The Ever-Changing Hillel JUC

Whether you came to Hillel 50 years ago, 30 years ago or even just last year, things are constantly changing for the better here in Oakland! Here's a quick update on some fun facts that may be interesting to you, as alumni of Hillel: 

• Each Friday night, we have an average of 150 students that come to the Hillel JUC for student-led services and a Shabbat meal.
• Over spring break, the Hillel JUC led 2 different Alternative Spring Break trips to Guatemala and a Jewish Farm School in California (more to come in the next e-news... stay tuned!)
• The Joseph Stern Building (our building) has a state-of-the-art video gaming room, home theater with surround sound speakers and over 400 titles, pool table, foosball, ping pong, and plenty of couches to relax on between classes or just kicking back with friends. 

Hillel Couple

Engaged to Be Married! 

 Our whole student community came together to celebrate Jesse Hervitz’s (Pitt student Hillel board member) proposal in early December to Vicki Roffe (Aephi board member).  Yes, she accepted! Their Hillel friends organized a special, surprise Oneg Shabbat so that all the students could celebrate together. It was a joyful evening, as friends proposed toast after toast to the happy couple. They will be married after they graduate in the spring. As you may well imagine, this kind of thing doesn’t happen that often, so we are thrilled for this beautiful couple. If you have a similar story about meeting your spouse at Hillel, email Becca Tobe with your story!

Hillel Alum Remembers Rabbi Joe Levine 

When I came to Pittsburgh in 1988 as a freshman at CMU, one of the first places I visited was Hillel. Back then, Hillel was located on North Craig Street (past 5th Avenue). It was run by Rabbi Joseph Levine and Cindy Goodman-Leib. I met with Rabbi Joe one afternoon and I knew right away that he had a love for Hillel and loved working with the students. The first time I met with him I mistakenly told him about my synagogue skills. For the next 4 years, Rabbi Joe and I would lead the High Holiday services. I only knew the "typical" prayers, but Rabbi Joe would do the special High Holiday parts of the service.

Every time I went to Hillel, Rabbi Joe was there with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Every Shabbat, he welcomed students with open arms for services and dinner, and made a point to talk to everyone. For a few weeks, AEPi at CMU sold flowers on Friday afternoons and Rabbi Joe always bought some. He also taught classes at CMU and they were always well attended. In summary, you could always count on Rabbi Joe for anything!

Harold Shapiro - CMU Alum 1992