Growing up as a third-generation Cincinnatian, my life was deeply rooted in Jewish community. My family attended shul every Saturday, celebrated all the holidays, and sent me to Jewish day school. I spent my summers at Jewish camp and my teenage years immersed in BBYO. Very little about my upbringing wasn’t Jewish — and I liked it that way.
That foundation instilled in me not only a strong sense of identity but also a deep appreciation for the power of Jewish community. It is what ultimately led me to dedicate my professional life to Jewish communal service.
When I went to college, Hillel became a natural home for me because I was looking for it. I craved that sense of belonging and found comfort in Jewish life on campus. Yet, I know that not every student arrives at college seeking a Jewish community. Some prospective students visit Hillel as part of their campus tours — and at Miami University, we love welcoming them and sharing the vibrancy and warmth of our Jewish life. Others, however, come to college ready to explore their independence and make their own choices about how, or whether, Judaism fits into their daily lives. College, for many, is the first real opportunity to decide what their Jewish journey will look like.
My passion for higher education and for supporting Jewish college students began during my own undergraduate years. I quickly realized that being Jewish on campus could be both rewarding and complex — filled with moments of pride, challenge, and growth. Those experiences shaped my understanding of how important it is to create spaces where students can explore, question, and celebrate their Jewish identity freely and safely.
Now, as the Executive Director of Hillel at Miami University, I have the privilege of witnessing this process unfold every day. I talk with students, collaborate with university administrators, and follow national and state trends that affect Jewish life on campus.
Through this column, my goal is to share insights from those conversations and experiences, offering students and parents guidance as they navigate the college search process, explore campus communities, and advocate for their needs once they arrive. I will also touch on topics such as mental health, leadership, belonging, and the evolving landscape of Jewish student life.
In today’s climate, both in America and around the world, it is more important than ever to understand what Jewish life looks like on each campus. Every university has its own culture, dynamics, and opportunities. By researching, asking questions, and engaging thoughtfully, students can find the environment that best supports their growth, both academically and Jewishly.
My hope is that this column will serve as a resource and a reflection point: a place to explore how Jewish life thrives in higher education and how each student can shape their own meaningful experience.
