Tu B’shvat Seder
2026-02-01 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come join us for Root Systems: a Tu B’shvat Seder. We will explore the roots that connect us all and discuss what it means to show up intentionally in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. There will be an abundance of fruit, snacks, and great discussions. We’d love for you to join us!

Making Micrography!
2026-02-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Micrography is an old Jewish art form that uses biblical and liturgical texts in small font letters to create figurative designs, such as animals, plants, and human beings. Come try your hand at micrography in a beginner-friendly, judgement-free zone, and have fun with your friends in the process!

Tu B'shvat: Pot Decorating & Planting
2026-02-04 11:30 - 13:30 | Campus Center, 44 Professors Row, Medford, 02155
Stop by the Campus Center to celebrate Tu B’shvat! Join us to decorate a pot, plant seeds, snack on foods that grow from the Earth, and learn about the Jewish holiday called the “New Year of the Trees.” Take your plant home to brighten your room and watch it grow all semester long!

Nice Jewish 'Bos: Dating as an NJB
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Growing up, were you ever told you had to marry a Jew? Let’s talk about it this week at our second Nice Jewish ‘Bos (NJB) session. Snacks will be provided.

Introducing NJB: Nice Jewish ‘Bos! This program explores what it means to be a Jewish man in the twenty-first century through conversations, bonding activities, and fun! Over four sessions throughout the semester, will cover topics such as men’s mental health, dating, mitzvot (religious obligations), masculinity, and more.

First Year Retreat
2026-02-07 17:00 - 2026-02-08 15:00 | Prindle Pond, Charlton, Massachusetts, 01507, United States
Calling all first years!! This year’s FROZEN-themed First Year Retreat is coming up soon… applications open Jan 25. Get ready for a fun getaway to meet & build lasting connections with fellow Jewish first-years through games, bonding activities, and more.

The trip leaves the evening of February 7th and returns the afternoon of February 8th (leaving plenty of time to get to your Super Bowl watching parties). We will stay at a retreat centre.

Grab your spot while they last and join us for a weekend of fun & bonding!

Schmüsic Night pt.2
2026-02-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Get ready for Schmüsic Night, Tufts Hillel’s annual night of music and schmoozing. Come hang out, meet new people, and enjoy live performances from talented student musicians!

Read by the River Paint Party
2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Read by the River is an annual youth literacy carnival hosted by Tufts Hillel where local kids come and enjoy reading themed activities.

Help us prepare for this amazing event by painting decorations! This is a super fun way to destress after a long day and hang out with your friends. All artistic abilities are welcome. This year, the carnival is circus themed, so get ready to paint popcorn, elephants, balloons and more!

Queen Esther: Veiled Subversion
2026-02-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Join us for a Megillah text study and Q&A exploring how Queen Esther strategically navigates Persian patriarchal power structures through silence, timing, and subtle influence. Together, we’ll examine how Esther’s actions challenge traditional ideas of power and leadership while ultimately helping to save her people. No prior knowledge of the story is needed — all are welcome!

Shmirat Haguf Spa Night
2026-02-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Shmirat Haguf Spa Night is a space to explore what it means to care for yourself in Judaism while unwinding and relaxing during midterms. Join us for a conversation about the concept of Shmirat Haguf and how it shows up in your life. Snacks and face masks will be provided!

Nice Jewish 'Bos: Stress and Wellness
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
When was your last crash out? What caused it? This week at Nice Jewish ‘Bos, join us for a conversation about stress and wellness. Snacks will be provided.

Nice Jewish ‘Bos (NJB) is a new series at Hillel exploring what it means to be a Jewish man in the 21st century. Join us!

Loss to Reconciliation: Conversations with bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
The Parents Circle – Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of over 800 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation. Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined together to take tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions, comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective.

On February 26th at 7 pm, we will get the chance to hear from Elana Kaminka, a bereaved Israeli mother, and Arab Aramin, a bereaved Palestinian brother. Both will share their stories of loss and personal journeys towards reconciliation, with time for Q&A with audience participation

JQUEST Welcome Event
2026-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
JQUEST is hosting a welcome event to usher in a new space for the Jewish and queer community, bringing cozy vibes and a place where you can be authentically yourself with others to make friends and connect with shared experiences. Open to all Jewish and/or LGBTQ+ students as well as allies!

Niggun Circle
2026-02-28 17:00 - 17:30 | The Bayit, 98 Packard Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144
Join Tufts Hillel for a Niggun Circle, with soulful, wordless Jewish melodies, and gentle harmonies. No singing experience needed, just come as you are! We’ll sit together and sing together before Havdalah!

