Virtual Summer 2020
Fellowships
Cohort-based fellowships are an opportunity to connect and learn this summer. All fellowships are open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In recognition of Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s commitment to providing for the needs of students always and in particular during this challenging time, students who complete the requirements of the fellowship will also receive a stipend (and a special swag bag!). We encourage students who are in a comfortable financial position to donate a portion of their stipend to a non-profit organization whose work is meaningful to them at this time. Students may participate in more than one fellowship but will only receive a stipend for one. Space is limited!
- Judaism & Us: Judaism & Us is a response to a prevalent challenge on campus – many of us show up on campus and find the people who celebrate, observe, and understand Jewish life in the same way we do, and we often have trouble finding spaces and opportunities to get to know others from Jewish backgrounds that differ from our own. This fellowship aims to create connections among and foster conversation between students from varying Jewish backgrounds. Participants will be put into “pods” – groupings of students who hopefully don’t already know one another and come from different Jewish backgrounds – for self-guided conversations and learning. The full cohort will meet once to connect and establish best practices, followed by five pod conversations, beginning the week of July 6. Students who complete the full fellowship, including a short reflection following each pod conversation, will receive a $180 stipend. Reach out to Shana if you have any questions. Register here!
- Hartman Summer iEngage Seminar: What does the concept of global Jewish peoplehood mean in a pandemic? The Summer iEngage Campus Seminar will introduce new frameworks to study our relationship to Israel as it exists in pandemic. This experience will offer new ideas about the North American – Israeli relationship from top scholars at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, as well as campus-based discussions which will specifically focus on our experiences at Columbia and Barnard. The cohort will meet for about a month beginning on June 29, and students who complete the full fellowship will receive a $200 stipend. Questions? Reach out to Navah. Register here!
- Judaism & Everyday Life: Judaism & Everyday Life is a seminar for those who have always wanted to learn more about Judaism and how it applies to our lives today, but haven’t had the time or opportunity to do that yet. Every session will focus on a different theme within Judaism, ranging from sacred texts to Shabbat and holidays to social justice. Judaism & Everyday Life will begin the week of July 6 and will meet six times, and students who complete the full fellowship will receive a $180 stipend. If you have questions or would like more info, email Rabbi Leah. Register here!
- Israel 101: The Israel conversation – on campus and beyond – can feel complicated, intimidating, and off-putting to those of us who don’t yet have the terminology and background to engage in the conversation. If this resonates with you, this fellowship is for you! Together we will learn and review basic terminology/timelines/
narratives to provide you with the tools and confidence to join the conversation and engage. The Israel 101 Fellowship will begin the week of June 29 and will meet six times. Students who complete the full fellowship will receive a $180 stipend. Email Noa with any questions. Register here!
Book Clubs
Back by popular demand, join us for another round of book clubs. We’re elevating marginalized voices and celebrating Pride month. Click here for more information about the selected books and to sign up.
Maccabiah
When camp AND the Olympics are canceled, Columbia/Barnard Hillel is still bringing the summer fun! Join us for ~Maccabiah~ (think color war and Olympics rolled into one)! Break out is July 12 and closing ceremonies will be July 17. Will you be on the blue team? Or the red team? Only time will tell. Sign up by Friday, June 26 to ensure your seat around the campfire!
Kraft your Shabbat @ Home
Even in the age of social distancing, gather with us to celebrate Shabbat the Columbia/Barnard Hillel way! Join hundreds of students, alumni, and friends to “Kraft Your Shabbat @ Home” and bring the spirit of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel community directly to you! Mark your calendar for Friday, August 14, as we celebrate Kraft Shabbat around the world, preceded by a week of Shabbat festivities including challah baking, learning, crafting, surprise home deliveries, and more. Stay tuned for sign up information, and email Elan if you have any questions!
Kraft Connects
Join notable alumni and friends of the Kraft Center for round table discussions. The sessions will feature individuals from diverse sectors who will touch on their field expertise and provide guidance during these unprecedented times. Sign up here for upcoming panelists, or submit other industries and people you would like to hear from! Due to limited spots advance sign up is required. We hope to be able to include everyone and will confirm with links prior to the call. **Kraft Conversations are currently open to the class of 2020 and 2021
Giving Circles
Engage, learn and give back by joining a Giving Circle. As part of a Giving Circle, you will connect with other students around the Jewish values that matter most to you, then make contributions to local organizations that deeply speak to those values. Participants will each contribute $18, and everyone will pool their contributions to make meaningful donations to local organizations. If you believe cost would be a barrier to entry, please let us know so we can best accommodate your individual need. Your Giving Circles will meet 3 times in July. If you have questions or want more info, contact Avigail. Register here!
Alternative {Virtual} Summer Break: Poland
We may be offering an “immersive” virtual travel experience to Poland this summer! This 6-8 session “trip” will consist of virtual tours, panel discussions, and interactive experiences with the local Jewish community in Poland. Students who complete the entire experience will be eligible for a $200 stipend. If you have any questions and/or if you would like to be placed on a list to receive the application when it’s available, please email Shana.