With the beginning of the 2015-2016 academic year, Hillels all over the country are working hard to welcome students to campus, and Nevada is no exception.  Both Hillel of Northern Nevada Reno and the Hillel Jewish Student Center at UNLV are busy welcoming old students and meeting new freshman.

Welcome back Hillel programming commenced on Wednesday, August 19^th in Las Vegas as Freshman and their parents moved into the dorms at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV).  Hillel was there along with Chabad and AEPi welcoming new students as well as handing out much needed cold water to the campus community.  Thursday, August 20^th saw a return of students to University of Nevada Reno (UNR), and Hillel was present reaching out to students new and old in front of the Student Union. 

The first week of classes also started with Jew-A-Palooza at UNLV, a welcome back BBQ done in partnership with Chabad at UNLV.  Students new and old were able to take a break from their first day of classes to meet friends and enjoy a free kosher lunch.  On August 26^th, students at UNR were able to relax in a similar atmosphere as Hillel hosted their signature “Bagels at the Joe” event.  “It’s a great way to meet and welcome students,” noted Zach Alexander, the new full time director of Hillel of Northern Nevada.  “We hope that from day one the students know about Hillel and feel comfortable with the organization and on campus.  Hillel of Northern Nevada really is a home away from home!”

The week ended strong on both campuses, with Hillel of Northern Nevada participating in the campus wide welcome back organization fair, and the Hillel Jewish Student Center at UNLV co-hosting Shabbat dinner on campus with Chabad at UNLV and the Las Vegas Jewish Experience.

The fall calendar is absolutely packed with events including Shabbat dinners and opportunities for the students of the University of Nevada system to have a more meaningful Jewish experience in college. In addition, Hillel of Northern Nevada's big fundraiser, a concert featuring the first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, is planned for the 20th of September.  For more information about high holiday activities and upcoming events, please reach out to Matthew Kramer-Morning (Las Vegas) at matthew@jewishlasvegas.com and Zach Alexander (Reno) at zach92ster@gmail.com.