Torah Completion and Dedication
2026-03-01 11:00 - 14:00
We are honored to invite you to celebrate the completion and dedication of two new Torah scrolls.

RSVP Below

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Table of Contents

Registration and Donation

Please fill in all information for yourself and guests.

Click here to make a gift in honor of this momentous occasion

RSVP’s for this event are now closed

Schedule and Details

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Eaton Hall

· 11:00am Torah completion ceremony with performance by Shir Appeal. The award-winning mixed-gender Jewish a cappella group at Tufts University.

· 12:00pm Procession to Hillel with live music

Granoff Family Hillel Center

· 12:30pm Welcome and Dedication of Torahs

· 1:00pm Festive Lunch

Please join us for this joyful and historic moment as we welcome these new Torahs into our community.

Torah Completion and Dedication Ceremony

A Torah completion and dedication ceremony is a joyful and rare moment in the life of a Jewish community. It marks the creation of a new Torah scroll—a sacred, painstakingly hand-written text—and its formal welcome into communal life. This is a once-in-a-generation occasion that celebrates continuity, devotion, and the enduring chain of Jewish learning and practice.

What is a Torah Scroll?

A Sefer Torah is the handwritten scroll containing the Five Books of Moses. Each scroll is crafted with extraordinary care:

· Handwritten by a trained ritual scribe (Sofer) using a quill and special ink.

· Inscribed on parchment prepared from kosher animal hide.

· Meticulously formed, with every letter written according to precise laws. Any error can invalidate the scroll until corrected.

For a Jewish community, a Torah scroll is not simply a ritual object. It is a symbol of continuity, identity, and sacred obligation, linking past generations to the present and future. To welcome a new Torah is to affirm the life of the community and its commitment to the Jewish future.

What to Expect at the Ceremony

A Torah completion and dedication typically includes four key components:

1. Completing the Scroll

A Sofer writes the final letters of the Torah with community members gathered around. Witnessing the last strokes brings the scroll to life as a fully sanctified Torah. Immediately after completion:

· The finished scroll is raised aloft.

· It is dressed in a beautiful mantle, specially designed for this moment.

2. Dancing the Torah to the Synagogue (Hillel)

The newly completed Torah is carried in a joyful procession beneath a wedding canopy (chuppah), symbolizing its marriage to the community. Accompanied by live music and spirited dancing, participants take turns holding the Torah as it is brought to Hillel.

3. Reception and Blessings

Upon arriving at the synagogue (Hillel), the new Torah is greeted by the community’s existing Torah scrolls. More dancing follows, along with special prayers and blessings. Finally, the new and older Torahs are placed together inside the Ark, symbolizing unity and continuity.

4. Festive Meal

The celebration concludes with a communal meal, filled with joy, gratitude, and the shared uplift of welcoming a new Torah into the community’s life.

This ceremony weaves together tradition, celebration, and deep meaning, honoring the sacred text at the heart of Jewish life and the community that will carry it forward.

Register now

Purim 2026
2026-03-02 18:30 - 2026-03-03 18:30
Celebrate Purim with us at Tufts Hillel!

Schedule:

Purim Night: Monday, March 2nd

6:30pm – Megillah Reading

Come hear the Megillah (Book of Esther) with us!

7:30pm – Purim Masque-RAGER

Come celebrate Purim at Hillel’s Masque-Rager and Variety Show! 🎭✨

Wear your best costumes, enjoy delicious foods and drinks, and watch the Purim variety show featuring performances by the Jackson Jills, sQ!, and Fire-n-Flow, plus our very own Purim spiel featuring the Hillel Student Board Religious Branch!

Purim Day: Tuesday, March 3rd

All Day: Mitzvah Bar!

Stop by our “Mitzvah Bar” to make mishloach manot (Purim food gift bags) to gift to friends!

12:00pm – Megillah Reading

Come hear the Megillah (Book of Esther) with us!

5:30pm – Community Dinner

Enjoy a festive meal with community at our weekly Tuesday night Community Dinner featuring Purim treats!

Purim Masque-Rager
2026-03-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come celebrate Purim at Hillel’s Masque-Rager and Variety Show! 🎭✨

Wear your best costumes, enjoy delicious foods and drinks, and watch the Purim variety show featuring performances by the Jackson Jills, sQ!, and Fire-n-Flow, plus our very own Purim spiel featuring the Hillel Student Board Religious Branch!

Sophomore Bowling
2026-03-05 21:00 - 23:00 | American Flatbread, 45 Day St, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02144, United States
Our sophomore community at Hillel is invited to take on bowling at American Flatbread in Davis Square! We’ll have a fun night of old-fashioned, candlepin bowling with food and drink available for purchase. This event is first-come, first-serve and we have limited space so make sure to sign up with this link ASAP!

