The University of Toledo is celebrating Jewish Heritage Month throughout April with several scheduled events that combat anti-Semitism and explore Shabbat.
“Jewish Heritage month is a time for us to celebrate Judaism and share this celebration with other students and organizations across campus,” said Jacqueline Kraft, president of Hillel House in Toledo, which serves as a home away from home for Jewish students from UToledo, Bowling Green State University and the community.
“UToledo Hillel enabled me to find tremendous pride in being Jewish through a caring community, support and amazing programs. This month we can share our food and traditions with others to give them a little idea of what being Jewish is all about.”
Among the events:
• Tuesday, April 6, 8 p.m. — “21st Century Anti-Semitism: Exploring Hate, Oppression and Identity,” hosted virtually by Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis. Visit this site for more event information and registration information.
• Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m. — “Remembering to Never Forget: A Discussion with Zahava Rendler,” hosted virtually by Bowling Green State University’s Hillel. Rendler, a member of the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s Coppel Speakers Bureau, shares the story of her past to shed light on possibilities of the future. Visit this site for more information.
• Friday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. — Shabbat 101, a virtual introduction to Shabbat including the meaning behind the prayers and rituals performed every Friday. Sign up for the event through Hillel and pick up your supplies in the Office of Multicultural Student Success (Thompson Student Union room 2500) the day of the event; limited to the first 15 people who sign up. Visit this site for more information.
• Friday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. — Shabbat Dinner. In Jewish tradition, the world was created in an evolution of seven days: six days of work that culminate in the seventh day, Shabbat, a day of rest. Sign up for the Zoom event through Hillel; limited to the first 15 people who sign up. Visit this site for more information.
• Sunday, April 18, 2 p.m. — Mezuzah Making Program. Join Hillel on Zoom to make your own Mezuzah, which consists of two parts: the holder, which is the part seen on the doorpost, and a small scroll of parchment inside (called a “klaf” in Hebrew). Visit this site for more information.
• Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m. — History of Judaism Trivia Night. Join Hillel on Zoom to learn more about Judaism through fun competition. Visit this site for more information.
• Wednesday, April 28, noon to 6 p.m. — Project Linus at Hillel House, 2012 Brookdale Drive, Toledo. The mission of Project Linus is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Please join Hillel for a night of giving back to the community. Visit this site for more information.
For more information about Jewish Heritage Month, go to the Office of Multicultural Student Success website or call 419.530.2261.
