Washington and Lee Hillel Newsletter W&L Hillel House, 204 W. Washington St., Lexington, VA 24450-2116 hillel.wlu.edu [email protected] DECEMBER 2012 HILLEL (540) 458-8443 TEVET 5773 A Senior’s Perspective ball soup or the superiority of challah bread, A Summer In Israel I did not feel any different from my peers. Brenden Strauss ’15 Natasha Lerner ’13 My first year I was relatively uninvolved in Almost four years ago to this day, I Hillel, able to count the number of events As a politically conservative Jewish received my W&L early-decision acceptance and services that I attended on one hand. college student, the Yameena Fellowship letter. I was ecstatic — knowing that this During my sophomore year, I traveled opportunity was the perfect experience school was the ideal place for me in every to Israel on a Birthright trip and became a where the entire group was able to embrace way, except possibly one: I was apprehensive sturdier presence in Hillel, attending one our love of Judaism and politics, specifically about what being Jewish in a small, southern or two events each week. While I didn’t pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. school would mean. And yet, I was also seek Hillel out due to any ostracism, I did On the program that lasted two weeks, comforted by the Hillel website, which realize that being away from my family and I met influential Israeli and American looked welcoming — posted with smiling beloved New York City meant that I missed decision makers and leaders, networked photos of Jewish students and a triumphant celebrating being Jewish: the holidays, with fellow politically conservative young announcement that the money needed to traditions, community, food, and, yes, jokes Jewish students from all around the US, build a Hillel house was finally raised and and sense of humor. At Hillel, I found a new and learned what Judaism really says construction would begin that year and be home away from home, a place filled with about hot-button political issues. Speakers completed soon. others who also longed to sing songs learned included Ari Fleischer, former White House While I found it odd during my first in Hebrew school, eat rugelach, and shake Press Secretary; Michael Medved, nationally year that many of my new friends had never groggers. syndicated talk radio host; Danny Ayalon, met a Jewish person and even odder that they Soon my non-Jewish friends began Israel’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; had never experienced the comfort of matzo to wonder: “What is Natasha doing?” My Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish disappearances and peculiar Agency for Israel; Matt Brooks, Executive habits raised more questions: Director of the Republican Jewish “Where are you going on Coalition; Ron Dermer, Senior Advisor to Friday nights?” “Why is the PM Binyamin Netanyahu; and many other E-Café called kosher and what scholars, politicians, and leaders. does kosher mean?” “How Continued on page 2 do you play dreidel?” So I invited them along — to see Director’s Corner for themselves. Although we are High school students from all over the attending a school with country are trying to decide which schools a small Jewish community, they are interested in applying to in the fall. we are a school with an They are deciding where they want to spend open, no-pressure Jewish the next four years of their life. community, embraced by I have spent countless hours meeting an interested and supportive and speaking with parents and students about student body. For me, being Jewish student life at Washington and Lee. able to bring my non-Jewish Sometimes I spend over 30 minutes speaking friends to all Hillel events with a prospective family and I find myself has really enriched my Hillel still wanting to say more about our wonderful experience and kept me Hillel community. involved. Some of my happiest The shock that there is any sort of memories at W&L have been Jewish life at W&L is overwhelming. I have Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 THE STAR • PAGE 2 continued from page 1, A Summer in Istael High Holiday Days at Washington and Lee Our group wandered off the typical Elizabeth Engel ’13 , Shabbat & Holidays VP trail that most tours follow when leading American students throughout the Jewish homeland. We visited Judea and Samaria as High Holidays at well as “East Jerusalem” and learned firsthand Washington and Lee Hillel why these areas are integral parts of modern were very successful this Israel and Jewish history. While we all felt a year! We had Benjamin little nervous before approaching Sderot and Ross, a student Rabbi who the Israel-Gaza border, the IDF soldiers that lives in New York City, join accompanied us provided a strong sense of us for both Rosh Hashanah security; however, we did spend the greatest and Yom Kippur to lead us amount of time in Jerusalem. in services. This is a unique program, and a once We began the High in a lifetime opportunity to equip oneself Holidays with an Erev Rosh with the skills and motivation to make a Hashanah dinner in Evans difference as a young Jewish conservative. Dining Hall with over Touring Israel with like-minded, dynamic, eighty people in attendance, and accomplished peers while learning from followed by an evening service. The next parts in the service. Almost