Among the several pamphlets offered to students in Talley is a directory of the Chaplains’ Cooperative Ministry, which lists all of N.C . State’s religious organizations. Jewish students may have noticed that one campus group is too far for comfort: Hillel Jewish Student Life.

Hillel, an organization that affiliates itself with campuses around the country, offers Jewish students a forum to celebrate holidays away from home and meet other students of the same faith.

While Hillel is listed on the Ministry pamphlet, it is not indicated anywhere that N.C . State has its own Hillel group; rather, its Chapel Hill address is printed, leaving some to conclude participation requires transportation.

Michelle Haber , junior in social work and peer network engagement intern for the N.C . Hillel system says N.C . State’s Hillel has been around and thriving.

“We have Shabbat on certain Fridays. We’ve had camping, hiking, played Apples to Apples, had an N.C . State Football party, and more,” Haber said.

Haber’s role in the N.C . Hillel system gives her the responsibility of representing the University and getting others involved in events, like the upcoming Hanukkah Party.

Sarah Mazur , senior in accounting and president of the University’s Hillel chapter, is excited for the upcoming holiday celebrations.

“The Hanukkah party is usually our biggest event of the year,” Mazur said. “We have lots of games set up, like a Jewish version of Apples to Apples, and we raffle off small prizes.”

Traditional games and refreshments will be available at the celebration, including Hanukkah’s famous food– latkes .

Hillel was started on campus by Mazur’s brother six years ago, but due in part to a lack of proper identification on the University’s ministry lists, involvement rates have been leveling off.

“We’re still trying to figure out new ways to increase awareness about Hillel, but this year is great because we have a lot more freshmen,” Mazur said.

Mazur encourages students to come to events and take part in the close-knit group as a means of finding a home away from home.

“We have some students who come from areas where there were a lot of other Jewish people, and then they come here and feel alone. Hillel is the best way to find other Jewish students,” Mazur said. “A lot of people think of it as a family away from home– we’re a close group.”

Tracy Bennett, volunteer coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary, believes Hillel groups are vital to a strong sense of community.

“I believe having a group of students at State dedicated to the Jewish community in the triangle will help with education on Judaica for the masses and involvement of local Jews, whether senior, adult or student,” Bennett said.

As a volunteer coordinator for a Jewish cause, Bennett has not been contacted by Hillel members at our University, but would love to work with students in the University’s chapter for community service events.

As for activities in semesters to come, Haber is planning a Jewish cooking class in addition to already planned events and celebrations. Students can expect Hillel’s traditional “beginning of the semester bagel brunch,” which will be held the first Sunday after classes start next semester.

“The best way to be reminded is by friending Hillel N.C . State on Facebook. All the info and even information is always on there,” Haber said.

Students can also contact the University’s Hillel chapter at ncsuhillel@gmail.com .