UR Hillel - FAQ’s

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

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How many Jewish students are there at UR?

We estimate that there are between 900 and 1,000 Jewish undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Rochester.
What kinds of activities/programming does Hillel sponsor?

UR Hillel holds High Holiday services and provides free High Holiday dinners. Throughout the year there are social activities, such as ice skating, tikkun olam/community service programs, Chanukah and Purim celebrations, and much more.
What does Hillel do for Shabbat?

UR Hillel holds weekly,student lead Friday night Shabbat services, both Reform and Conservative. Following services Hillel provides a free, Kosher Shabbat dinner.
Does UR Hillel offer a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip?

Hillel offers a FREE 10 day trip to Israel during winter break for Jewish undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 24 who have not previously been on a peer Israel trip. There are also other opportunities for travel or study in Israel. For information on travel programs, contact Rosa Abrahams (rabrahams@ur.rochester.edu). For study abroad to Israel, contact the Study Abroad office.
How do you communicate with Jewish students on campus?

UR Hillel sends a weekly e-mail newsletter highlighting upcoming Hillel events. To be added to the list, please select the link. We also send out Facebook events, and post news on our Facebook page.
What are the options for Kosher dining on campus?

Kosher Corner, located in Douglass Dining Center is open for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Monday-Thursday, featuring deli sandwiches, sides and hot soup at lunch and hot entrees with sides and hot soup at dinner. There are also numerous vegetarian and vegan options provided through Dining Services. Hillel offers free kosher Friday night Shabbat dinners twice a month, free kosher dinners during the High Holidays, and free kosher seders during Passover. Dining Services works with Hillel to provide meals for Passover lunches and dinners where students can use their meal plans. A variety of kosher items are also available in campus convenience stores.
Is there an alternative break program?

Hillel is participating in City Year Miami in January. Participants do community service projects, work with children in selected schools, and integrate their experiences with Jewish learning.

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Our Staff ∇

Staff

Judy Abelman, Executive Director

jabelman@admin.rochester.edu
(585) 275-5981

Judy is a graduate of Brandeis University and received an MA in education (Student Personnel) from the George Washington University. Prior to serving as Hillel's Executive Director, Judy was the Associate Director of the JCC of Greater Rochester. She also served in the Office of University & Community Affairs, the International Student Office, and Residential Life at the University of Rochester. Judy has been active in the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), serving on the local and state levels, and on the national board as a Vice President. Currently Judy is an Honorary National Vice President.
Jaymie Morton, Program Director

jmorton@ur.rochester.edu
(585) 703-2897

Jaymie is a midwesterner at heart, coming from the Detroit area. She received a BA in communications from Central Michigan Univeristy and has been involved in several Jewish organizations since her teens. Jaymie strives to "Tikkun Olam."
David Reiner, Rabbi

dreiner@admin.rochester.edu
(315) 332-1818

Rabbi David Reiner returns to the University of Rochester after receiving rabbinical ordination/s'micha from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. As an undergraduate at the U of R, Rabbi Reiner completed a "Take Five" project ("Musical Maturation in the African American Cultural Context"), was a founding member of the University's Writing Fellows program, and a Resident Advisor. In the last few years Rabbi Reiner has served congregations around the country, trained as a hospital chaplain, and coordinated a summer internship program for Jewish college students in Washington, DC. When not spending time with students at the University of Rochester, Rabbi Reiner works with Temple Beth-El in nearby Geneva, New York, and enjoys spending time with his wife Ashley and their Puggle, Pancake.
Debbie Stein, Administrative Assistant

dstein1@admin.rochester.edu
(585) 275-8514

Debbie has more than 20 years experience with office administration and customer support from both non-profits and corporations.She has raised two Jewish children to adulthood and welcomes Jewish students to Rochester Area Colleges. It is her pleasure to work with your children during their college years.