JEWPARDY SHABBAT!
2025-10-03 18:00 - 2025-10-04 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join Tufts Hillel this Friday for a special Jewpardy Shabbat Dinner! We’ll be having our weekly community Shabbat Dinner, with a special Jewpardy twist. Come with a team or come on your own and join a table – we can’t wait for an evening of food, friends, trivia, and fun! No prior trivia knowledge necessary 🙂

Schedule for the weekend:

Friday:6:00pm Community Candle Lighting and Services

7:00pm Dinner and Jewpardy

8:00pm Dessert

Saturday:

12:00pm lunch

Registration for Shabbat dinner is strongly encouraged. To Sign up for weekly Shabbat dinners and to receive information about Shabbat each week, sign up for our text bot system:

Text the word ‘Dinner’ to 617 420 7411

click here to see upcoming Shabbats

Saturdays:

Shabbat at Tufts Hillel continues on Saturday mornings, with bi-weekly Saturday morning Conservative services. All students are welcome!

Following Shabbat morning services, join us for Shabbat lunch upstairs at Hillel. To register for Shabbat lunch, text the word ‘lunch” to 617 429 7411.

Shabbat at Tufts Hillel concludes on Saturday afternoons and evenings, with bi-weekly mincha and maariv services, dinner, singing, and Havdalah! Join us for any or all parts of the evenings as we conclude the day of rest as a community

All are welcome! We look forward to celebrating with you.

For questions please email hillel-center@tufts.edu

Sukkah Decorating
2025-10-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Come adorn the Tufts Hillel Sukkah with beautiful handmade decorations!

Sukkot at Tufts Hillel 2025
2025-10-06 18:30 - 2025-10-15 12:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States
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.

Contact Katie (Kate.Hamelburg@tufts.edu) with any questions!

Candy Sukkah Making
2025-10-06 20:00 - 21:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Build your very own candy sukkah! Using graham crackers, frosting, and lots of other sweets, you’ll get to design a delicious mini sukkah while learning all the basic rules of a sukkah.

From Despair to Hope
2025-10-07 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
An evening of resilience and renewal marking Oct 7th

This Sukkot, Tufts Hillel will welcome Ido Felus for an evening of resilience and renewal marking Oct 7th. Ido, a survivor from Kfar Aza, is planting seeds of renewal through Nitzanei Ofir, a project that empowers young adults to rebuild what was broken and breathe life back into their communities.

Join us this October 7th as Ido shares his story of survival, loss, and the fierce hope of rebuilding.

There will be a dessert reception to follow. All are welcome.

Know before you go

For this program, there will be heightened security in place. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to arrive early so security checks can be completed and the program can begin on time.

Due to capacity, there’s a limited number of seats available for the event. Pre-registration is required and you must show Tufts ID upon arrival.

No bags bigger than a fanny pack

There will be heightened security, please bear with us

Who is eligible to join us

Tufts students, Tufts Faculty, and Tufts Staff are welcome to join for this event, due to security and space constraints.

Hillel Student Board Info Session
2025-10-08 12:30 - 13:00 | Tufts Hillel, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, 02155
Want to learn all about what student board is, what the open positions are, and what it is they actually do? Join us for an info session!

Fall 2025 Student Board Applications
2025-10-10 00:00
Interested in building Jewish community on campus? Join Hillel board! This is a great opportunity to help shape what Jewish life looks like at Tufts, and it is also a really fun and exciting way to get more involved with Hillel yourself! The entire Hillel student board meets weekly from 12:00-1:15 pm on Mondays, but applicants must also be available for additional meetings and/or programming.

Applications are due at 5PM on Friday, October 10, 2025: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3IQ8O-PhNhweJN6znhjkiUn-k3zeiGO1CNFUsDiY7D5GXmw/viewform?usp=header

Open Positions Include:

Jewish & Queer Students at Tufts (JQUEST): JQUEST chair fosters and supports the Jewish and Queer community at Tufts. JQUEST chair facilitates programs and dialogues concerning the intersections between not just LGBTQ+ issues and Judaism, but also religion, gender, and sexuality in general. In addition to programming, the chair can also serve as a resource and point of entry for Jewish and LGBTQ+ students at Tufts. The JQUEST chair also works with other LGBTQ+ organizations on campus such as the Queer Students Alliance and the LGBTQ+ Center. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lexi Trifon and/or Eli Fraiman at alexis.trifon@tufts.edu or elijah.fraiman@tufts.edu

Reform Minyan Coordinator: Responsible for the Reform minyan’s services and programs and making them as accessible and welcoming an environment as possible. Their responsibilities include finding service and song leaders for Friday nights, Saturday day programming, and organizing High Holiday and Holiday services when they are scheduled. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Dincin (your potential future co-chair) or Sarah Grand at adam.dincin@tufts.edu or sarah.grand@tufts.edu

