First Year Hub
2024-08-01 00:00 - 2024-09-30 23:59 (America/New_York)
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 30th (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 23rd. Shabbat Kits will include challah, grape juice, and dorm-friendly candles.

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

Text “KIT” to 617-420-7411 to sign up for yours!

How do I join the Tufts Hillel Class of 2028 groupme?

You can join the Tufts Hillel Class of 2028 groupme using this link.

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 Curator of Religious Experience, 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, and provide 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 job? Tufts Hillel is hiring front desk workers!

Qualifications:

Organizational skills

Communications + interpersonal skills

Familiarity w/ Microsoft Office and Databases

Benefits:

Paid position and/or work study

Flexible schedule: shifts available 9am-10pm, weekdays and weekends

If interested email Marilyn.Goldman@tufts.edu ASAP

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

Option 2: Volunteer to be an ESL tutor! (more details to come)

Interested in these opportunities? Stop by the Hillel Open House (on 8/23 and 8/28) 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

Community Dinner
2024-09-24 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-10-01 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-10-08 17:30 - 18:30, 2024-10-15 17:30 - 18:30
Find community, make connections with your peers, and eat dinner at Hillel. Join us for a kosher meat dinner with a vegetarian option.

Food. People. Comfort.

For the most up to date info please see our social media

instagram.com/tuftshillel

facebook.com/tuftshillel

Hillel Board Info Session
2024-09-24 18:00 - 18:30
Interested in planning events and building Jewish community at Tufts?

Hillel’s student board is releasing applications for you to get involved as a Conservative / Reform Minyan Co-Chair or First-Year Rep. Come join us at our information session to learn about these opportunities!

Applications will open after the info session. Can’t wait to see you there!

Challah For Hunger
2024-09-26 15:00 - 21:00
Challah for Hunger is a group dedicated to doing Tzedakah (charity) through baking and selling Challahs! The current flavors are Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Sugar, Everything Bagel, and Plain. 100% of the proceeds go to Family Table, one of the largest Jewish Food banks in the Greater Boston Area.

Dough 3-4PM

Braiding 5-6PM

Baking 7-9PM

Join us to bake, make new friends, and make a difference.

Sign Up!

Weekly Talmud Chaburah with Rabbi Brawer
2024-09-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, United States
Join Rabbi Brawer Friday mornings for Talmud study. This opportunity is for those who have studied Talmud previously and want to develop their Talmud study skills. We will be studying select passages of Agadah.
Coffee & Cake served!
For more information contact Naftali, Naftali.Brawer@tufts.edu

Challah for Hunger – Challah Sale
2024-09-27 10:00 - 13:00
Are you hungry? If so, stop by the Campus center to buy delicious Challahs! The current flavors are Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Sugar, Everything Bagel, and Plain. 100% of the proceeds go to Family Table, one of the largest Jewish Food banks in the Greater Boston Area.

Shabbat with David
2024-09-27 18:00 - 20:30
Services and Dinner

The High Holidays are around the corner, so as we’re getting ready: join us for a special Shabbat with David Elizer, a visiting Reform Rabbinical Student! Before leading Reform High Holiday services next week at Tufts, David will be joining our community for the weekend. Come get to know David at services, chat with him at dinner, or attend his Oneg on Friday night. He’ll also be leading a lunch and learn on Saturday. We can’t wait to see you there!

To help us accommodate you for dinner please sign up by Wednesday at 10:00am via sms/text: Text HILLEL TO 617 420 7411

Shabbat dinner is provided compliments of Hillel. If you are on an unlimited meal plan, or have the resources to do so, please allow us to subsidize your meal by using a meal swipe.

Schedule

6:00pm Candle Lighting & Services

7:00pm Kosher Dinner Vegetarian and meat options

Shabbat Lunch & Learn with David
2024-09-28 12:00 - 13:30
Join Tufts Hillel on Saturday for Shabbat lunch & learn!

Join us this weekend as David Elizer, a visiting Reform Rabbinical Student, will be leading a lunch and learn on Saturday. We can’t wait to see you there! No need to pre-register – show up! All are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Ravdalah
2024-09-28 19:30 - 20:30
Ravdalah is a time for our Reform Jewish community to do Havdalah, eat desserts, hang out, and bond! Open to all who want to come!

First Year Bagel Picnic
2024-09-29 12:30 - 14:00
Are you a first-year still craving the vibes of orientation and our delicious bagel brunch? Don’t miss out—join us for a fun-filled bagel picnic! Can’t wait to see you all there!

