Tufts Hillel

Passover at Tufts Hillel
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-20 20:16 (America/New_York)
Sign up for all of Passover via SMS! 617 420 7411

We look forward to celebrating together!

Join Tufts Hillel for all or part of our Passover programming, including Seders, meals, and events. Everything you need to know is below.

Passover Schedule and Sign up:

Seders

We would love to have you join us for Tufts Hillel’s Passover seders! Tufts Hillel will offer first and second night Seders, both hosted at our building. Together we will retell the story of Passover, spend time together as a community and find fresh relevance in Passover for our daily lives. You can expect great food, connection with students from throughout Tufts, and a meaningful evening!

Please sign up using the keywords above via SMS:

Daily Passover Meals

At Tufts Hillel, all in one place:

In partnership with Tufts Dining and local kosher caterers, you can have all of your on-campus Kosher for Passover meal options at Tufts Hillel.

Text any of the keywords in the schedule above to 617-420-7411 to sign up for Passover meals.

Passover FAQ

How do I sign up?

Text any of the keywords in the schedule above to 617-420-7411 to sign up for Passover meals.

So that we can order the appropriate amount of food to accommodate everyone while avoiding food waste, we ask that you please sign up for all meals by April 4th.

Where will Seders and meals be located?

Every meal will be at Tufts Hillel!

Do Seders and meals cost money?

We accept Tufts dining meal swipes – there is no additional cost to students.

If you are on a meal plan, we ask that you use a meal swipe for your meal(s) if possible, so that we can subsidize meals for you and for those without meal plans (simply sign up!).

If you are not on a meal plan, or do not have enough meal swipes, Hillel will cover the costs of your Seders and meals (simply sign up!).

Transparent meal pricing: We’ve got you!

The cost to Tufts Hillel for Seders is over $45 per person and the cost of other meals is $30 per person. The value of a meal swipe is approximately $18 per meal. Tufts Hillel pays the cost difference.

Can I take my (non-Seder) meals to-go?

Yes! To-go containers are available throughout Passover on weekdays. We’ve done our best to work around the class time blocks. For example, lunch starts at 11:45, so if you need to stop by in between your 10:30-11:45 and 12:00-1:15 classes, you will be able to. You will need to sign up in advance via SMS.

Can I pick up a to-go meal for a friend?

Yes! As long as your friend is registered for their meal(s) in advance via SMS. You must also be able to let the check-in desk know if they are using a meal swipe for the meal you’re picking up.

What if I’m planning my own Seder?

We’ve got you! Sign up for a premade Seder Plate via SMS (see graphic above).

What if I missed the deadline to sign up!?

Walk-ins:

If you sign up in advance via SMS your meal is guaranteed.

If you missed the deadline to sign up and would like to join us, please come early and we will do our best to accommodate you depending on availability.

We look forward to welcoming you!

What about special dietary needs?

We do our best to accommodate all allergies and dietary preferences. All food is dairy free and nut free. Gluten free matzah will be available.

If you have questions about Passover, including allergen and dietary information, please contact Marilyn Goldman at marilyn.goldman@tufts.edu.

Sign up for passover!

Hi! Signing up is easy, and may take a few minutes (not as long as a Seder 😉). We promise it will be worth it for all the good food, free meals. Entering all the information will enable us to give you the best possible experience. We are looking forward to welcoming you!

Please sign up via SMS using the keywords in the graphic above!

Freedom Isn’t Easy
2025-04-14 12:30 - 13:30
Freedom Isn’t Easy: Growing Up and Getting Free in the Book of Exodus

Passover is about leaving Egypt—but it’s also about people growing and changing along the way. In this lunch and learn, during Passover lunch at Hillel, we’ll look at Moses and others in the Exodus story and ask: What does freedom really mean? What gets in the way? And how does this ancient story speak to our own lives today?

Seder Plate Exploration and Tasting
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
Have you ever wondered about the symbolism of the different items on the seder plate? Do you just love horseradish? Hillel will be hosting a lunch to explore the symbolism of the seder plate. We hope to enlighten your tastebuds!

