<p>S moved in to Elon and he is hoping to get involved with Hillel. He is on the shy side, so it can be difficult for him to go to a Hillel event since he does not know anyone. Is anyone familiar with Hillel at Elon? Do they reach out at all, or does it fall on the new student? Many of S's friends at different schools seem to have had great experiences in the last few days of being contacted at their new colleges by a Hillel member (sophomores) and have been invited to Hillel orientation events for freshman students (bbq events, etc) - makes it very easy to meet friends and reduces the stress... easy to get acclimated. I was hoping this would happen at Elon?? Obviously if Elon's Hillel does not do something like this, then he will have no choice; I am asking because the other schools where the upperclassmen have helped the transition seems to ease the stress. Does anyone know about Elon's Hillel?</p>
<p>Hillel at Elon is amazing! They had a welcome event last Friday and are having something this Friday as well. Cookout at 6pm at Sklut Hillel Center. Look at the Hillel website - they list engagement interns. I would have your son (or you) e-mail one of them and ask to be on the weekly email of activities. You and your son should also like Elon Hillel on Facebook. My son is somewhat active in Hillel and very active in ZBT, the new Jewish fraternity.</p>
<p>If you want to send me a PM with your son’s name and his Elon email, I will forward to my son and ask him to be in touch.</p>
<p><a href=“Elon University - America’s Top-Ranked Teaching University”>Elon University / Elon Hillel;
<p>Look at the top right corner of the Elon Hillel homepage. There is a place to sign up for the weekly e-newsletter and you will also see the link for the engagement interns.</p>
<p>Sent you pm, ck.</p>
<p>Thanks to the moms who offered to help. I don’t want my S to be singled out, and feel uncomfortable that I got involved, so he will just have to find his own way. I appreciate your offers, though. I was actually wondering if there was a “reach out” process in place, as other schools do… I think these other schools I know of, have larger Jewish populations and therefore they are run differently. Thanks anyways - I appreciate your concerns.</p>
<p>My DD just started Elon. The Hillel there is wonderful. We met with Nancy who runs the Hillel when we visited for interviews and again during freshman drop off for a lovely shabbat dinner.</p>
<p>They do have engagement interns who could reach out to your son. Encourage him to make the first contact. Sunday bagel brunch is an easy first step.
[Engagement</a> Interns](<a href=“Elon University / Elon Hillel”>Elon University / Elon Hillel)</p>
<p>They also have a wonderful schedule planned for the upcoming holidays. The Hillel just got voted one of the “Small and mighty” in reformed judaism magazine.</p>
<p>HockeyMom - just sign up for the newsletter on the Hillel site and there is a place for you to put in your son’s name and email. That’s it, that’s all you need to do - they will do the rest. When my son was at Elon for the spring orientation program a year ago March, Hillel had a table in Moseley and he just signed up there and they were in contact as soon as he got to campus. Maybe your son did not see that? So, there is a “reach out” process, but first they have to know that you exist!</p>
<p>I’m the type of Mom who likes to encourage. Maybe send your son the FB page link - so he can friend Elon Hillel and see all the activities? And really, my son would be happy to introduce your son to the ZBT brothers. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help in getting to meet people. We all need support in new situations.</p>
<p>Thank you for your suggestions. I checked out the Hillel website and I let my S know about the brunch tomorrow (and there is also a challah baking which sounds like it might be fun). I will encourage him to attend, but as I predicted, he feels uncomfortable going alone. Hopefully he will change his mind. Knowing my S’s history, he would be fine after the first 5 minutes. It’s just making the decision to go alone. rockvillemom, I also like to encourage… I am just wondering if now that he is a college student, I should not be “pushing”?? (not sure??)</p>
<p>I encouraged my son to go by telling him that they serve brisket for the Rosh haShana dinner and that the girls are really pretty! Once there that was it.</p>
<p>Now, S is in ZBT, went on Birthright, and went on the Hillel fake break trip. In fact, due to a certain two mothers, subtle and not so subtle pushing, our sons are friends living in the ZBT house together!! ;)</p>
<p>My goodness, we are Jewish mothers! A helpful nudge is in our DNA! He’ll thank you later. And even if he doesn’t, once you hear he is getting involved and having fun, you’ll know you did the right thing. I’m sending you a PM with my son’s name and contact info. Please pass along to your son.</p>
<p>When we met members last Friday, a lovely senior told us a cute story of how her parents got her involved. She had no interest in Hillel when she arrived at Elon 3 years ago. Her parents decided to sponsor a bagel brunch one sunday and told her about it a few days before the event. The bit of Jewish guilt worked. She went to the bagel brunch and has been hooked ever since. She is now the Hillel President!</p>
<p>Great story! And perfect example of Jewish parents in action!</p>
<p>My sophmore D got a job with Hillel through the PACE program. She absolutely loves the place and calls the Director her second Mom. It makes no difference that my D is Catholic, it has been such an invitng place that my D loves going to the Hillel House to study and socialize, even when she is not working!</p>
<p>My daughter has commented on the non-jewish students and how welcome they all are at Hillel. Truly a model facility.</p>
<p>And I’d like to add to that - the Jewish fraternity - ZBT - also has several non- Jewish members. While it is predominately Jewish, my son’s freshman year roommate and his older brother both joined, and they are not Jewish. A few others as well. Consistent with Elon’s philosophy of welcoming all and inclusion rather than exclusion.</p>