every student some of the most effective and entertaining morning we gathered for morning services in attendance at the dinners signed up to conservative leaders and activists was a joy followed by lunch and a Tashlich service at participate. from start to finish and an experience I will Woods Creek on campus. Students and community members cherish for the rest of my life. For Kol Nidre, we had a plentiful pre- participated in services in all sorts of ways. fast dinner followed by a meaningful service We had ten individuals read from the Torah, to start Yom Kippur. The service included and this group included undergraduate and continued from page 1 having a member of the community, Julia law students, a VMI cadet, and our faculty Goudimova, play Kol Nidre on cello. The next advisor, Simon Levy. Our Hillel Director, seen high school students find out there is a morning, we continued with services, then Brett Schwartz, a senior, Max Chapnick thriving Jewish community at W&L and have later in the afternoon held a Yizkor service, and a member of the community, Zachary then decided to apply early decision. followed by Ne’ilah, Havdalah, and finally the Dubit blew Shofar, and we had over 30 other By using our website, Facebook, Twitter, break-the-fast meal. people participate in leading prayers and blog posts, magazine ads, college fairs, The High Holidays occurred early on in responsive readings throughout the holidays. mailings, pamphlets and newsletters, we have the school year, so we embraced that as a way Rabbi Benjamin did a great job been working diligently to get the word to get first-year students involved. Before the coordinating and leading services, and his out about Jewish student life on campus at start of the holidays, we all gathered for casual sermons were relevant, informative, and Washington and Lee. dinners, held once at Tong, a local Chinese interesting. Everyone, from students to There are many that still don’t know restaurant and once at Salerno’s, an Italian faculty, to community members, seemed to we have a Hillel House, a full time Hillel establishment. This was a great way to get to respond well to his leadership. All told, High Director, a kosher dairy café, a programming know other students, Rabbi Benjamin, and Holidays went very well this year and we are endowment, an active student group, and a Brett in a more relaxed way while enjoying looking forward to another successful year Rabbi for the High Holidays. People also don’t some delicious food. During the dinners, we when we ring in 5774! know about the Max and Sylvia Weinstein also allowed time for students to sign up for Scholarship (full tuition scholarship, renewable for four years) that recognizes an entering Jewish first-year student. continued from page 1, A Senior’s Perspective So as you can see, we still are in need of sharing my traditions with friends. Indeed, the Great Latke-Hamantash Debate, during help getting the word out about the growing the shock on my face when I brought my best which everyone belly laughs and I show non- and thriving Jewish community at Washington friend, who is Christian, to our Hanukkah Jewish friends just how much sour cream each and Lee University. You can help by sharing party only to have her beat everyone in the latke really requires (a lot!). this newsletter, our website, and our Facebook dreidel competition, including me — with my While I originally became involved in page with those around you. If you would impressive upside-down spin that I had been Hillel in order to form friendships and a like us to send you brochures or additional perfecting for nearly a decade! — was priceless! community with those of a similar faith and newsletters to help spread the word of Jewish I realized that the memory of showing another tradition, I now look back on my four years life at W&L, please do not hesitate to call or non-Jewish friend exactly what it is like to eat at W&L and know that the open exchange e-mail me at any point. while reclining to the left during Passover Seder of new experiences, humor, and lessons that I We at Hillel wish you and your family is beautiful. Eating Shabbat dinner with Jews shared with my non-Jewish friends was most health and happiness and we hope to hear and non-Jews at the end of the week offers meaningful and poignant. Those eye-opening from you soon. up a cherished retreat — to relax, reflect, and encounters quelled my original nerves and L’Shalom smile, as we all try to perfect our “ch” sound! showed me just how wonderful and accepting Brett Schwartz, Hillel Director Now my favorite W&L annual Hillel event is W&L can be. THE STAR • PAGE 3 • Hillel Donor Roll • Gifts made to the Annual Hillel Fund Immediately contribute to the exceptional religious, cultural, educational, social, leadership development and community service programming at Hillel. The Hillel fund is what keeps Jewish student life viable at W&L. Our diverse quality programs and opportunities depends on the financial support of alumni, parents, community members and friends. Thank you to all those who made contributions to Hillel! WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY — HILLEL FUND (2011-2012) With heartfelt thanks to those Hillel supporters who made gifts during the 2011-2012 campaign (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012).