Conservative Minyan Coordinators: Responsible for the Conservative minyan’s services and programs and helping build an inclusive Shabbat community. Their responsibilities include finding service leaders for Friday nights, Shabbat day programming, and organizing holiday services when they are scheduled. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ben Handell (your potential future co-chair) or Sarah Grand at benjamin.handell@tufts.edu or sarah.grand@tufts.edu

Spirituality Coordinator: Responsible for events that focus on creative, alternative forms of Jewish practice. Their responsibilities include serving as a resource for board members and other members of the Hillel community to enhance the spirituality and creativity of Jewish practices in their events. The Spirituality Coordinator will also serve as a liaison between the existing minyanim and any future spiritual services for purposes of coordinating/scheduling prayer experiences. The Spirituality Coordinator is also responsible for planning or helping to plan alternative Friday night services and Saturday day programming as needed. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Grand or Eli Fraiman at sarah.grand@tufts.edu or elijah.fraiman@tufts.edu

First-Year Programming Co-Chair: First-Year Programming Co-Chairs work together and alongside their sophomore mentors to plan programming, bonding opportunities, fun events, and ways to connect for their fellow first-years. In addition, co-chairs plan an overnight retreat in the spring semester for their class, as well as lead Orientation Week programming the following fall (for the Class of 2030). This role is a great opportunity to grow as a leader and team member, work in a collaborative and creative way, and be a part of one of the best groups on campus 🙂 If you have any questions, please reach out to Jake Drexler and/or Abby Hogan at jacob.drexler@tufts.edu or abigail.hogan@tufts.edu

** We will be having our annual student board retreat on Saturday, November 8–Sunday, November 9th, 2025. If accepted to one of these positions, you are expected to join us for the retreat, unless you have a pre-existing conflict.

Talmud Chaburah
2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-31 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.

The Edith Sulzberg Memorial Intergenerational Program Sukkot Luncheon
2025-10-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Make a new friend, share a meal, and build meaningful connections across generations!

Sign up is required. Email Lexi Trifon at alexis.trifon@tufts.edu to sign up!

The Edith Sulzberg Memorial Intergenerational Program brings Tufts students together with residents of Cabot Park Village for conversation, community, and Jewish celebration. This event will take place in the Tufts Hillel Sukkah.

A partnership between Tufts Hillel and Cabot Park Village

What started as a weekly Challah for Hunger delivery turned into something much deeper.

Edith Sulzberg, mother of Tufts Hillel’s Director of Operations and Finance Marilyn Goldman, was a fierce supporter of Jewish life, young people, and her daughter’s work. Each Thursday, students would send challah—and handwritten notes—to residents at Cabot Park Village, including Edith. But Edith wanted more than a taste of Shabbat. She wanted to meet the students behind the notes, to see where Marilyn worked, and to feel the energy of Tufts Hillel for herself.

With the help of Tufts Student Eli Fraiman and Cabot Park Village’s Executive director Todd Raymond, Edith made it to Hillel. That visit sparked a tradition: shared meals, thoughtful conversations, and real friendships between Tufts students and Cabot Park Village residents.

Today, in Edith’s memory, this intergenerational program brings students and seniors together for festive lunches, Shabbat dinners, and meaningful connection. It’s a space to eat, laugh, and build relationships across generations—with your very own Bubbes and Zaydes.

Pickling in the Sukkah
2025-10-13 16:00 - 17:30 | The Bayit, 98 Packard Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144
Join us in the Bayit Sukkah to make pickled vegetables and celebrate the Sukkot harvest! The Bayit Sukkah is in the backyard of 98 Packard Avenue. All supplies will be provided – just bring yourself and your holiday spirit!

Simchat Torah Celebration
2025-10-14 18:15 - 2025-10-15 12:00
Join us for the holiday of Simchat Torah, where we restart reading the Torah and celebrate as a community. This particular Simchat Torah, we’re marking not only the completion of the Torah reading cycle, but celebrating the return of the hostages home at last. Join us for a celebration of gratitude and hope—for healing, for peace, and for new beginnings. There will be hot appetizers, decadent dessert, dancing, community, and fun—we look forward to dancing with you!

There will be celebrations on both Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Join us for part or all!

Tuesday evening, October 146:15 pm: Yizkor, a memorial service remembering those we have lost.7:00 pm: Simchat Torah Celebration: Singing, Dancing with the Torah (Hakafot), hot appetizers, dinner, and decadent dessert.

