To our GW Hillel community-

We are deeply pained to watch the news reports out of Israel.  

This time of year often feels like a rollercoaster ride - we mark new hope for Rosh Hashanah, reflect on shortcomings on Yom Kippur, recognize the fragility of it all in our unsteady sukkahs, & on Simchat Torah we both completed our reading of the Torah and promptly began again.  We sit as a people with highs and lows, with a deep pride in what it means to be a Jew and with a sense that our place in the world can often feel uncertain.  The last several days have been a painful reminder of that.

We realize that our Jewish world is small, that siblings and parents and cousins and old friends are now in danger, and that loved ones have already been lost.  It is a reminder to all of us to stay connected - to spend less time scrolling online, and more time recommitting to meaningful conversations and offers of support.

In this spirit, we wanted to share a few updates and opportunities for the days to come:

• A reminder that the Hillel building is always open and that staff will be present, as they always are, with open ears and offers of support.

• Our mental health externs are here to support our student community.  Complete the intake form to schedule a time.

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We send our love to all and pray for peaceful days to come.

The GW Hillel Staff, GW Hillel Board, and The Jewish Student Association