Team Israel World Baseball Classic Watch Party
2026-03-10 19:00 - 22:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Calling all baseball fans!! Join us at Hillel to watch Team Israel take on the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

JQUEST: Second Event
2026-03-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, 02155
Come join us at the second JQUEST event of the semester! Hangout, meet new people, and come have fun.

Student Board Elections 2026
2026-03-24 08:00 - 2026-04-16 20:00
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 Eli Fraiman (elijah.fraiman@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 Sunday, April 5th at 12pm ET.

Leadership Interest Office Hours

Tuesday, March 31st @ 5:30pm

Have questions about Hillel’s leadership opportunities? Bring your questions to our office hours, taking place during Community Dinner. All are welcome and representatives from several leadership opportunities will be present to answer questions about their groups and the application process. If you are unable to attend, please email the relevant contacts and set up a time to talk.

Student Board

President and Exec in general (Eli Fraiman): elijah.fraiman@tufts.edu

Spiritual and Religious Life Branch (Sarah Grand): sarah.grand@tufts.edu

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

Operations VP/Treasurer (Eli Zimmerman): eli.zimmerman@tufts.edu

Engagement VP (Samantha Kaplan): samantha.kaplan@tufts.edu

Campus Relations Branch (Lexi Trifon): alexis.trifon@tufts.edu

Community Building Fellows

Senior Fellows

Yael Waxman: yael.waxman@tufts.edu

Samantha Bernstein: samantha.schwartzbard_bernstein@tufts.edu

Shabbat Fellows

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

Media Fellows

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

Hillel Student Board Election Night

Tuesday, April 14th @ 6:30pm

CLICK HERE FOR THE 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.

Late Night Flight
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Join us to learn about dreams in a Jewish context, from the importance of dreams in Jewish history to the ways Judaism interprets dreams. Come with a dream of yours in mind!

Paint & Sip
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
A fun night of mocktails, painting, and community building hosted by the Hillel Jewish Women’s Collective! Drinks and snacks will be provided; bring your friends!

Omanut M'Ahavah GIM
2026-03-27 12:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Interested in learning how to knit and crochet? Want to help out families in need? OMA does both with no prior experience necessary! Join us to create hats and blankets for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tufts Medical Center. Make some friends (and bring some too) while letting yourself mentally escape from schoolwork and life’s stresses. Come as you are to learn all about it – materials will be provided, along with free food! We’d love to have you.

Spring Festivals and Historical Connections (Passover and Easter)
2026-03-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
A discussion about the historical and cultural connections between Easter and Passover!

Gesher GIM
2026-03-30 19:00
Join us for an interest meeting for Gesher, a Tufts Hillel initiative aimed at facilitating dialogue and studying diverse perspectives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through weekly seminars over 8 weeks.

Fill out this form to sign-up for the e-list: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfegncMRYmUNzSY_jqTK-0BUo0_jXBzzOcWMGqwTEVx5CbMKg/viewform?usp=header

Building Bridges GIM
2026-03-31 19:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come learn about Building Bridges, a 2 credit, pass/fail ExCollege class focused on learning and building dialogue skills and talking about American Ethics across faiths.

Apply here for the Fall 2026 Class: https://forms.gle/e2jPedUU71dqvGQN9

Passover at Tufts Hillel
2026-04-01 09:00 - 2026-04-09 20:00
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:

Sign up for all of Passover via SMS! 617 420 7411

We look forward to celebrating together!

Tufts students, faculty and staff, please 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

WHO IS THIS OPEN TO?

Seders and meals are only open to Tufts students, faculty and staff.

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 March 23rd.

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 $50 per person and the cost of other meals is $35 per person. The value of a meal swipe is approximately $20 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 12:00pm, 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.

Seders and meals are only open to Tufts students, faculty and staff. 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 if you sign up by the deadline. 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!

Matzah Pizza Making
2026-04-05 15:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come on over to Hillel to construct/assemble your own matzah pizza!

Intergenerational Passover Luncheon
2026-04-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Make a new friend, share a meal, and connect across generations. The Edith Sulzberg Memorial Intergenerational Program pairs Tufts students with residents of Cabot Park Village for conversation, community, and Jewish celebration.

Join us for an intergenerational Passover luncheon at Tufts Hillel! Contact Lexi (Alexis.Trifon@tufts.edu) by Friday 4/3 to sign up.

Passover Text Study
2026-04-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come join us for a Passover text study! We will deep dive into a text and explore it together.
