secretary. Rabbi Charles Kroloff, Assistant Rabbi as Temple Israel, expressed his willingness to accept the position of part time religious adviser to Hillel, and Professor Borah Kreimer of the Graphic Science Department, became the first faculty adviser. Rabbi Zigmond reported that the National Hillel Commission honored Northeastern's request to become a counselorship, and N.U. Hillel was on its way.

On March 28th, 1962 in Northeastern's Alumni Auditorium, over 500 people were present in response to invitations mailed to the parents of Jewish students and invited guests for Hillel's official dedication. Mr. Milton Cail was Chairman of the Dedication. Dr. Charles Havice, Northeastern's Dean of Chapel, Rabbi Maurice Zigmond and Rabbi Charles Kroloff all participated in the ceremonies.

Dr. Asa S. Knowles, the then President of Northeastern University, conveyed the greetings of the University. Dr. Knowles let it be known quite early in his administration that he felt that religion plays an integral part of the academic and intellectual growth of the students, and he was one of the most forceful proponents of the rights of students to have religious organizations on campus. Dr. Abram Sachar, President of Brandeis University and Honorary Chairman of B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation, was the main speaker of the evening.

During the first year of the counselorship over 100 students joined Hillel, and the group was well on its way. In September, 1962, over 200 students attended the first Hillel Smoker, which indicated to the Advisory Board that Hillel was definitely wanted at Northeastern. In the next couple of years and what has continued up to the present in Hillel, many social and cultural events have been held. In 1964, Rabbi Kroloff, because of pressing duties elsewhere, was forced to resign as religious adviser. He was replaced by Rabbi Harvey Field, also an assistant Rabbi at Temple Israel.

Spiritually, 1964 was a very important year for Hillel. Julius Abrams visited Israel that year, and he, at the financial behest of Abraham Poley, Morris Silverman and Milton Cail purchased a Torah there and returned with it to Boston to officially present it to the Northeastern students. Because he had brought the Torah from Israel, Mr. Abrams dubbed it "our Kosher Torah."

Controversy

In the spring of 2015, in response to a rash of anti-semitic incidents at Northeastern University, Northeastern University Hillel became vocal in drawing awareness to the issue. On October 2017 an article by Edwin Black was published in the Huffington Post and other media outlets, exposing tensions between Hillel International and Northeastern Hillel. This long standing issue was resolved with the hiring of the new executive director in September 2016. On November 2017 several student groups numbering in 80-100 students protested outside of Hillel because of several speakers that came through the organization Standwithus. The university and city of Boston responded by bringing several police officers to protect students.

Programs

Northeastern Hillel has programs ranging from Sunday Bagel Brunches to the Chai-lighter party to the end of the year Jews Cruise. They also have study breaks during midterms and finals and outdoor adventures: beach trips, ski trips, kayaking, etc. All events are open to everyone. There are also weekly Shabbat traditional egalitarian service at 6 PM followed by a free, Kosher dinner at 7 PM. Hillel also hosts the full range of High Holiday services.

Past events include: Community service opportunities, therapy dog visits, Israeli spa days, ice skating trips, scavenger hunts, ice cream socials, hikes, karaoke nights, interfaith Shabbat dinner with the Northeastern University Catholic Center, and live comedy and theater nights. The Hillel is active in leading several Birthright trips to Israel every summer and winter, consisting of hundreds of participants annually.

Staff

• Gilad Skolnick - Executive Director
• Harry Abrahams - Acting Assistant Director
• Matal Camille - IACT Israel Programs Coordinator
• Loni Fink - Israel Engagement Coordinator
• William Kuang - Office Administrator

Previous Executive Directors:

Arinne Braverman (2011-2017)

References

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