UM Hillel

Schedule a Visit Today!

If you are planning a visit to the University of Miami, stop by Hillel to meet our staff and learn about our programs.

Prospective Student Form

Are you a prospective student looking to learn more about Jewish student life on campus? Fill out this form to be connected with a current student, Hillel staff member, or receive more information about visiting us on campus!

Questions?

For Parents: Rabbi Jason Cook, our Campus Rabbi, is our parent liaison on staff and can answer most questions new Miami parents may have about Jewish campus life and/or how your student can enjoy all that Miami Hillel can offer. Contact Rabbi Cook at rabbicook@miamihillel.org

For Students: Jordan Feinberg, our Engagement Manager, is the best person to contact with questions about student life on campus! Contact Jordan at jordan@miamihillel.org

Welcome to the University of Miami Hillel family! We are so excited to have you join us for your college experience! On this page, you will find information on our programming and opportunities for first-year students!

Please be sure to fill out our New Cane Intro Form so we can update you on pre-arrival and move-in opportunities! We look forward to meeting you!

Fresh Fest + Early Move In

FreshFest is our Pre-Orientation Program + Priority Early Move-In for Jewish Students in the Incoming Freshmen class! FreshFest consists of meeting your fellow freshmen, a day of programming at Hillel, awesome swag, and events throughout Orientation Week!

Register Here for FreshFest 2024

Save the Date:

• Mon August 12: Priority Move In + Parent Meeting at 4PM
• Tues August 13: Open House All Day
• Weds August 14: FreshFest! 10am-2pm
• Fri August 16: Cane KickOff Shabbat

Fresh Fest FAQs:

Do we really get to move in early? Yes! Register by June 30th to ensure early move-in on Monday, August 12

How much is it? The total cost is $180 which covers Early Move-In + All Fresh Fest Programming + Fall Off Campus Field Trip

What time? FrestFest is 10am-2pm on Weds August 14, but stay tuned for Orientation Events the Entire Week!

How do I sign up? Register Using this Link!

Additonal Involvement Opportunities for First Years

Freshmen Leadership Council
Get connected with all things Hillel during your first semester on campus! FLC allows you to build a crew of first-year pals, plan events for your friends, and gain leadership experience you can add to your resume!

Jewish Learning Fellowship
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 8-10 week program where we will come together weekly for dinner and an intriguing conversation about Judaism in our world today. We will be asking the big questions and exploring the old mixed with the new. This is a chance to engage with your Jewish identity, join in weekly meals, participate in meaningful conversations, build community, and receive a stipend upon the completion of the fellowship.

Applications will open August 2024.

About Therapy Services at UM Hillel:

UM Hillel, in collaboration with The Greater Miami Jewish Federation (GMJF) and BeWell, offers counseling services with a licensed therapist. The therapist is currently available for clients both online via telehealth and in person.

Therapy provides a secure and nurturing environment to address life’s obstacles, discover oneself, develop coping strategies, and enhance relationships. Typical reasons for seeking therapy include anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, identity exploration, sexuality, perfectionism, social media impact, body image, substance use, and career dilemmas.

Parents, faculty, staff, and peers are encouraged to support students by guiding them to counseling services. Please note, according to confidentiality laws, appointments cannot be scheduled by third parties. Students interested in UM Hillel counseling services must initiate the request themselves.

Confidentiality:

Your confidentiality is paramount when you seek therapy services at UM Hillel. Your sessions are confidential, adhering to legal guidelines with specific exceptions. Therapy records remain separate from UM and Hillel’s official records and cannot be accessed by parents, guardians, university staff, or faculty without your explicit written consent once you are 18 years old. Furthermore, your attendance at sessions cannot be confirmed without your prior written authorization. This ensures that your privacy and trust are respected throughout your therapy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is UM Hillel providing therapy services?
UM Hillel is providing therapy services to address the growing mental health needs among college-aged students, a demographic increasingly affected by mental health challenges. These services aim to support students through one-on-one therapy sessions, facilitate group gatherings to foster mental health support, and promote staff wellness. We recognize that it is difficult for some students to find accessible therapy due to waiting lists and we seek to bridge this gap by offering a therapist through UM Hillel. Mental health issues among college students are becoming more prevalent due to various factors including academic pressures, social transitions, rising antisemitism, and the overall stress of daily life.

How can having a therapist benefit college students?
Having access to a therapist can significantly benefit college students in several ways:

• Emotional Support: College can be a stressful time, and having a therapist provides a confidential space to discuss personal challenges and receive emotional support.
• Coping Strategies: Therapists can help students develop coping strategies and resilience skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues effectively.
• Social and Interpersonal Skills: Therapy sessions can enhance communication skills, assertiveness, and the ability to navigate social relationships, which are crucial for success in both academic and professional environments.
• Early Intervention: Addressing mental health concerns can prevent them from escalating into more serious problems that might interfere with academic progress and overall well-being.