2011-2012 Sammy Brusca ’10 Terry & Gary Herman ’70, P ’98, ’01 Sustainers W&L Hillel, recognizing those Jay Caplan ’64 Beth & Larry Higginbotham P ’14 donors with gifts of $1,000 or more Sharon & Irv Caplan ’58 Enid & Don Hillman ’46 Myrna & John Blume ’54, ’56L Joy & Ari Cartun P ’13 Rochelle & Victor Horadam P ’13 Chuck Cahn ’70 Adrienne Laitman & Lowell Ellen Humphries P ’13 Mark Eaker ’69 Chapnick P ’13 Daphne Raz & Philip Hyre Boots & Ralph Evans ’59 Brian Cherry ’11 Susan & Bob Jacobi ’53, ’54L Vicki & David Friedfeld ’83L Estie & Nick Cohen ’64, P ’95 Mary & Bill Jacobs ’71, P ’02 Annette & Dan Gordon P ’92 Leslie & Craig Coller ’76 Rachel Zloczover Jones ’94 & Robert Jones Helane & Warner Isaacs ’57 Carrie Luria Cooper ’00 & Truitt Carmen & Rich Kampf ’71, P ’07 Meg & Howard Jacobs ’58 Cooper ’99 Susan & Alan Kaplan ’51 Leslie & David Kantor ’73 Alan Corwin ’62 Joseph Keller Barbara & Sandy Maslansky ’56 Joan Robins & Malcolm Cothran Arvilla & Cliff Kern ’70, P ’05 Judy & Stan Mitchell ’43, P ’71 Leslie J. Croland and Sandra I. Tart P ’14 Sally & Michael Kliegman P ’14 Marianne & Ken Novack Sara Cunningham Cindy & John Klinedinst ’71, ’78L Sara Belle & Neil November ’48 Paula & Daniel Dreyfuss P ’13L Mimi & Kopie Kopald ’43, P ’78L Alyson & Bennett Ross ’83 Patricia Schirmer & Scott Dubit Suzanne Kosmas Nita & Charlie Tomm ’68, ’75L, P ’13 Michelle DallVechia Egorin ’99 & Noah Anne & Eddie Kramer ’81 Jon Weigle ’74 Egorin ’98 Phil Krampf ’74 John Zamoiski ’74 Liz & Dan Einstein ’83 Pia & Michael Krasnov P ’13 Jenny Elmes ’91 Roberta Alpert & Sam Kuckley P ’10 ORGANIZATIONS: Mary & Bruce Engel P ’13 Lynne & Buddy Kullman ’58 Bottlerocket Marketing Group Steve Epstein ’67 Barbara & John Lankalis P ’13 Daniel P. and Annette B. Gordon Vickie & Mark Evans ’70 Vivian & Mel Lapes ’65 Foundation Elizabeth Evans Carrie LaRose Jewish Community Federation of Kitty & Jim Farrar ’74, P ’11 Mal Lassman ’60, ’63L Richmond Alison & Andrew Fass P ’12 Lynn & Ron Laupheimer ’66 Jewish Endowment Foundation Cathrine & Danny Fetterman ’83, ’87L Laura Manske & Chester Lerner P ’13 Novack Family Foundation Phyllis & Alan Fink P ’04 Gail & B.J. Levin ’68 The Sam and Marion Golden Helping Fay & Stan Fink ’64L Sarah & Dave Levinson ’00 Hand Foundation, Inc Diane & Ron Fishman P ’14 Barbara & Larry Levitan ’55 Gini & Henry Fleishman ’70 Simon Levy W&L ALUMNI, PARENTS Gordon Flint Carole & Steve Lichtenstein ’53 AND FRIENDS Marcia France Kathy & Jay Lutins ’79 Rich Aberson ’60 Becky & Tony Frank ’59 Peter & Ann Macheras P ’11 Elizabeth & Richard Abrams ’70 Linda & Jim Freund ’62 Barbara & Earl Magdovitz ’65 Rachel Ostry & Ed Adler ’79 Ruth Gillman Heather & Hardin Marion ’55, ’58L Jeffrey Adler Julie & Brian Ginsburg ’81 Harvey Markowitz James Ainoris Jan Kaufman & Art Goldsmith Mary Lynn & Steve Marks ’59 Gail & Jay Altman ’72, P ’13 Beth & Adam Goldstein P ’15 Walapa & Richard Marks Ruth & Scott Apter ’69, P ’94 Jeff Goldstein Leona & Alan Marx ’65 Dick Bank ’55 Dana & Kevin Gray ’82L Donna & Michael Masinter ’58, ’61L Leslie Becker P ’15 Eydie & Barry Greene ’64, P ’94L Joe Mendelsohn ’52 Cindy & Gary Benedetti P ’12 Brian Greene ’94L Carol & Bruce Meyers ’70 Windy & Pete Besson ’70 Bobbie & Curly Jeanne & Stephen Miller ’60 Cindy & Joe Brams P ’15 Greenebaum ’56, ’58L, P ’88, ’95L Priscilla Miller Joan & Bruce Brenner Sally & Mark Grunewald Jan & Sheldon Miller ’70 Jenny & Bob Broh ’60 Dilrukshi & Dennis Gubler P ’15 Corky Miller Linda & Scot Brower ’70 Joan & Tom Guthrie ’50 Eddie Mintz ’81 Beverly & David Bruck Candy & Rich Hachenburg ’82 Debby & Mike Missal ’78, P ’16 Continued on page 4 THE STAR • PAGE 4