Wednesday morning, October 1510:00 am: Services: Singing, Hallel, Dancing with the Torah (Hakafot), and Torah reading. We’ll finish reading the full cycle of the Torah, and start anew at the very beginning!12:00 pm: Lunch On Simchat Torah, we perform hakafot—dancing in a circle with Torahs in hand as an expression of unity, joy, and unending connection to Torah. May our dancing, prayers, community, and shared presence reflect gratitude, resilience, and a renewed future. We hope you will join us as we mark this sacred and meaningful moment together.

Challah for Hunger
2025-10-16 15:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-30 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

Interfaith Relationships: Discussion & Dinner
2025-10-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Let’s discuss interfaith dating and marriage in a Jewish context over dinner! Join our group discussion on Jewish values and differing perspectives within and outside our communities. Everyone is welcome and all viewpoints are valued. Hope to see you there!

Chai Latte Making
2025-10-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Looking for a little Shabbat-friendly pick-me-up? Come to Hillel to learn about the significance of Chai (the Hebrew word for “life”) and make delicious chai lattes!

Trip to Nova Exhibition Boston
2025-10-19 12:30
Oct 7th: the Moment Music Stood Still

In partnership with the Office of the President, we’re honored to offer this important opportunity. Join us for a guided tour of the exhibit and hear directly from a survivor of October 7.

We’ll start with a light brunch at Tufts Hillel before leaving campus together.

Logistics:

Pre-registration is required

You must bring your Tufts ID to board the bus

Before registering

please read the know before you go guidelines

and review the Tufts Code of Conduct

Community Dinner
2025-10-21 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-28 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-11-04 17:30 - 18:30
Join us for a free mid-week Kosher catered dinner! Come for the food, stay for the people! Check the instagram on Tuesday morning for what’s being served.

Food. People. Comfort.

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

instagram.com/tuftshillel

facebook.com/tuftshillel

Bayit Info Session for Rising Juniors & Seniors
2025-10-21 18:00 - 18:30 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Attention: all rising juniors and seniors! Applications to live in the Bayit (Tufts Jewish Culture House) during the 2026-2027 school year are due on Wednesday 10/22/25 at 5pm via the Housing Portal on SIS.

Have questions? Stop by Community Dinner on Tuesday 10/21 @ 6pm for a brief info session on what it’s like to live in the Bayit and how the application process works! Current Bayit residents & a representative from Tufts ResLife will be there to answer all your questions.

Rising sophomores, your applications window will open later this semester 🙂

Read by the River Paint Party
2025-10-21 18:00 - 20:00
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!

Parents and Family Weekend 2025
2025-10-24 16:45 - 2025-10-25 17:45
Registration has closed. If you would like to join us, please email Marilyn.Goldman@tufts.edu

We look forward to welcoming you to Parents and Family Weekend at Tufts Hillel!

Get Tickets Now!

Location: All events are at Tufts Hillel | 220 Packard Avenue

Please register below for Friday Night Shabbat Dinner and Saturday Shabbat Lunch!

Full Schedule of Events

Friday, October 24th

4:45 – 5:30 PM : RECEPTION AND OPEN HOUSE AT TUFTS HILLEL

Join parents, students, and staff for a pre-Shabbat reception and schmooze!

5:30 PM : COMMUNAL SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING

6:00 – 7:00 PM : STUDENT-LED SHABBAT SERVICES

Please join us for student-led Reform and Conservative Shabbat services.

7:00 PM : SHABBAT DINNER – please register below!

Share the Hillel Shabbat experience with your entire family! Join us for a delicious kosher dinner (with a vegetarian option) following services. You are welcome for dinner, services, or both.

Saturday, October 25th

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM : STUDENT-LED SHABBAT SERVICES

Come join us for Conservative Shabbat morning services.

12:00 – 1:00 PM : SHABBAT LUNCH – please register below!

Tickets

Registration has closed. If you would like to join us, please email Marilyn.Goldman@tufts.edu

Apple Picking
2025-11-02 12:30 - 16:00 | Honey Pot Orchards, 16 Boon Rd, Stow, Massachusetts, 01775, United States
Tufts Hillel is heading to Honey Pot Orchards! Spend the day soaking up crisp autumn air, picking apples, and enjoying all of the tasty fall treats the season has to offer.

We will meet at Hillel at 12:30pm to take a bus to Honey Pot Orchards, and we’ll be back by 4pm. Sign-up is first come, first serve! Reserve your spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddht_G6ZA6xYE9oIHKO2gFRGwrwKKE9xNuV3oMHlaba8KtgA/viewform?usp=header

Reform and Conservative Text Comparison
2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Tufts Hillel Building, 220 Packard Ave, Medford, MA, 02155
Join us to explore the similarities and differences between Reform and Conservative texts, translations, rituals, and more! Whether you come to Reform Services, Conservative Services, or none at all, you are invited to dive deep into these texts and find the shared values between them!
