Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach helps students find connection and support
For Allison, a member of FAU’s Class of 2030, arriving on campus meant finding something she had never really had before: a sense of belonging in Jewish Boca.
“Growing up, I didn’t have a Jewish community, and now I’m able to find one that’s for people my age,” she said. “Hillel has given me a place where I feel supported, safe, and welcome.”
Allison’s experience reflects something becoming increasingly common for students at FAU: finding a place to belong has become an essential part of the college experience.
Last month, FAU welcomed more than 4,700 students into campus housing, its largest move-in day in history. For many of the Jewish students arriving on campus, the opportunity to be part of the vibrant Jewish Boca community is an important part of what makes FAU feel like home.
“That is why I chose to move here from Colorado, where we had no community and no one I could really connect with,” said Ellie, a member of FAU’s Class of 2028. “Anytime I hear Hebrew on campus, it is very refreshing.”
For students, the college years can be a transformative time for Jewish identity. At a moment when questions about antisemitism, safety and the ability to express Jewish identity openly are top of mind for many families, having a strong Jewish community on campus can make a profound difference.
Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach provides a home base for students at FAU, Lynn University, Palm Beach State College, Nova Southeastern University, and Broward College. Students of all backgrounds are invited to celebrate Shabbat and holidays, build friendships, explore their Jewish identity, and deepen their connection to Israel.
Expanding the Next Generation’s Jewish Home Base
This fall, FAU will hold the grand reopening of its Hillel Center. Four years in the making, the renovated Hillel Center is the result of a $5 million capital campaign and a permanent lease with the university. While the plans began well before October 7, 2023, the events that followed reinforced the importance of creating a space where Jewish students could gather safely, comfortably, and proudly.
Debbie Newman Bernstein, a pillar of Jewish Boca and committed philanthropist with Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, is a lead supporter of the renovation of the Hillel Center. For Debbie, her passion for giving back was instilled in her by her parents William and Anita Newman.
“My father asked me to continue his legacy of giving back to the Jewish community. After attending the annual Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach ‘We Are Hillel’ dinner, a lightbulb went off in my head. I listened to each moving story of the students and thought, ‘These young people are the ones who are going to take our place as leaders in the Jewish community and perpetuate Judaism.’ I was inspired by their passion, the inclusivity of all the students and the way they felt like a family on campus, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Debbie.
Jessica Rykus, Associate Director of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach and former Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County professional, anticipates Hillel will reach 70% of Jewish undergraduate students through engagement, connection, and events this year alone.
“With the new space, the possibilities are endless. We are so proud to create a safe space for students to hang, learn, eat, and be welcomed. Our doors are open and we couldn’t be happier to have our students back on campus!”
Investing in the Future of Jewish Boca
For Brandey Edelson, Vice President of Public Affairs at Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, the expansion of the Hillel building holds extra meaning. Serving as Assistant Director of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach and as Chair of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach Board of Directors, Brandey spearheaded the Capital Campaign to renovate the Hillel space on FAU’s campus.
“Jewish Boca has embraced FAU as our hometown college. We understand that college is a transformative time in a Jewish student’s life, and Federation’s investment reflects that,” said Brandey. “Most Jewish students who come to Boca to attend school and are part of Hillel, end up living here after college. They are the future teachers, advocates, and leaders of Jewish Boca. That’s why investing in Jewish college students now is so important.”
Through Federation’s support, students at FAU and Lynn University can engage in Jewish life in ways that meet them where they are, from learning cohorts and lunch-and-learn discussions, to Shabbat gatherings, holiday celebrations, and social events.
As students returned to campus, Weeks of Welcome provided new and returning students opportunities to connect with a bagel block party, welcome back Shabbat, and social events like a Hillel BBQ, and make-your-own mezuzah and Hamza experience.
Other Hillel initiatives supported by Federation include Israel Awareness Week, and Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate, where students sign pledges against antisemitism.
Federation is also proud to be actively expanding its impact with Hillel at Lynn University with the launch of Making Jewish Life Accessible at Lynn, which will provide learning and social opportunities for students to connect with Jewish life in a way that’s meaningful for them.
Igor Alterman, CEO of Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County also shares a deep connection to Hillel, having previously served as CEO of University of Miami Hillel and worked with Hillel organizations at Cornell University and Ithaca College. “Helping students develop a strong sense of Jewish identity and a deep connection to Israel during college lays the foundation for a lifetime of Jewish pride and belonging,” said Igor Alterman. “It’s deeply meaningful to be part of that journey.”
The new Hillel Center is more than a renovated space. It is an investment in the young people who will help shape the future of Jewish Boca.
Deepest thanks to Boca Pointe Federation Campaign Chairs and Committee Members for their continued dedication and leadership.
Learn more about our Federation and how you can help at http://www.jewishboca.org.