Matzah & Meaning
2025-04-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
The Jewish Womxn’s Collective (JWC) is excited to host a panel with Rabbi Leah Nessbaum and Katie Hamelburg to engage in a discussion about uplifting the voices and experiences of minority genders in Jewish spaces.

Matzah Pizza Making
2025-04-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Passover isn’t complete without matzah pizza! Come cook up this delicious holiday classic and celebrate with us.

Afikoman Adventure
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00
Compete against other students in this campus-wide Afikoman search! To win, you must decode and follow clues to reach the final hiding place of the Afikoman. Do you have what it takes?.

The Torah of Leadership: Torah Study with Rabbi Elie Lehmann
2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
We are excited to welcome Rabbi Elie Lehmann to Tufts for a thought-provoking evening. After community dinner, Rabbi Lehmann will guide us through “The Torah of Leadership: Balancing Healthy Doses of Humility, Arrogance, and Self-Confidence in Our Lives.”

Together, we’ll explore Jewish texts and reflect on what it means to lead with integrity—to hold space for both humility and strength. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in deep conversation and learn with a visiting teacher and leader.

October 8 Film Screening
2025-04-23 19:30 - 21:30
The Gesher Fellowship will be screening Wendy Sachs’ 2025 film “October H8te.” The film portrays the emergence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, in social media, and on the streets since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7. The screening will be followed by a group discussion. Snacks are provided!

Snacks provided.

Yom HaShoah
2025-04-24 18:00 - 18:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Tufts Hillel is hosting a ceremony in honor of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will share individual stories, commemorate, and be together as a community.

If you are interested in participating in our Yom Hashoah ceremony, please contact Katie Hamelburg at katie.hamelburg@tufts.edu.

JQUEST Movie Night
2025-04-24 19:00 - 21:00
JQUEST is excited to host a cozy movie night! All our welcome to enjoy the many delicious snacks and relax for the evening.

Bagels and Bouncy House
2025-04-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Freshman Residential Quad, The field between Miller and Houston
What better way to celebrate the end of the semester than by eating bagels and jumping on a bouncy house?

We hope to see you on Res Quad!

Yom Hazikaron
2025-04-29 19:30 - 20:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Tufts Hillel is excited to celebrate Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day. We will come together with a short service and ceremony to acknowledge and commemorate this day as a community.

If you are interested in participating in our Yom Hazikaron ceremony, please contact Katie Hamelburg at katie.hamelburg@tufts.edu

Yom Haatzmaut BBQ
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00
Join Tufts Hillel to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day! There will be a barbeque lunch, music, and treats to celebrate the holiday. We look forward to seeing you there!

Graduation Weekend and Shabbat!
2025-05-16 17:15 - 2025-05-18 14:00
Join us for all or part of our graduation weekend, meals, programs, and events. Everything you need to know is below.

You can expect great food, connection with your community, and time to connect with and say farewell to your fellow seniors, families, and staff.

Graduation Weekend 2025 Schedule

Friday, May 16th

5:15 – 6:00 pm: Hillel Open House Reception(Granoff Family Hillel Center, 220 Packard Ave)

6:00 pm: Hillel Student-led Services*Reform and Conservative services(Granoff Family Hillel Center, 220 Packard Ave)

7:00 pm: Shabbat Dinner*Advance registration required-SIGN UP BELOW!(Granoff Family Hillel Center, 220 Packard Ave)

Saturday, May 17th

12:00 pm: Shabbat Buffet Lunch*Advance registration strongly suggested.(Granoff Family Hillel Center, 220 Packard Ave)

Shabbat Dinner Pricing:

Graduating Seniors ticket: Free of charge

Individual Dinner Ticket: $25 per person with a ($100 per family maximum*).

Family Dinner Ticket– 4 or more people: $100 (Please limit to immediate family (e.g. parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents).

