“It’s hard to answer the question of what exactly Hillel means to me because, frankly, Hillel has meant everything to me. The community that we have created in such a short time has become my family here at Trinity.”
—Sara Pflantzer ’04
2002 Hillel co-president
"Hillel gave me the opportunity to learn more about my passions for Judaism and Jewish life. On my path of studying and working in the Jewish field I have learned more about myself, become a stronger leader, and developed everlasting friendships. Hillel has become my home at Trinity College."
- Cheryl Gerber '07
2005 Hillel co-president
For over 55 years, Hillel has been a part of life at Trinity. Students meet weekly to plan on-campus religious, cultural, and educational events. Community-oriented events and programs are planned with the cooperation of Hartford-area organizations. One such event is the popular Hartford Jewish Film Festival, founded in 1996 by Trinity’s own Hillel Director, Lisa Kassow.
Internships are available with Jewish organizations throughout the greater Hartford Jewish community. Trinity’s Hillel also sponsors trips to national sites of Jewish interest such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. In February of 2005 seven students, Lisa Kassow, and JCSC fellow Julie Sarke attended the Jack J. Spitzer Forum on Public Policy in Washington DC. The Forum brings together hundreds of Jewish college students interested in public policy and social action; and it provides seniors with a place to research future employment in a variety of public interest fields.
Hillel operates with a constitution and a board of student officers. In addition to two co-presidents who share the responsibility of leading the organization and planning events with the Hillel director, there are vice-presidents for religious programming and Israel advocacy, social action, educational and cultural programming, public relations, multi-cultural affairs, and finance.
Our Outstanding 2007-8 Student Board:
Melissa Litwack
-Co-President
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Medford, NJ
-Majors: International Studies (Concentration on the Caribbean) and Religious Studies and a Minor: Spanish
As Co-President of Hillel, I run meetings and keep a good working relationship on our board and with other organization’s boards. I also attend MAC and ISC meetings as the Hillel representative. At Trinity I am also involved in ISC, Student Government as a senator-at-large, and whatever strikes my fancy. My favorite Hillel memories are of the simple times hanging out with all my best friends at Friday night services and dinner. This year at Hillel I'm looking forward to getting our organization involved with other cultural organizations and planning some interesting programs that incorporate many groups on campus.
Sophia Alyssa Simpson
-Co-President
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: The glorious city of San Francisco, California
-Major: American Studies, with a Minor in Architectural Studies
As Co-President I am responsible for the oversight of the board, getting events planned, organized and actualized, and making sure that communication between board members, Hillel members, and Hillel director goes smoothly. Here at Trinity College I am involved in the Inter-Social Council, intramural basketball, community action club, green campus, and The Fred. At the Hillel house I like to do work, conduct meetings, raid the kitchen, cook matzah pizza, hang with friends, have “Grey's Anatomy” parties, but most of all laugh a lot and just hang our and relax
Michelle Cohen
-Vice President of Publicity
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ and New York, NY
Major: Economics and Art History
I am in charge of publicity for Hillel events and programs. My favorite Hillel memory is making hamburgers during finals while taking a study break. At the Hillel house I like to watch The Wonder Year with David Goodman and friends, study, and make good food.
Rachel Golden
-Vice President of Outreach
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Tampa, FL
-Major: Undecided, Pre-Med
I’m basically responsible for reaching out to new people in the Trinity community and helping Hillel connect to other organizations and clubs on campus. Along with being involved in Hillel, I’m also a member of the Trinity crew team. I’m taking a semester off due to a shoulder surgery, but it’s still fun! My favorite Hillel memories are when we made tons of PB&J sandwiches that we took to a shelter, cooking our Indian Shabbat dinner even though I can't cook, and watching movies and T.V. shows downstairs with friends.
Molly Goodwin
-MAZON Fellow
-Class of 2009
-Homewtown: Providence, RI
-Major: American Studies Major and Writing and Rhetoric Minor
I am the MAZON fellow, which includes responsibilities such as Campus Kitchen, being the FACES representative for Hillel, and organizing general community service events through Hillel and for the greater Trinity Campus. At Trinity I am a Writing Associate, a member of PRAXIS, and I served as class secretary as a sophomore, which I will hopefully continue this year. My favorite Hillel memory is participating in the Spitzer Forum in Washington D.C. in February. Besides learning from the group workshops and the MAZON fellowship orientation, I returned to school having built stronger friendships with the Trinity students who participated.
Mallory Levine
-Tzedek Vice President
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Hollis, NH
-Major: Psychology
As the Tzedek Vice President at Hillel, I run community service programs. My favorite Hillel memories are Israeli dancing and Shabbat dinners. I’m looking forward to getting more people involved with Hillel this year.
Sam Newman
-Grinspoon Intern
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Rochester, NY
-Major: Economics and International Relations
As the Grinspoon Intern at Trinity’s Hillel, I’m in charge of Israel advocacy; sticking up for the homeland. I am also organizing a Trinity Birthright Trip for January 2008. My favorite part of Hillel is the couches in the basement. This year at Hillel I’m looking forward to getting people to go to Israel on birthright!!!
Jackie Sparks
-Vice President of Religious Affairs
-Class of 2009
-Hometown: Charlotte, NC (Although I lived in St. Louis for 17 Years)
-Major: History and Jewish Studies
As Vice President of Religious Affairs I'm in charge of religious services and rituals. I find people to lead the services, give d'var Torahs, and make sure we have services/programs for the important holidays. I’m also involved in fencing, the Trinity Tripod, Trinity Pep Band, and Costume Shop. The best part about Hillel is how welcoming it is and how people really do make an effort to include you and make you feel a part of it.
Emma Ann Williams
-Board Member at Large
-Class of 2010
-Hometown: Providence, RI
-Major: English
At Trinity I am also involved in the Multicultural Affairs Council and Green Campus. My favorite Hillel memory is when we cooked Indian food for our Indian Shabbaton. The best part about Hillel is having a place that feels like home away from home.