Dedi & Julian Mohr ’52 Susan & Harlan Stone P ’14 GIFTS IN HONOR OF Ashley Moore Cindy & Jack Straton P ’14 In honor of Joseph E. Dreyfuss ’13L Joyce & Garrett Moore Karen & Paul Sugar ’70 Paula & Daniel Dreyfuss P ’13L, P ’13L Robin & Ken Murov ’72 Betty Taylor P ’80 ’90 In honor of David R. Novack Lesley & David Novack Arnold Vedlitz ’68 Ken Novak Ken Novak Joan & Sol Wachtler ’51, ’52L In honor of Lesley Novack Elissa & Gary Okin ’74 Jim Warms ’42 Ken Novak Debbie & Michael Okin ’76, P ’03 Rich Weinstein ’91 In honor of Joan N. Robins Jim Paradies ’51 Vicki & Eric White ’74, P ’10 Roberta Alpert & Sam Kuckley P ’10 Francine & Jerry Perlman ’69 Beverly & Roger Williams P ’08L Judy & Stan Mitchell ’43, P ’71 Barbara & Phil Phillips ’51 Jill & Marc Winston ’67 C.J. & Brian Sands Marcy Panzer & Manny Pokotilow P ’98 Ed Wise ’53 In honor of Paul H. Weinstein ’55 Terry & Stuart Porter ’70 Audrey & Marc Wisotsky P ’13 Dick Bank ’55 Robert Posner P ’12 Lynne Abraham-Yadlin & Yoram Linda Posner P ’12 Yadlin P ’12 GIFT IN MEMORY OF Carol & Kerry Reynolds ’62 Elisabeth Guthrie & Stanley In memory of James D. Farrar ’49 Ben Rippe ’72 Yankelowitz P ’15 Kitty & Jim Farrar ’74, P ’11 Maureen & Doug Robins ’65 Ellen & John Zimmerman P ’09 In memory of John A. Gold ’57 Mort Robins † Meg & Howard Jacobs ’58 Linda & Norton Rosensweig ORGANIZATIONS: In memory of John H. Margolis ’73 Helen & Michael Rossi Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Leslie & David Kantor ’73 Kim & Ken Ruscio ’76 The Greater Cincinnati Foundation In memory of Mortimer M. Robins Dorothy & Jerry Sacks ’40 The Greene Company Beverly & David Bruck Gillian Sacks ’12 Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Brian Cherry ’11 Jim Sagner ’62 Campus Life Sara Cunningham Susan & Walter Sales ’70 Jewish Foundation of Memphis Elizabeth Evans Toni & Steve Sandler ’70 Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority Ruth Gillman C.J. & Brian Sands Lynchburg Jewish Community Council Jan Kaufman & Art Goldsmith Ellie & Mark Schaul ’53 Rockbridge Area Master Gardener Assoc. Joan & Tom Guthrie ’50 Rosel & Elliot Schewel ’45 Rockbridge Historical Society Suzanne Kosmas Maggie & Marc Schewel ’69 Virginia Military Institute Helen & Michael Rossi Jack Schewel ’80 In memory of Stephen L. Tabakin ’70 Sara & Spike Schulist ’53 PROGRAM SPONSORS Elizabeth & Richard Abrams ’70 Claudia & Fred Schwab Shabbat Windy & Pete Besson ’70 Martha & Stu Selonick P ’12 John Zamoiski ’74 Linda & Scot Brower ’70 Ellen & Max Shapira ’65, P ’96 Jim Sagner ’62 Chuck Cahn ’70 Kristin Lawrence Shapira 96 & Andy Vickie & Mark Evans ’70 Shapira ’96 Latke/Hamentashen Debate Gini & Henry Fleishman ’70 Margie & Neil Shapiro P ’15 & Purim Celebration Terry & Gary Herman ’70, P ’98, ’01 Elyse & David Shaw P ’13 John Zamoiski ’74 Jan & Sheldon Miller ’70 Arthur Sher ’65 Robin & Ken Murov ’72 Joyce & Sonny Shlesinger ’51 VIP Dinner: Terry & Stuart Porter ’70 Mira & Dane Shrallow ’68 Debby & Mike Missal ’78, P ’16 Susan & Walter Sales ’70 Linda & Ron Sklar ’70 Toni & Steve Sandler ’70 Howard Sklaroff ’77 Passover: Linda & Ron Sklar ’70 Dana & Philip Smith P ’15 Eric and Vicki White Karen & Paul Sugar ’70 Francie Cohen Spahn ’95 & Jared Scott Apter Spahn ’95 Edie & Firth Spiegel ’61 Linda & Lane Steinger ’68