*Please note that the cost to Hillel for Graduation Shabbat dinner is over $40 per person.

Please consider a voluntary donation of $18, $36, or $72 to cover the cost for those who cannot pay full price.

Please email Marilyn.goldman@tufts.edu with any questions

Tickets

First Year Hub
2025-08-01 00:00 - 2025-09-21 23:59
Welcome to our First Year Hub!

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, Hillel resources, and more information that we think will make your transition to Tufts a little easier.

FAQ

How do I RSVP for Shabbat meals?

You can RSVP for Shabbat meals by texting the keywords below to 617-420-7411.

Text “DINNER” for Friday night Shabbat Dinner.

Text “LUNCH” for Saturday afternoon Shabbat lunch.

Our first Shabbat dinner of the school year, First Year Shabbat, will be on Friday, August 29th (once all first years have arrived on campus).

I’m moving in early for Pre-Orientation. How do I get a Shabbat Kit?

Hillel will be giving out free Shabbat Kits to those moving in early on Friday, August 22nd. Shabbat Kits will include challah, grape juice, and dorm-friendly candles.

You can pick yours up during our Open House from 12-2pm.

How do I join the Tufts Hillel Class of 2029 WhatsApp?

Click here to request to join the Tufts Hillel 2029 WhatsApp!

Jewish Life Resources

As you’re getting settled at Tufts, we have several opportunities for religious experiences here on campus. Check out our offerings below or contact Katie Hamelburg, our Senior Jewish Educator, at kate.hamelburg@tufts.edu for more information!

Ritual Items

Mezuzas: We have mezuzas for you to borrow for the year, if you would like to put one up in your dorm or apartment! We can help you put it up, if you would like.

Siddurs: If you would like your own siddur (prayer book), we have personal siddurs for you to take with you! We have Reform, Conservative, Orthodox (Ashkenaz), and Orthodox (Sephard) personal/travel siddurs.

Tefillin: If you would like to wear or practice trying tefillin, we have spare tefillin for you to borrow!

For a Mezuza, Siddur, or Tefillin, please fill out this form, come to the Hillel building at 220 Packard Ave, or contact Katie at kate.hamelburg@tufts.edu.

Shabbat & Holidays

We have regular programming for Shabbat and Holidays, ranging from meals, traditional services (Reform and Conservative), alternative programming, and more.

Friday Nights:

We have Conservative and Reform services each Friday, held at the Hillel building (220 Packard Ave). For any updates to timing or location, please visit the Hillel calendar at tuftshillel.org.

We have weekly Shabbat Dinners held at Tufts Hillel. All information about the weekly Shabbat Dinner will be posted at tuftshillel.org.

Saturday Mornings:

We have Conservative Shabbat Morning services held regularly throughout the semester. All dates and times will be posted on the Tufts Hillel calendar at tuftshillel.org.

We have weekly Shabbat Lunches at Tufts Hillel, on Saturdays at 12:00pm.

Get Coffee with Katie

Looking for more information about Jewish Life on campus? Questions about any of these offerings, or don’t see something that you’re looking for on campus? Looking to meet a Hillel Staff Member? Katie would love to take you for coffee! To grab coffee with Katie, please visit her Calendly link here.

Opportunities

Looking for an on-campus volunteer opportunity? Tufts Hillel is looking for volunteers!

Opportunity 1: Volunteer to tutor for HCAP’s afterschool program! HCAP (Hillel Community Action Partners) has partnered with a local middle school to bring students to our building for Art, STEM, and homework help on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.

Opportunity 2: Volunteer to be an ESL tutor! Our ESL program, Hillel/McGlynn/Medford Cultural Partnership (HMMCP), works to provide English classes to McGlynn Middle School parents and Medford community members who are English language learners. More broadly, we aim to deepen connections between the Tufts and Medford communities.