High Holidays at Tufts Hillel 2024
2024-10-02 17:45 - 2024-10-12 20:00
We look forward to welcoming you!

Join us for all or part of High Holidays, meals, and events. Everything you need to know is below.

High Holiday Services

1. Traditional/Egalitarian services.

This service will use the machzor (prayer book) “Lev Shalem” and will include:

Traditional Hebrew liturgy combined with English readings and explanations

Guided meditations

Communal singing

2. Reform services will include:

Familiar Reform Liturgy with Kavanah ( Intention )

Integrated Poetry/Creative Readings

Communal Singing

Musical instrumentation

High Holiday Meals

Yes, it’s true you can eat delicious kosher food throughout the High Holidays.

You are invited to Tufts Hillel’s High Holidays Meals. You can expect great food, connection with your community, and spiritual renewal!

Transparent Meal Pricing:

The real cost of a meal to Tufts Hillel per person is over $40.00. This year Hillel will cover 100% cost of all High Holiday meals for students. Any non-Tufts students should contact Marilyn Goldman at marilyn.goldman@tufts.edu to make arrangements to pay for their meals.

Please consider a voluntary donation of $18, $36, $72, $100 to cover the cost of these meals. You can donate below.

In order for Hillel to be reimbursed by Dining you must give us your student ID# on the registration form and permission to charge your meal plan. Please remember that all 1st year students have unlimited meal swipes and therefore can choose this option.

Registration

So that we can order the appropriate amount of food to accommodate everyone while avoiding food waste, we ask that you sign up for ALL Rosh Hashanah meals by 9/16 and for Yom Kippur meals by 9/27.

This year, we’re streamlining sign-ups with our new Bot system. Each meal and service will have its own unique code.

To register, text the meal or service’s code to 617 420 7411.

Walk-ins:

If you sign up in advance your meal is guaranteed; there is no guaranteed availability for walk-ins although we will do our best to accommodate.

If you missed the deadline to sign up and would like to join us please email marilyn.goldman@tufts.edu and we will do our best to accommodate you depending on availability.

Full Schedule

10/2/24

Erev Rosh Hashanah

5:45 PM Erev Rosh Hashanah Reform Services, Breed Hall

6:00 PM Erev Rosh Hashanah Conservative Services, Hillel Downstairs Chapel

7:00 PM Dinner Hillel-Dining Room

10/3/24

1st Day Rosh Hashanah

10:30am-1pm 1st Day Rosh Hashanah Reform Services, Breed Hall

10am-1pm 1st Day Rosh Hashanah Conservative Services, Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

1:15-2:00pm Lunch, Hillel-Dining Room

10/3/24

2nd Night Rosh Hashanah

6:30 PM 2nd Night Rosh Hashanah Conservative Services, Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

7:00 PM Dinner, Hillel-Dining Room

10/4/24

2nd Day Rosh Hashanah

10am-1pm 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Conservative Services, Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

1:15-2:00pm 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Lunch, Hillel-Dining Room

10/11/24

Erev Yom Kippur

5:00-5:45pm Erev Yom Kippur Pre-fast Meal, Hillel-Upstairs Lobby

6:00-8:00pm Erev Yom Kippur Reform Services, Breed Hall

6:00-8:00pm Erev Yom Kippur Conservative Services, Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

10/12/24

Yom Kippur Morning

10am-12:30pm Yom Kippur Morning Reform Services, Breed Hall

10am-2:30pm Yom Kippur Morning Conservative Services, Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

Yom Kippur Evening

5:30-6:48pm Yom Kippur Evening Reform Services, Breed Hall

5:00-6:48pm Yom Kippur Evening Conservative Services-Mincha/Neilah,

Hillel-Downstairs Chapel

7:00-8:00pm Break Fast Meal, Hillel-Dining Room

Tashlich
2024-10-03 14:30 - 16:30
Shana Tova, happy new year!

Join Tufts Hillel for a Taslich ceremony, in celebration of Rosh Hashana. We’ll be walking over to a river to “cast away sins,” reflect on the year ahead, and connect with other students at Tufts.

We’ll be meeting at Tufts Hillel at 2:30 and walking to the river together. We can’t wait to see you!

