Join Columbia/Barnard Hillel in exploring NYC during fall break! Hop on the subway and explore the arts, Jewish food, all the bucket list sites, LGBTQ Jewish life in the city, and more through one of nine tracks.

Fall Break: NYC is highly subsidized and includes meals (including a delicious Shabbat meal) and experiences. The program fee is $25 but no one will be turned away due to finances. Reach out to [email protected] for your program fee to be waived.

*Except for tracks noted below, all tracks will work for those who are Shabbat observant (the Friday evening component of all the tracks is a communal Shabbat dinner on the Kraft Center terrace).

Pick a track that’s right for you!

• Art & Judaism will explore visual and performing arts all over NYC and the ways it intersects with aspects of Jewish culture and heritage. Highlights include an American Ballet Theater performance at Lincoln Center, a private tour at Hauser & Wirth in Chelsea, the newest exhibit at the Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side, and our favorite spots to eat along the way! Plan to be busy Friday afternoon/evening (we’ll be done 8:30pm), Saturday 8-9:30pm, and Sunday afternoon (about 11:30am-4:30pm). This track is led by Joe Meyer CC ’23, Natalie Ginsberg CC ’23 and Rabbi Leah.
• Nosh in the City: Food & Jews will be a food adventure around NYC! Weekend highlights include a pickle making workshop, a visit to the Tenement Museum, a Lower East Side food tour, and a Jewish food nosh and learn. Plan to be busy Friday (12-3 pm and 7 to 8:30 pm), Sunday (10:30 am to 4 pm) and Monday (12-2pm). This track is led by Emma Grungold (JTS/GS ’24) and Shana.
• LGBTJew will explore Queer life around NYC and the ways it intersects with Jewish culture and heritage. Highlights may include a Walking Tour of the West Village, a trip to Big Gay Ice Cream, a visit to the Leslie-Lohman Museum, a picnic with activist Abby Stein, and a whole bunch of delicious food spots! Plan to be busy Friday, Sunday morning/afternoon, and Monday (most of the day). This track is led by Marissa Aaronson (Columbia/JTS ’23) and Branden, with special help from Celia Rosen (Barnard ’23).
• Campus and Our Neighbors will bring students around communities immediately surrounding our campus to explore the intersection of Jewish values, justice and social responsibility. Highlights may include a trip to volunteer in an urban garden, meeting with a local rabbi/activist and a walking tour of Harlem! Plan to be busy Friday afternoon/evening (we’ll wrap by 8:30PM!), Saturday afternoon (12-2PM) and Monday afternoon (12-3:30PM). This track is led by Ari Carter ’23, Natalie Harder ’24 and CB Hillel Social Justice and Engagement Coordinator, Michaela. (Note: this track will include Shabbat activities that are not shomer Shabbat)
• SPOTS ARE FILLED!! NYC Bucket List is a chance to jump on the subway and see what NY has to offer. Through different cultural experiences we will explore how NY has shaped Jewish identity. Highlights include tasting NY foods, viewing a Broadway performance, exploring iconic Halloween events and exhibits, and a few other surprises along the way. Plan to be busy Friday afternoon/evening (we’ll be done 8:30pm, Sunday afternoon (about 12:30pm-4:30pm), and Monday afternoon. This track is led by Trevor Siegel CC ’24, Caroline Louttit BC ’24, and Molly Alstodt.
• RSJ Exploring the City is a chance to spend time with other Russian Speaking Jews and see the city! During the track we will see what NYC has to offer during Halloween time and also dive into Russian & American culture. Highlights include a Russian picnic with homemade blini (blintzes!), taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, visiting a haunted house, and going to a Broadway show. This track is led by Sara Hoffman (CC ’23) and Yakov.
• Green Jews: Sustainability in the City will explore the connections between Jewish values, environmentalism, and sustainability. Highlights include a visit to an urban garden, a cooking workshop, a trip to a farm rooted in Jewish agricultural principles, and lots of green adventures along the way! Plan to be busy Friday afternoon/evening (we’ll be done 8:30pm), Sunday midday, and Monday morning. This track is led by Merry Mayers (CC ‘24) and Navah.
• Be a Tourist In Your Own City (NYC Bucket List 2.0) Let’s explore NYC from a new lens and experience classic New York! Highlights include the Broadway show Come From Away, a downtown food tour, Museum of Ice Cream, Chelsea Market and a few other adventures along the way! Plan to be busy Friday (12:30pm – 2pm) & (7-8:30 pm), Sunday (11:30am-4:30pm) and Monday (11:00am-4pm).  This track is led by Alice Manning Barnard/JTS ’23 and Alyssa.
• The Apple of My Eye: Explore together one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Every type of camera and every level of photography experience are welcomed. Highlights include: Print and keep your favorite edited picture from the track, photo scavenger hunt in the city, get to know your camera and editing sessions, A private tour at the new Fotografiska museum, daytime and nighttime photography trips! Plan to be busy Friday afternoon/evening (we will be done by 8:30pm), Saturday evening (7:30pm), Sunday (10am-4pm) and Monday (10am-4pm). This track is led by Ohad Klopman (JTS/GS ‘22) and Noa.

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