My name is Ari Bernick, a TikTok Creator for Northwestern Admissions Communication Student Team. I am a sophomore from Boca Raton, IL, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Legal Studies.  As someone who is not actively religious, being able to explore my Jewish identity at my own pace with Northwestern Hillel has been integral to finding my sense of community at Northwestern. One of my favorite things about attending Northwestern is the available resources that make students with a myriad of different faiths and backgrounds more comfortable and secure on campus. 

College Transition Programming for Jewish Students

 

Northwestern Hillel holds a pre-orientation program, Schmooze, the day before Wildcat Welcome. This program allows first-year students the ability to connect with Jewish peers and find a potential new friend before orientation week begins. 

Last year, I remember feeling a range of emotions before the 2021 Welcome Week. Overjoyed about the possibility of making new friends, nervous to be in a new environment, and apprehensive about my social and academic life. All these feelings grew as I approached the Northwestern Hillel building with my roommate who I met only 20 minutes earlier. We were quickly greeted by a crowd of students wearing red and white Smooze bucket hats and Hillel t-shirts with huge grins on their faces. I was already at ease. The program was amazing. In addition to giving us a tour around NU, hearing President Schill speak, and pairing us in small groups with older students in our prospective majors or concentrations, I met two of my best friends that day. For that reason, I will be forever thankful.

 

Northwestern Hillel – A Place for All Students

 

After Schmooze,  I quickly began to associate NU Hillel with friendship and community. Hillel is a place for everyone. It does not matter your level of Judaism or even if you are Jewish at all. This is a safe space on campus where I have brought my non-Jewish friends multiple times for Shabbat dinner or activities such as painting compost containers. 

As a second year, I wanted to give back and be a staff member at the Schmooze program. My love for meeting new people and Hillel also introduced me to JLF, the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) Program.  The JLF program, which lasts for one quarter, offers groups of students to meet and explore topics covering intimacy, friendship, and family history and identity. We examined these topics, and how they connect back to ancient and modern Jewish texts during weekly dinners at local Evanston restaurants. 

 

Northwestern Hillel Staff Highlights

In addition to building connections with the students, I appreciate the guidance, comfort, and support of the Hillel staff. Rachel Hillman, the Associated Director of Hillel and JLF program leader, has made a lasting impact on me. Hillman noticed I was upset one day during JLF and invited me to talk about my concerns whereby I immediately felt heard and appreciated. Michael Simon, the Executive Director of Hillel, is another special member of the staff. Simon, who always has a smile on his face, is constantly going up to students who enter the building and asking for names, so he can welcome them by name the next time. Each time I see Simon, I smile and feel that I am at home at Hillel. This is the vibe at Northwestern Hillel for me, and I am excited to assume the new role as an Engagement Ambassador next quarter. I will be planning events for Hillel, meeting new students, and talking about opportunities and community over coffee.

 

For More Info on Northwestern Jewish Services

 

Hillel unexpectedly turned into my comfort place and my comfort people. I am proud to be a part of this welcoming community on campus and would encourage any student at Northwestern to venture inside and explore it for themselves! I hope this blog lets you learn more about the resources Northwestern University offers students. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or Northwestern Hillel directly! 

 

GO CATS!

	Ari Bernick Admissions TikTok Creator Boca Raton, FL Second-Year Medill: Journalism