BYOB Shabbat: Bring Your Own Blanket, Bring Your Own Buddy
2024-10-04 18:00 - 20:30
Services and Dinner

We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah! Feeling worn out from dressing up for services? Need some time to catch up on homework and relax? Join Tufts Hillel for BYOB Shabbat: Bring Your Own Blanket and Bring Your Own Buddy! Come in your comfiest clothes, enjoy a free dinner with friends, and unwind with a good book or a board game. It’ll be a cozy evening to recharge together. Everyone’s welcome—bring your roommates, buddies, suitemates, or anyone who would enjoy this chill fall night!

To help us accommodate you for dinner please sign up by Wednesday at 10:00am via sms/text: Text HILLEL TO 617 420 7411

Shabbat dinner is provided compliments of Hillel. If you are on an unlimited meal plan, or have the resources to do so, please allow us to subsidize your meal by using a meal swipe.

Schedule

6:00pm Candle Lighting & Services

7:00pm Kosher Dinner Vegetarian and meat options

Shabbat Lunch at Hillel
2024-10-05 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-10-12 12:00 - 13:30
Join Tufts Hillel on Saturday for Shabbat lunch! No need to pre-register – just show up! All are welcome, we hope to see you there!

Book Drive
2024-10-07 08:00 - 2024-10-31 20:30
Celebrate the new year by giving back! Bring your gently used books to Tufts Hillel for a book drive in support of Rosie’s Place. Help us spread knowledge and joy by donating books that will make a difference in the lives of women and children in need.

Bring used books to Hillel!

Open Space
2024-10-07 12:00 - 15:00
Gather with your community in an open space for comfort, connecting, and to enjoy snacks and desserts. See you there!

October 7 Memorial
2024-10-07 19:00 - 20:00
Join us as we gather together to mourn the tragedy of October 7 and remember the lives that were lost. Registration has now closed. Walk-ins will be allowed depending on available seating. Student IDs or a photo IDs will be required at the door.

Cookies and Crafts
2024-10-08 18:30 - 20:30
Come bake honey cookies to ring in the sweet new year while vision boarding your goals. Hope to see you there!

Goodie Bag Making for Breast Cancer Awareness
2024-10-09 19:30 - 20:30
Join us for a fun and heartwarming goodie bag-making event, where you can create personalized treat bags to brighten someone’s day. All proceeds will go to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation!

Shabbat Friday Night
2024-10-11 18:00 - 20:30
Services and Dinner

Join us for Shabbat services and dinner at Hillel! To help us accommodate you for dinner please sign up by Wednesday at 10:00am via sms/text: Text HILLEL TO 617 420 7411

Shabbat dinner is provided compliments of Hillel. If you are on an unlimited meal plan, or have the resources to do so, please allow us to subsidize your meal by using a meal swipe.

Schedule

6:00pm Candle Lighting & Services

7:00pm Kosher Dinner Vegetarian and meat options

Hungry Hungry Jumbos
2024-10-12 01:00 - 17:00
Come hang out and play games between Yom Kippur services with your friends at Hillel!

The Torah-ed Poets Department
2024-10-15 20:00 - 21:00
Love Taylor Swift? We do too! Join us at our Eras Tour themed “Learn about Simchat Torah” party! Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of reading the Torah (and the beginning of a new cycle).

We’ll be celebrating Simchat Torah together next week at Tufts Hillel, but if you’re someone who want to learn more about Simchat Torah before 10/24 or just like Taylor Swift, stop by for a fun time filled with friendship bracelets, snacks, and music!

What Is Sukkot Anyways? Lunch and Learn!
2024-10-16 00:00 - 13:00
Can you use a person as a wall of a sukkah? Can you build a sukkah on a camel’s back? Can you build a sukkah on an elephant?! Come to this lunch and learn for comedy, Jewish learning, and free food!

Sukkot Services & Meals
2024-10-16 18:30 - 2024-10-24 13:00
Join Tufts Hillel to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot! We will be having services and meals throughout the holiday, in addition to a variety of programming. See below for our service and chag meal schedule!

Click here for all of our Sukkot events!

Contact Katie with any questions Kate.Hamelburg@tufts.edu

Sukkot Chag Meal Times:

Wednesday, 10/16Services: 6:00pmDinner: 7:00pm

Thursday, 10/17Services: 6:00pmDinner: 7:00pm

Friday, 10/18Services: 6:00pmDinner: 7:00pm

Saturday, 10/19Services: 10:00amLunch: 12:00pm

Wednesday, 10/23Services: 6:30pmDinner: 7:00pm

Thursday, 10/24Services: 10:00amLunch: 12pm
