I first attended Shabbat in mid-September, going in without really knowing what to expect. I brought along my roommate and friend, both of whom are Catholic, and all of us were a bit nervous, hoping the community would accept us even though we did not attend Johns Hopkins.  

To our relief, we were immediately welcomed into the community and introduced to many of the other students. I attended services and dinner that evening, constantly beaming to my friends about how grateful I was to be there.  

Again, being at a Catholic school, I was initially hesitant about how much I would be able to practice Judaism. In complete honesty, I have become more religious and spiritual through regularly attending services. Spending even just one hour each week practicing my Hebrew and finding myself within prayer has been incredibly grounding amidst the challenges that come with school and life itself. Because of my routine of attending Hillel every Friday, I now attend services much more regularly, even when I am home. 

Hillel has become one of the places where I spend most of my time, whether I am catching up with friends or simply watching a movie with other students in my class year. It has been a core part of my college experience so far, and a strong, welcoming community that I am proud to call myself a part of. 

This program is part of a new Associated initiative providing Jewish engagement opportunities to students at local universities without campus Hillels.  

Learn about our Jewish engagement work here.