By Megan Loock
Elm Staff Writer
Washington College’s virtual semester continues to challenge clubs as leaders are forced to reevaluate and innovate their operations.
WC’s Hillel organization faced one of the most drastic changes.
The organization’s normal operation revolved around having direct access to the Hillel House located next to Minta Martin Hall on Washington Avenue. Now that access is no longer available, they are reevaluating ways in which they can practice with one another from a distance.
On Tuesday Sept. 4, a fire damaged the Chabad Center at the University of Delaware. It was later concluded that the fire was set intentionally, according to Delaware News Journal.
“A big part of Judaism is giving to charity and helping those in need,” Community Outreach Chair of Hillel senior Talia Seidman said.
Though there are no concrete plans at the moment, Hillel hopes to support those who were affected by the fire just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.
This year Rosh Hashanah lasts from the evening of Friday Sept. 18 to the evening of Sunday Sept. 20.
“One of the main aspects of this holiday is about giving to charity, starting your new year on a righteous foot,” senior and Hillel President Bradley Melzer said.
Melzer hopes that they can help raise awareness to the WC community by spreading a GoFundMe page.
Instead of hosting celebratory dinners in honor of Jewish holidays, something made impossible in our now virtual climate, they want to transition into a more educational role and plan to do so by sending out email blasts. These will be sent out around the holidays and will contain information about the Hillel organization and their cultural practices altogether.
This semester, Hillel will also be partnering with Intercultural Affairs to put information in their monthly newsletters.
While most events are centered around Jewish culture, “our events are very inclusive and welcoming to everyone,” said treasurer of Hillel sophomore Katherine DeSantis.
Students interested in getting involved with Hillel, are encouraged contact Melzer via email at bmelzer2@washcoll.edu
The Chabad Center’s GoFundMe page can be found at