† deceased THE STAR • PAGE 5

2012-2013: COMMITMENTS MADE AS OF DECEMBER 11, 2012

We extend appreciation to those who have already made a commitment to support Hillel during this year's campaign. All gifts for the 2012-2013 campaign must be made by June 30, 2013.

Sustainers W&L Hillel, recognizing those Sally & Michael Kliegman P ’14 ORGANIZATIONS: donors with gifts of $1,000 or more Manes Kogan Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Alan Corwin ’62 Barbara & John Lankalis P ’13 Campus Life Mark Eaker ’69 Carrie LaRose Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Eva & Mark Horn P ’08 Laura Manske & Chester Lerner P ’13 Hillcrest Jewish Center Rosel & Elliot Schewel ’45 Barbara & Earl Magdovitz ’65 Jewish Foundation of Memphis John Zamoiski ’74 Lisa & Leslie Maister ’96 Rockbridge Area Hospice, Inc. Harvey Markowitz The Healthy Foods Market Donna & Michael Masinter ’58, ’61L ORGANIZATIONS: Lee & Bob Maslansky ’52 PROGRAM SPONSORS Jewish Community Federation of Lynne & Scott Mason P ’10 Fridays @ 5 (Shabbat Services Richmond Sascha Goluboff & Alan McRae and Dinner) Carol & Bruce Meyers ’70 Lynne & David Raphael P ’15 W&L ALUMNI, PARENTS Sylvia & Al Milberg ’54L AND FRIENDS Jeanne & Stephen Miller ’60 Rosh Hashanah Eve Dinner Gail & Jay Altman ’72, P ’13 Priscilla Miller Marlene & John Isaacs ’53 Ruth & Scott Apter ’69, P ’94 Joyce Moore Lori & Russell Berman P ’16 Ellen & Jim Myerberg P ’00 Yom Kippur Break the Fast Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown ’62 Lesley & David Novack Elyse & David Shaw P ’13 Chuck Cahn ’70 Jonathan Pakula ’82 Adrienne Laitman & Lowell Dennis Powers P ’15 Sukkot Chapnick P ’13 Janice Baker & Jeffery Pesin P ’16 Lynne & Scott Mason P ’10 Estie & Nick Cohen ’64, P ’95 Lynne & David Raphael P ’15 Parents & Family Weekend Joan Robins & Malcolm Cothran Faye & Scott Rickoff ’73 Vicki & Eric White ’74, P ’10 Sherri & Ira Danzig P ’16 Anne & Greg Russell ’88 John Zamoiski ’74 Patricia Schirmer & Scott Dubit Jim Sagner ’62 Mimi Elrod Elizabeth & John Samet ’64 Hanukkah Mary & Bruce Engel P ’13 Elyse & David Shaw P ’13 Lee & Bob Maslansky ’52 Lauren Becker & Greg Epelbaum P ’16 Arthur Sher ’65 Steve Epstein ’67 Howard Sklaroff ’77 VIP Dinners Fay & Stan Fink ’64L Dana & Philip Smith P ’15 Alan Corwin ’62 Diane & Ron Fishman P ’14 Laura & David Solomon P ’16 Jeanne & Stephen Miller ’60 Maryann & Stewart Fleming Francie Cohen Spahn ’95 & Marcia France Jared Spahn ’95 GIFTS IN HONOR OF Jan Kaufman & Art Goldsmith Cindy & Jack Straton P ’14 In honor of Bonnie Bernstein Beth & Adam Goldstein P ’15 Betty Taylor P ’80, ’90 Mimi Elrod Dilrukshi & Dennis Gubler P ’15 Joseph Tilghman ’13 In honor of Douglas B. Brown ’92 Rochelle & Victor Horadam P ’13 Cindy Downes & Mitch Wapner Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown ’62 Ellen Humphries P ’13 Cindy Atkins & Phil Welch ’83 In honor of Laurence B. Brown ’94 Andrea & Bruce Hyatt ’74 Vicki & Eric White ’74, P ’10 Nancy Yanofsky & Ed Brown ’62 Daphne Raz & Philip Hyre Eric & Sarah Wilson In honor of Arnold P. Masinter ’62 Marlene & John Isaacs ’53 Kate Winkler Donna & Michael Masinter ’58 ’61L Judith Aronowitz & Bruce Jaeger P ’16 Audrey & Marc Wisotsky P ’13 In honor of Betty K. Taylor P ’80 ’90 Leah Greenberg Katz ’05 & Philip Katz Elisabeth Guthrie & Stanley Mimi Elrod Doree Kesselbrenner P ’15 Yankelowitz P ’15 In honor of Howard N. Dobin Mimi Elrod