  By offering therapy services, UM Hillel not only supports the mental health and well-being of its students but also contributes to creating a campus environment that fosters personal growth, resilience, and academic success.

Who is the therapist?
Remy Gordon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a diverse background in therapy. Remy earned a Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis in 2017 and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in social work from Tulane University. Her professional journey includes working in various therapeutic settings, such as the school system, in-home therapy, assertive community treatment plans, psychiatric units in hospitals, homeless shelters for adolescents, and in private practice. Before transitioning to therapy, Remy was a school teacher, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges children, adolescents and young adults face daily. This experience fueled her passion for therapy, rooted in a deep-seated desire to help and listen to others. For Remy, being a therapist is not merely a profession but an integral part of her identity. She is so excited for this new role at UM Hillel to be able to provide compassionate support, guide students through their challenges, and help foster a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and well-being.

What therapy modalities will she use?
Remy uses a diverse range of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the specific needs of each student at UM Hillel. Her approach is integrative, combining techniques to create a supportive and effective therapeutic environment aimed at creating lasting change in students’ lives. Her goal is to provide a comfortable environment for students to feel safe and validated as they create a lasting change in their lives. She utilizes various therapy modalities including but not limited to talk therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Recovery Oriented (CT-R) and Motivational Interviewing.

Who is eligible to receive services from our therapist?
Any Jewish student who is currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at UM, who is interested in Hillel, regardless of their background, is eligible to receive services from our therapist. Therapy services are designed to support students facing various challenges such as the stress of college life, issues related to gender or sexuality, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, or any other personal concerns. The therapist will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can seek support and work towards improving their well-being and mental health.

Are services in-person or virtual?
Therapy services at UM Hillel will be offered both in-person and virtually. Individual therapy sessions will be available through a secure HIPAA compliant telehealth platform, allowing students to access support remotely if preferred or necessary. Group therapy sessions, however, will primarily be conducted in person to facilitate a supportive and interactive environment for students. This dual approach ensures flexibility and accessibility for students seeking mental health support, accommodating different preferences and needs while maintaining a secure and effective therapeutic setting.

What is the cost of therapy?
Therapy services at UM Hillel are 100% free!

How do I schedule?
To schedule an appointment for mental health support, whether you’re facing challenges or seeking to maintain your well-being, please fill out this form. Remy will contact you with further information.

Schedule an Appointment

Student Board

Being on the Student E-Board gives you the opportunity to shape the future of our Hillel and be a representative of the student body. Our E-board has multiple positions that each contribute to our functioning as an organization while allowing you to build your leadership skills. Positions include President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, VP of Communications, VP of Jewish Life, VP of Israel Affairs, VP of Outreach/Inclusion, VP of Social Justice/Tikkun Olam, VP of Student Life.

Applications open in November.

Jewish Learning

Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
The Jewish Learning Fellowship is a 8-10 week program where we will come together weekly for dinner and an intriguing conversation about Judaism in our world today. We will be asking the big questions and exploring the old mixed with the new. This is a chance to engage with your Jewish identity, join in weekly meals, participate in meaningful conversations, build community, and receive a stipend upon the completion of the fellowship.

Individualized Jewish Learning
Whether it’s chatting about the weekly Torah portion or learning how to read Hebrew, Rabbi Jason Cook is available for individualized learning!

Student Groups:

Challah for Hunger
Challah for Hunger employs an innovative philanthropic model of bringing together groups around the Jewish tradition of baking challah, and donating the proceeds of sales to the fight to end hunger locally and nationally. Our students have challah bakes about once a month! Follow @umiamichallahforhunger to join their next bake!

Jewish Cooking Club
The Jewish Cooking Club combines two of our favorite things: Judaism and food! Join us throughout the semester as we cook some delicious Jewish meals in the Hillel building! Follow @jcc.umiami for more info!

Hillel Run Club
Do you like to run? Join other Jewish students who are also passionate about running as we go for weekly runs around campus. Last semester, students even signed up for a 5k and brought the Hillel Run club into the real world!

Freshmen Leadership Council
Get connected with all things Hillel during your first semester on campus! FLC allows you to build a crew of first-year pals, plan events for your friends, and gain leadership experience you can add to your resume!

CanePac
Cane PAC was born from a group of students’ personal ties to the state of Israel and their belief in the power of peace. Their mission is to ensure a global pro-Israel stance. This diverse group of student leaders hosts meetings, speakers and events throughout the year and sends an annual delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference. No Israel knowledge or political experience necessary to join, everyone is welcome! Follow @umcanepac on Instagram to stay updated on future meetings and events!

Volunteering!
Join fellow UM students to volunteer around the city and learn more about the social Justice struggles that local Miamians face. Past volunteering days have included: Miami Day of Service, Lotus House Homeless Shelter, Beach Cleanup, gardening days, and more! Join our Social Justice GroupMe to stay updated on future events!

