Did you know that at some universities Hillel offers a special freshmen orientation program for incoming Jewish students? This can be a great way to move in early and meet new friends before the semester begins! While things may look different this year because of Covid, check out a few examples of FreshFest programs planned for 2021:

• Northeastern University
• Syracuse University 
• University of Southern California 
• University of Miami

"Letter Protests Starting Fall Classes During Rosh Hashanah (Inside HigherEd) - "Jewish leaders wrote to the University of Wisconsin system leadership asking the system to direct six UW campuses that plan to commence their fall semesters during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah to move their start dates."

When their season was cancelled by COVID, these college athletes found faith off the field (The Forward) - "Into that void entered a campus rabbi [at Emory University] who recruited athletes to an online educational program as a way to pass the time during quarantine."

The upside of a pandemic gap year (Washington Jewish Week) - "Rather than being disheartened by a year of differences and some angst, many students from the Washington area who spent a gap year or gap semester in Israel are energized and enthusiastic, especially after reveling in the post-Passover period, when most Israeli restrictions were lifted — many weeks ahead of the United States."

Portland Bagel Shop and Jewish Deli Coming to the College Area (Eater San Diego) - "Hailing originally from Portland, Jewish deli Ben & Esther’s, is expanding south to San Diego, starting in the College East neighborhood." 

Harvard Police Investigating Vandalism of Jewish Center After Window Smashed, Palestinian Flag Zip-Tied to Door (The Algemeiner) - "Rabbi Jonah C. Steinberg of Harvard Hillel confirmed on Tuesday that Harvard University Police Department were investigating two acts of vandalism targeting the Jewish group’s Reisman Center in the Rosovsky Hall campus building."

Young Zionist Jews say they’re fighting antisemitism on social media. What are they accomplishing? (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) - "But after weeks of fighting over Israel and Judaism on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, those activists, and others who observe them, are asking whether the effort of combating antisemitism online, in real time, is winnable or worthwhile."