Interested in these opportunities? Stop by the Hillel Open House (on 8/22 and 8/27) or Hillel GIM (on TBA) to speak with the leaders of these programs. Interest form links coming soon.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Email our Student Life Coordinator at Natalie.Lopez@tufts.edu

Open House & Kosher Lunch
2025-08-22 12:00 - 14:00
Stop by our building to meet our staff and student leaders, enjoy kosher lunch, pick up your Shabbat kit, and learn more about what Tufts Hillel has to offer! Open House is the great time for students and their families to learn more about our fun events, resources for first years, and ways to get involved in our vibrant Jewish community. Shabbat kits will include challah, grape juice, and dorm-friendly candles.

To RSVP for our Open House lunch, fill out this form.

Open House & Kosher Lunch
2025-08-27 11:30 - 15:30 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Stop by our building to meet our staff and student leaders, enjoy kosher lunch and drinks, and learn more about what Tufts Hillel has to offer! Open House is the great time for students and their families to learn more about our fun events, resources for first years, and ways to get involved in our vibrant Jewish community. Whether you already stopped by on Friday or if it’s your first day on campus, come hang out with your HFELs (Hillel First Year Engagement Leaders) who are excited to meet you and welcome you to campus!

Open House from 11:30am – 3:30pm; lunch served from 12-2pm. To RSVP for lunch, fill out this form.

Late Night Chill
2025-08-28 22:30 - 23:30 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Come as you are (comfy clothes encouraged!) and join us at Hillel for some yummy snacks and great company as we relax after a long orientation day! All are welcome – come meet your Class of 2029 peers and hang!

First Year Shabbat
2025-08-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Experience Shabbat with Tufts Hillel, as we come together for an evening of Shabbat celebrations! Come to as many or few of the parts of the evening as you would like – we can’t wait to see you there and to welcome you to your first Shabbat with us. Students of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Due to weather please note change of locations:

New locations will be as follows:

5:30pm: Pre-Shabbat food & music in upstairs lounge

6:00pm: Candlelighting then services

Reform in upstairs chapel

Conservative in downstairs chapel

7:00pm: Shabbat Dinner in the dining room

After dinner, dessert & board games in upstairs lounge

Students participating in Shabbat at Hillel will be excused from the CARE Program, and will be sent follow up information directly from CARE. Please register for Shabbat dinner by texting “DINNER” to 617-420–7411 by Friday, August 29 at 11am and please bring your Tufts ID. Registration for Shabbat Dinner is highly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. We can’t wait to see you there!

We will begin with a “Pre-Neg” (music, appetizers, and shmoozing) on Tisch Roof from 5:30 – 6:00pm, followed by Conservative Services (on Tisch Roof) and Reform Services (in the Hillel Garden) from 6:00 – 7:00pm. Shabbat Dinner will be at Hillel from 7:00 – 8:00pm, followed by dessert and board games! All food will be kosher, with allergy friendly options.

5:30pm: Pre-Shabbat Food and Music on Tisch Roof

6:00pm: Services

Conservative Services on Tisch Roof

Reform Services at Garden outside of Hillel (we will walk from Tisch roof together)

7:00pm: Shabbat Dinner at Hillel

After dinner: Dessert and Board Games in Hillel Lounge

Shabbat Services, Lunch, and Relax
2025-08-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Join us for Shabbat morning as we continue Shabbat celebrations at Tufts Hillel! We will have a variety of options for however you are looking to spend your Shabbat morning on campus. We will start the morning with traditional Conservative morning services, as well as a service alternative, at 10:00 am. Shabbat lunch will start at 12:00pm – everyone is invited, regardless of if you come for services!

Please register for lunch by texting “LUNCH” to 617-420-7411 by Friday, August 29 at 11am. Registration for lunch is highly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome – please bring your Tufts ID. All food will be kosher, with allergy-friendly options available!

Havdalah and JP Licks
2025-08-30 21:00 - 23:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Come celebrate the end of Shabbat with the symbolic ritual of Havdalah, then head over to J.P. Licks in Davis Square for ice cream. It’s on us! Meet at Hillel.