Israel Engagement Interns

Are you passionate about Israel? This multifaceted internship allows you to develop interpersonal and professional skills by creating unique Israel programs for our campus from educational speaker series to cultural events. Work directly with our IACT Coordinator to recruit students for our Birthright Israel trip and other travel opportunities.

Contact zander@miamihillel.org with any questions!

Social Media/Graphic Design Intern

Take over Hillel’s Insta, FB, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn accounts and share all the amazing work our Hillel does with the world! You will work closely with Hillel’s social media accounts to enhance our email, FB and other visual identity and communication. The perfect candidate will have a track record of social media influence, reflected through a consistent online presence or professional experience in marketing agencies, along with proficiency in Adobe Suite, Canva, Photoshop.

Contact shayna@miamihillel.org with any questions!

Service Engagement Interns

Powered by Repair the World and Hillel International, this Internship gives students the skills and resources to engage their peers in service, civic engagement and social change work. In addition to running service projects that engage their peers, Interns will participate in a small cohort experience with other interns. Applications open at the beginning of each school year.

Contact shayna@miamihillel.org with any questions!

Front Desk Receptionists

Be the first face that visitors and students see when they enter our building! You’ll help welcome everyone into the building, buzz in visitors, give building tours, and more! Front Desk Receptionists will sign up for shifts throughout the week based on their availability.

Contact gabi@miamihillel.org with any questions!

HERO - Hillel Engagement and Relationship Officer

Being a HERO focuses on engaging uninvolved Jewish students on campus. You will work with your friends who are comfortable being Jewish, but don’t necessarily associate themselves with Hillel. This is a great internship for students who are incredibly social and like bringing people together!

Contact jordan@miamihillel.org with any questions!

Hillels of Florida in Poland Trip

Join students from Hillels around the state of Florida for a once in a lifetime trip to visit Poland and bear witness to the events of the Holocaust. Experience the flourishing modern day Polish Jewish community while diving into the history of Poland for an incredibly meaningful trip. Meet students from universities all over Florida and connect to your Judaism.

Application opens in October and the trip runs during the first week of Winter Break.

Birthright

Birthright Israel is a ten day immersive trip that allows UM students to get in touch with their Judaism through experiencing multiple facets of Israeli culture. Birthright is an educational experience in which participants visit historical sites, hear from multiple speakers and are joined for the duration of the trip by 5-10 Israeli peers. Students will also have the opportunity to enjoy the many foods, outdoor activities, and nightlife experiences that Israel has to offer.

Applications for Winter Birthright are now open! The trip runs December 15-26. Register here!

Onward

Grab your passport and build your resume with a summer internship in Israel! Join the Miami cohort of students who spend two months learning, working, and immersing themselves in Tel Aviv.

MTF Perspectives

This unique Israel travel experience brings our universities top student leaders to Israel and the West Bank to dive into the complexities of the conflict, while experiencing the culture of the region first hand. Accompanied by a handful of Jewish student ambassadors, participants will have the opportunity to ask tough questions and participate in deep discussions.

The next Perspectives trip is planned for Winter Break 2024. Applications will open in the Fall.

Student Conferences

We’re proud to support the passions of our students and enable them to connect with different networks around the country. We send an annual delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference, have hosted the Latino-Jewish Summit, and a wide range of other opportunities. Interested in attending a conference? Let us know how we can support you!

Shabbat + Services

If you’re looking for a community to sing, eat, and celebrate with, look no further! UM Hillel hosts Shabbat experiences every Friday night, with services starting at 6:00 PM and a glatt kosher meal served at 7:00 PM. We love to mix things up, so keep an eye out for fun Shabbat themes and food!

Holidays

We know how unique Miami is, and our holiday celebrations follow suit! We host traditional and alternative experiences throughout the year, from Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur to Purim and Pesach, and more! Follow us on Social Media to stay updated our Holiday celebrations!

Kosher Food on Campus

The Corner Deli is a fully Kosher restaurant in the heart of campus! They are also part of the student dining plan! UM Hillel will always have kosher food for every event we host, including Shabbat, holidays, weekly events and more!

Welcome Grad Students! We have occasional Grad Student events throughout the year like Shabbats, Happy Hours, speakers, and more! Follow us on Instagram to stay updated!

Contact gabi@miamihillel.org with questions!

Young Jewish Professional Organizations in Miami

• Miami Jews - Young Jewish Adults Org through Temple Beth Am
• Moishe House - Empowers Jewish homes - weekly and monthly events, and the option for subsidized rent to live in a Moishe House
• Young Leadership Division - through the Miami Jewish Federation
• One Table - Free Shabbat dinners around the city. You can also host your own and receive funding!
• The Tribe - Young Jewish Adults Org through Temple Beth Sholom