Each Hillel Foundation is structured a little differently, depending on the staff, campus type and student populations. At The University of Florida, students are very much a part of the planning and implementation of programs and events. With a Jewish student population of more then 6,000, UF needs to cater to a wide range of needs, interests and backgrounds.
There are so many different Jewish opportunities here at our Hillel. Everything from social events to Jewish learning, spirituality, holiday programs to Shabbat services and dinners. Hillel provides students with fun and educational ways to add Judaism to everyday life. There is rarely a night at Hillel when there is not some type of event, meeting, or program taking place. There really is something for everyone here at the Hillel at UF.
Since the Hillel at UF doesn't have an official Student Board, we work very closely with the Jewish Student Union executive board. The JSU is a Student Government organization that is a partner with Hillel. Most large scale Jewish programming at UF is co-sponsored by JSU. The JSU office is located on the third floor of the Reitz Student Union. The JSU consists of almost a dozen umbrella groups which include:Koach (Conservative Group), Kesher (Reform Group), Kedma (Orthodox Group), Women's Group, Gators For Israel, Chabad Student Organization, and the Israeli Student Union. It is important for the Fellow to be in regular contact with these groups so different target groups. The JSU President for the 2003-2004 academic year was Matt Klein. The incoming JSU President is Ari Kaiman. Hillel really serves as a place where JSU can hold meetings, events, and also just a great place for them to stop in and visit.
Some of this years most memorable and successful programs included:
Welcome Weeks (both fall and spring), Pizza in the Hut, Wick and a Flick, Hawaian themed Chanukah Party, Jewish Awareness Month (which included lectures by Alan Dershwitz and Dr. Ruth Westheimer),, Israel Awareness Week, Nargillah Night, Purim Party at the Swamp, Jewish Greek Council Shabbats, Seder Grants and Seders for over 1,000 students, Pro-Israel Rallies, Straight From Bubbie's Kitchen, JIGLO Traveling Bagel Brunch, JewShi in Jennings, and Afikomen Adventure. These events have brought together and excited students about being Jewish and getting more involved on campus.
On April 27, 2003 the Hillel staff, construction workers and students broke ground on our brand new facility which is located right on University Avenue across from the football stadium. The building is going to be 22,000 square feet and will prove to be a wonderful engagement tool and a much needed new home. It has plans to open in mid-October. This will be an amazing place to do engagement work, but do not forget that even though there is a great new building, you still have to be on campus and meet students where they are at. One of the goals is to make Hillel a place where students truly feel comfortable making a Jewish home away from home while at UF.
The staff structure will be significantly changing, as is the case at many Hillels nationwide. Keith will remain the Executive Director, Taal will be moving up to Assistant Director, and there will be positions for new program associates created, one of which will be filled by Allison Simon. As well, the staff will include a new Israeli fellow and a new JCSC fellow, Sam Pastor. There will also be MANY student interns: social action, JIGLO, Israel/Grinspoon Israel interns, grant writers, and student desk workers
