Do Some Good
Framed by the Jewish imperatives of tzedakah (righteousness), gemilut Hasidim (acts of random kindness), and tikkun olam (repair of the world), Hillel engages and empowers students in meaningful public service and encourages creative thinking when addressing social justice issues. In the process of bringing about meaningful social change, participants grow intellectually and spiritually.
Through our extensive Alternative Break program, Hillel at Virginia Tech offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in new local and global communities in order to learn about and actively combat social justice issues. Students come to understand their role in the world and their ability to produce change.
On an alternative break, college students engage in volunteer service, typically for a week, during their college break. Each trip has a focus on a particular social issue, such as poverty, education reform, refugee resettlement, and the environment.
Each year, Hillel participates in Big Event at Virginia Tech, a student-run day of service that has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the nation. Every spring, thousands of students, faculty, and staff come together to complete nearly 1,200 community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley with the purpose of saying Thank You.
Every semester, we incorporate tzedek into our programs. Some of our projects include “Movies and Mitzvah” during Jewish Awareness Month, helping at a local food pantry, and visiting websites whose sponsors donate food to underprivileged nations by our simply clicking a button. Community service does not have to be time-consuming, difficult, or boring. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Relay for Life
Each year, Hillel raises funds to participate as a team in Relay For Life at Virginia Tech, a community-wide, campus-based movement dedicated to eliminating cancer by living out our motto, "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) as we strive to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. At Virginia Tech, our Relay is the largest collegiate event in the nation and has been since 2009
The Four Questions of Gift of Life
We had the pleasure to sit down with our Assistant Director, Grant Bigman, about his recent blood stem donations through the Gift of Life Marrow Registry. Grants’ donation is going towards a 30-year-old patient battling Leukemia. In the spirit of Passover wrapping up yesterday, we’ve got 4 questions of the Gift of Life.
Thanks to all of our #HillelHeroes like our Israel Fellow, Dor Kwiatek, who has helped to feed healthcare professionals, immunocompromised individuals, and students who chose to stay in Blacksburg Shabbat dinners and more. Dor's tireless efforts have made sure Jewish traditions have stayed alive during this pandemic. ישר כח