At Indiana University, there is a place where the Jewish Community can gather together and call “home.” The Helene G. Simon Hillel Center is that place! Located at 730 East Third Street, Hillel has created an environment where Jewish students throughout IU can feel a sense of community and belonging since it’s dedication in 1993. The program and the building now serve over 4,000 Jewish students on the IU campus.
22 year-old Junior from Arlington Heights, Illinois, Seth Lerman is President of the Hillel Center. Seth is majoring in Speech Language Pathology and minoring in Psychology! Her Campus did a little snooping and we can’t wait to tell you more about this leader in the community!
HC: Tell us a little about Hillel!
SL: Hillel is the Jewish Student Center here at IU. Striving to be a “Jewish Home away from Home,” Hillel is aimed at making the most of Jewish Life here on campus. Whether it is hosting a free Shabbat Dinner every Friday night, or having High Holiday services available for people to go to, Hillel is always here to welcome you!
HC: Why did you decide to run for a board position at Hillel?
SL: When I first stepped onto campus my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to become active in Hillel. I joined a couple of clubs, including Greek Jewish Council-a club that connects Jews in all Greek houses- and really became incredibly comfortable at Hillel. My sophomore year, I was on the General Board, as well as serving on a few committees. At the end of last year, I wanted to become more active and ran for president!
HC: What is it like being President of such a well-known organization in our community?
SL: It is actually really fun. I have had the opportunity to see how Hillel is funded, meet with the Governing Board who oversees all aspects of the organization, and helped make a difference in the community. It is really great way to give back to the community and I really enjoy it!
HC: What is your favorite part about Hillel?
SL: My favorite part of Hillel is how it creates such a great community. Everybody is welcome here and the people are so warm and friendly. There is something special about being at Hillel and I think the people are what make it so great!
To get involved with Hillel:
Online: www.iuhillel.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IUHillel?ref=ts