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF In memory of Joseph Goldsten Betty Taylor P ’80 ’90 THE STAR • PAGE 6 VIP (Very Interesting Professor) Dinner Series David Fishman ’14, Speakers VP Hillel has continued to host its monthly “Very Interesting Professor” dinners. These dinners serve as a forum for the Jewish student body to discuss intriguing research that Washington and Lee faculty is working on during the year. Hillel hosted its first VIP Dinner of the year, on October 18th at the Sheridan Livery. The featured guest was Professor Arthur Goldsmith of the Washington and Lee University Economics Department. After a little candid schmoozing, Professor Goldsmith discussed with the students a piece of research he and Professor Diette are working on. Their research investigates how the psychological impact from traumatic events at different points in an individual’s youth affects one’s likelihood to drop out of school. Due to the clear link between education and success, centered around Professor Levy’s work in Hillel is excited to have the opportunity implications from the research are valuable. defense—primarily, artificially intelligent to host Professor Angela Smith of the W&L Moreover, the Livery, as usual, provided an defense drones. The insightful conversation Philosophy Department in January. Prof. environment conducive to discussion along inevitably took a brief digression to George Smith’s research is primarily in political and with delicious meals. Orwell’s work, “1984,” but the general moral philosophy. These topics are very Hillel hosted its second VIP Dinner concept of artificially mindful drones is conducive to discussion and relevant to of the year, on November 15th at Niko’s. certainly profound. We also discussed an contemporary societal issues. As political, The featured guest was Professor Simon app he designed for a French toy, along social, and economic disparities continue to Levy of the Washington and lee Computer with his experiences at other universities… expand, the Hillel student body is looking Science Department. He currently serves Obviously, the Washington and Lee Student forward to hearing an academic analysis as the department head as well as the Body was astoundingly superior and much from an individual so well-versed in the faculty advisor to Hillel. While the students more ethical! But, that did not surprise field. We are expecting both a great turnout enjoyed the Greek cuisine, the discussion anyone. a continued trend of lively discussions! The Festival of Lights – Hanukkah At Hillel Lauren Michnick ’14, Social VP On Saturday, December 8—the first Social VPs, Lauren Michnick ‘14 and Because of the number of non-Jewish night of Hanukkah— W&L Hillel held its Rimona Cartun ’13, and Hanukkah Chair, students at the party, it made the event annual Hanukkah party. With over eighty Max Chapnick ’13, made the party an seem even more special. Jewish students Jewish and non-Jewish students, celebrating evening to remember. Leading up to the were able to share and teach Hanukkah Hanukkah, this was certainly one of the event, exam week goodie bags were hand traditions to students who had never largest torn-outs Hillel has ever seen. delivered to each Jewish student on campus, experienced Hanukkah in their own homes. personally inviting After lighting the Hanukkah candles, we them to our taught students how to play dreidel and Hanukkah party, served dozens of latkes along with Chinese setting the tone for food and sparkling cider. At the end of the what would be a night, not a latke was left. Everyone had a great night. Even great time and said they cannot wait until if you didn’t receive next year’s party! goodie bags, the Along with the party, Hillel has invited days leading up to students, faculty, staff and community Hanukkah, you members to come to the house every night could certainly during Hanukkah to light the candles and smell the latkes take a break from exams. It is nice to have being made and such a welcoming place on campus. see the decorations going up. THE STAR • PAGE 7 Parents and Family Weekend – A First-Year Perspective Emily Danzig ’16