Bagel Brunch
2025-08-31 11:00 - 13:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Join us for the tastiest, bagel-iest, can’t-miss event of the semester. Tufts Hillel presents our annual Bagel Brunch with performances by all campus a capella groups! All are welcome to come grab a bagel (plain, everything, or whatever you like) and join us for this iconic orientation event!

Back to School Bingo
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Kick of the semester with Hillel Bingo! This will be a great time reconnect with friends, meet new people, and compete for exciting prizes.

Talmud Chaburah
2025-09-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Want to take sharpen your Talmud skills? Join a weekly, text-based study group where you’ll work through the Hebrew/Aramaic of the Gemara together, sharpening both reading skills and analytical thinking. Guided by Rabbi Brawer, this chaburah offers a collaborative space for deep learning and thoughtful discussion.

Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable reading Talmud in the original Hebrew/Aramaic.

BBQ Shabbat
2025-09-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
We’re so excited to kick off the school year with Shabbat at Tufts Hillel! Join us for a special BBQ Shabbat to kick off the school year in style. We can’t wait to celebrate Shabbat with you.

Schedule for the night:– 5:30pm BBQ Dinner– 6:30pm Services– 7pm Oneg: Dessert and Board Games

Join us for the whole night or drop in as short or long as you would like. We can’t wait to see you Friday!

Get the Scoop - Hillel GIM
2025-09-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Do you like ice cream? Want to learn all about the amazing programming going on at Hillel this semester? What social justice initiatives is Hillel running this semester?

Answers to all of your questions and more at the GIM this Sunday!

HCAP and ESL General Interest Meeting
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come learn more about two of Hillel’s amazing volunteering opportunities!

Our ESL program, Hillel/McGlynn/Medford Cultural Partnership (HMMCP), works to provide English classes to McGlynn Middle School parents and Medford community members who are English language learners.

HCAP (Hillel Community Action Partners) is an initiative that works to provide after school arts, engineering, and homework help programs to local middle schoolers.

Elul Journals: Preparing for the New Year
2025-09-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Join us for a creative and meaningful way to step into the High Holidays! In the spirit of Elul, the month of reflection and preparation, we’ll decorate and personalize journals to use for introspection, goal-setting, or capturing your thoughts throughout the year ahead. No experience needed, just come ready to reflect, create, and prepare your heart and mind for Rosh Hashanah. Light snacks provided!

Challah for Hunger
2025-09-11 15:00 - 21:00 | Tufts Hillel-Downstairs Chapel, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Challah for Hunger is a student group committed to giving back through the tradition of baking challah. Each week, we bake and sell delicious flavors like Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Sugar, Everything Bagel, Sweet Crumb, and Plain. All proceeds support Family Table, one of the largest Jewish food banks in Greater Boston, helping provide meals to families in need.

This semester, our bakes are on 9/11, 9/25, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 12/4.

You can join us for…

Dough Making 3-4PM

Braiding 5-6PM

Baking 7-9PM

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gwh5K3jQw-jW_pK81vj7gW6oQ3AWssRpN6g8sXFJ3ew/edit?usp=sharing

Community Shabbat
2025-09-12 17:00 - 2025-09-13 21:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Friday Night:

Join us this Friday at 5pm for a pre-Shabbat gathering, with coloring books, beads, and friendship bracelets to meet people and kick off the evening together. Candle lighting and services will be at 6pm, followed by dinner at 7pm and dessert at 8pm.

Saturday:

Join Tufts Hillel as we close out Shabbat together this Saturday, September 13! We will have bagel lunch at 12-1, mincha (afternoon) services at 5:30, followed by Seudat Shlishit (light dinner), singing, and Havdalah, followed by Slichot – a song-filled service leading into the High Holiday season. Feel free to join for any or all parts of the afternoon/evening – looking forward to seeing you there!

Schedule for the evening:

12:00 PM Lunch

6:30 PM Mincha

7:00 PM Light Dinner, Singing, and Board Games

7:40 PM Havdalah

8:00 PM Slichot
