Megillah Mania
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Celebrate Purim at Hillel with Megillah Mania! Show up in your best costume to hear the Megillah reading and enjoy hot apps, desserts, and hamentashen! Grab your grogers and head to Hillel!

Mishloach Manot
2025-03-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Happy Purim! Before you leave for Spring Break, head over to Tufts Hillel to pick up some sweet treats for the road! We’re handing out Mishloach Manot, festive gift bags filled with Hamantaschen and other special treats, perfect for a travel-day pick-me-up.

Great Yiddish Baking Show Sign Up
2025-03-23 11:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 | MA
Love baking? Love Judaism? Sign up with your friends to compete in THE baking event of the year: The Great Yiddish Baking Show 2025!

SIGN UP!

Student Board Elections
2025-03-24 08:00 - 2025-04-17 17:00 | MA
Hillel Student Board elections are just around the corner! Check out the timeline below if you’re interested in running for a position and please reach out to Eva Sheedy (Eva.Sheedy@tufts.edu) if you have any questions!

Intent-to-run

CLICK HERE FOR INTENT TO RUN FORM

Interested in taking on a leadership role next school year? Are you thinking about running for Hillel Student Board? Consider filling out the intent-to-run form! If you are planning to run for a position on the Tufts Hillel Student Board, you must fill out the Intent-to-Run form by 4/6 at 11am EST.

Hillel Leadership Interest Dinner

Thursday, April 1st @ 6:30pm

Come learn about all the ways to get involved at Hillel next school year and find the best fit for you! All are welcome and representatives from several leadership opportunities will be present to answer questions about their groups and the application process.

Student Board

President and Exec in general (Eva Sheedy): eva.sheedy@tufts.edu

Spiritual and Religious Life Branch (Liana Smolover-Bord): liana.smolover_bord@tufts.edu

Community Branch (Jordana Raich): jordana.raich@tufts.edu

Operations VP/Treasurer (Hannah Friedman): hannah.friedman@tufts.edu

Engagement VP (Elijah Fraiman): elijah.fraiman@tufts.edu

Campus Relations Branch (Sydney Cohen): sydney.cohen@tufts.edu

Community Building Fellows

Senior Fellows

Carter Wagner: carter.wagner@tufts.edu

Emilia Nathan: emilia.nathan@tufts.edu

Owen Thomas: owen.thomas@tufts.edu

Shabbat Fellows

To learn more about getting involved with Shabbat Fellows, please contact Katie Hamelburg kate.hamelburg@tufts.edu

Digital Media Fellows

For questions regarding becoming a digital media fellow, please contact Ilan Persing ilan.persing@tufts.edu

Hillel Student Board Election Night

Tuesday, April 15th @ 6:30pm

CLICK HERE FOR VOTING FORM

Come cast your vote! All candidates will deliver their speeches, which will be available for viewing/reading in case you can’t make it. The voting form will go live as soon as speeches wrap up and remain open for 24 hours. The voting form will have a link to recorded speeches and written speeches (depending on position). Election results will be shared a few days after.

Great Yiddish Baking Show
2025-03-31 11:00 - 17:00 | MA
Join us for the Great Yiddish Baking Show! Work with your group to create a list of ingredients for your cake, making sure to include at least one traditional Jewish ingredient or flavor in your recipe. We can’t wait to see you there and taste your delicious creations!

Schedule:

11:00 – 12:00pm: Team A will bake

12:00 – 1:00pm: Team B will bake

1:00 – 2:00pm: Team C will bake

3:30 – 4:30pm All teams will decorate

4:30 – 5:00pm: Judging

Everyone is welcome for the judging portion and no sign-ups are necessary! We look forward to seeing you all there and tasting some great desserts!!

Rosh Chodesh Vision Board & Text Study Night
2025-04-02 18:30 - 19:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Step into the new month with intention and creativity! Explore thought-provoking Jewish texts, reflect on fresh beginnings, and create your own vision board to set meaningful goals for the weeks ahead. We’ll provide the supplies (and snacks)!

Hillel Formal
2025-04-03 20:00 - 23:00 | 51 Winthrop, 51 Winthrop St, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
Dance the night away at Tufts Hillel’s annual formal! Expect a live DJ, delicious food, and amazing company. This is sure to be the party of the semester, so make sure to RSVP here so you don’t miss out on the fun! We can’t wait to see you at 51 Winthrop!!

Mincha, Dinner, and Havdalah
2025-04-05 17:30 - 20:30 | MA
Celebrate the close of Shabbat with Tufts Hillel! The evening will feature Mincha (afternoon prayers) at 5:30 PM, followed by a delicious dinner, singing, and fun board games. We’ll conclude with the Havdalah ceremony at 8:00 PM. We’d love to see you there!

The evening’s schedule:

5:30pm Mincha

6:15pm Dinner

7:15pm Singing and Board Games

8:00pm Havdalah

Butcherie Carpool
2025-04-06 15:00 - 18:00 | MA
Looking to stock up on kosher Passover snacks from the Butcherie? We’re organizing a carpool — join us by signing up HERE!

In Conversation with David Makovsky: A Dive into Recent Developments in Israel and the Region
2025-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
We are thrilled to welcome David Makovsky for an engaging evening of discussion and insight, followed by a dinner reception.

David Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations. He is also an adjunct professor in Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and president of the board for the National Library of Israel’s U.S. affiliate (NLI-USA). In 2013-2014, he worked in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of State, serving as a senior advisor to the Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations. He is the author of three books, two co-authored with Ambassador Dennis Ross, and host of the Decision Points podcast, which examines Israeli history and U.S.-Israel relations.

Shabbat Uncovered!
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Shabbat Uncovered is a evening filled with delicious food and meaningful connection. As we enjoy pita, hummus, and falafel, we’ll explore the prayers of Friday Night Reform Shabbat Services, peeling back their layers to uncover their history, traditions, and personal significance. Whether you come for the falafel, the wisdom, or the company, this is a space to ask questions, share ideas, and experience Shabbat in a new way.

Hametz Hunt
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
Passover is coming, so it’s time to hunt for Hametz! Come to Tufts Hillel for a scavenger hunt, as we find all the Hametz (bread) products around the building! See you there!

Passover at Tufts Hillel
2025-04-11 19:00 - 2025-04-20 20:16 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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 | MA
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!