From the very start of my time at Over Parents and Family Weekend, ever for Hillel services and dinner! Even Washington and Lee, Hillel has been a my two worlds, home and school, fused though there were so many people I had huge part of my experiences. I started going together and it was exciting to bring my never met, it was truly wonderful to see to events to get involved in Jewish campus parents into the place and community such a large and spirited community come life and to meet new people. We received a that I spent my first Shabbats and holidays together for Shabbat. Everyone joined in welcome food basket during opening week without them. So much of Jewish life for on the service, especially singing, which was and that was a pretty good incentive to me and why I continue coming to Hillel my favorite part because I really got to show come check out Hillel as well. on Friday nights is the friendships and my parents the kind of Jewish connections Friday nights at Hillel have definitely bonds we create over lighting candles and that Hillel fosters. now become one of the best parts of my enjoying dinner together, and over parents In some ways it was strange, having week. Even though I have only been going and family weekend, I got to share that a Shabbat with my family away from my to Hillel for about two and a half months, bond with my parents and new friends all home, without all of our normal little things it’s already become my Shabbat custom. together. that make up a Danzig Family Shabbos. Just like my family’s customs, at Hillel we Friday night, I wasn’t sure what to Even though my dogs weren’t running say the Kiddush, light the Shabbat candles expect when I brought my parents, but so around our legs when we lit candles and we and the blessing over the challah, but with many other Hillel students had come with didn’t eat one of my mom’s classic Friday friends rather than my family. their parents too; it was the largest turnout night dinners, sharing my W&L Hillel Shabbat with my parents made me feel truly at home. After sharing the whole weekend with my parents, we went to the Sunday morning bagel brunch together. Once again, my parents and me, other Hillel students, and their parents sat together, talked about Washington and Lee and Hillel (and of course playing Jewish Geography). I loved having my parents here on campus to see everything, and I know Hillel was a family favorite for the weekend for all of us. THE STAR • PAGE 8 Sukkot In Style Ian Shaw ’13

This year, the students of Hillel celebrated Sukkot the only way we know— with style. With the help of Mitch Wapner, a local community member and member of the Hillel Advisory Board, we built a beautiful sukkah. We had an abundant amount of gourds hanging from the top of the sukkah, bright green foliage covering the roof and potted plants sitting by the doorway. After decorating and putting on the finishing touches, we gathered for our annual ‘Pizza in the Hut.’ It unfortunately started to rain, so we had to have Shabbat inside, but we were still really proud of our work. The next week the Hillel officers organized three lunches in the Sukkah with other members of Hillel. Students ranged from first years to seniors, and we had a solid turnout every day. Having these lunches allowed us to perform the Mitzvahs of eating in the Sukkah and saying the blessings for sitting in the Sukkah. We also We created a small fire outside, roasted great time! There was even talk of spending got the chance to perform the mitzvah marshmallows, and enjoyed some s’mores. the night in the Sukkah, however mother of the Lulav and Etrog and recite their As we were gathered around the fire, we nature had different plans. There is always blessings as well. chatted, played games, and enjoyed each next year though. All in all, I’d say this was Our main event of the week was other’s company. I can assure you we had a another successful Sukkot here at W&L S’mores, Stars, and Sukkot in the Sukkah. Hillel. THE STAR • PAGE 9 THE STAR • PAGE 10

Hillel Institute Rimona Cartun ’13, Social VP

This past August, five Hillel Executive Officers participated in the Hillel Engagement Institute held at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference had representatives from over sixty campuses across the nation, with over 600 students. Our days were filled with leadership development seminars, smaller group discussions, as well as larger group simulations. Together we delved into what it means to be a student leader, the importance of being interested, not just interesting, how to engage others and how to develop a sense of community on campus. We participated in simulations and discussions to help understand the techniques of peer engagement and to anticipate the challenges we may face on campus. One of my favorite parts of the a museum, consisting largely of repurposed a great bonding opportunity for our board conference was Shabbat. Everyone wore architectural and industrial objects, housed members. white and we gathered together for singing in the former International Shoe building. The engagement institute set the and dancing and then proceeded to the The museum bills itself as an “eclectic ground for our year and we were truly Shabbat service of our choice. mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, excited to bring what we learned back to We also got to experience one of St. surrealistic pavilion, and architectural Washington and Lee. Louis’ popular places—The City Museum; marvel.” It was very entertaining and was THE STAR • PAGE 11 A Visit to the Virginia Holocaust Museum Samantha Rosier ’14, President

In the middle of finals week, Brett, were doing, thousands probably on that When we arrived back in Lexington three other board members, and I travelled very same rail. He asked for a moment of that night, we stopped in the Hillel House down to Richmond to tour the Virginia silence in memory of all those whose lives to light the candles and celebrate the second Holocaust Museum, located in the were lost. night of Hanukkah. As we sang together, industrial part of the city near the train As we balanced on top of the rails I kept thinking that this is exactly what tracks. Mr. Neil November, a W&L alum, with the winter wind whipping around us, Hitler wanted to end. Our presence and met us there and we were given a guided a train was going by. I tried to put myself observance of our traditions are the best tour of the museum from a man who was there, back in Germany in the early 1940s. actions we can take to honor the six million. born at the very end of the war to partisan The sounds and weather transported me As the year ends, I’m reflecting on parents. The only members of his family and for a second, I could really imagine how grateful I am for my family, friends, to survive and make it to America were it. The train rattled on and brought with and heritage. I’m looking at Hillel in a new himself, his twin brother, and his father. it echoes of crying and shouting. The cold way this week. We can only make sure that At the beginning of the tour, the guide wind reminded me not just that I should Judaism continues through organizations took us outside the museum and had us step have a warmer jacket, but more so that the like Hillel. The friendships and programs up on top of railways that were taken up Jews were often taken with just the clothes it provides ensure that our heritage and from the Third Reich’s transportation lines on their back. For a moment, I felt their traditions remain for generations. I am in Germany. He described how millions fear. grateful to be a part of it. of Jews were forced to do exactly what we Hebrew Reading Crash Course Cory Walker ’15

As I was walking through the Hillel However, I never understood what was second and final hour-long class, we learned House to get a bagel for lunch, I came across being said, or even how to pronounce any exceptions to the rules and put together the a flier that advertised that I could “Learn of the words they showed me. I always felt letters to pronounce words. Because of just Hebrew!” Washington and Lee University like I was missing a fundamental part of two hours of class, I can now pronounce does not offer any courses on the language, the culture. the words that had previously seemed so and I was intrigued. Since coming to college Learning Hebrew is a very long process alien to me, and can follow along in services two years ago, I have made many Jewish that usually takes years. However, the without a great deal of trouble. I am very friends and become fascinated with the program that the Hillel Director, Brett grateful for the opportunity to learn to read culture that had previously been completely Schwartz, offered was only an hour long. a completely new language in such a short unknown to me. I have attended services In this hour, we learned the entire Hebrew amount of time, and I highly recommend at a synagogue, attended a Passover Seder “aleph-bet” and the sound that each letter the class when it is offered again in the at the Hillel House, and I lit a candle at makes. A follow-up class was offered, future. a friend’s house for Chanukah in 2011. and I gratefully agreed to attend. In this

Parents’ Weekend: We enjoyed meeting so many families during the Sunday morning bagel brunch and our Fridays at Five Shabbat services and dinner THE STAR • PAGE 12 Sunny Altman ’13 Sunny ’15 Brams Ben ’13 Alicia Bishop Chapnick ’13 Max Chapnick ’13 Max ’15 Shapiro Craig ’13 Hester Jared Kliegman ’14 Aaron ’15 Yankelowitz Joe Alumni Relations Media Social Outreach Debate Latke/Hamentashen Chanukah Chair Kitchen Coordinator Chair Culture Jewish Relations Israel Chair Sports Intramural Betty Taylor Betty David Bruck Bruck David Jan Kaufman Jan Mitch Wapner Mitch Eric White Eric ’74 Josh Posner ’12 Posner Josh Audrey Horn ’08 Horn Audrey Prof. Simon Levy Simon Prof. Marc Schewel ’69 Marc Prof. Barry Kolman Barry Kolman Prof. Prof. Marcia France Marcia Prof. Prof. David Novack David Prof. Prof Harvey Markowitz Harvey Markowitz Prof Hon Paul Weinstein ’55 Weinstein Paul Hon Howard Rosenbloom ’61 Rosenbloom Howard Hillel Officers 2012-2013 Officers Hillel Advisory Board 2012-2013 Advisory Board Sammy Rosier ’14 Rosier Sammy ’13 Krasnov Stephanie ’13 Lizzie Engel ’14 Michnick Lauren Rimona Cartun ’13 ’14 Fishman David ’13 Kathryn Marsh-Soloway Raphael ’15 Sam ’13 Shaw Ian

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