בס"ד
Published by The Detroit Jewish News - April 10, 2014
Hillel
of Metro Detroit: A Community; Not Just a Name
It
was towards the end of July, and everything was going rather smoothly. I had
moved back home; started classes at Oakland Community College; and was finally starting
the beginning of my future. I was happy, yet something didn’t feel right –
something was off. I was making friends in class, but I didn't know any Jews on
campus. For a school thriving with Jews, I sure couldn't tell.
About
a month into the semester, everything changed. I was running late for class,
and I mistakenly entered the wrong building. Suddenly I was staring at the word
“Jewish”. I was looking at a flier for the Jewish Student Organization of OCC.
‘Now we are getting somewhere’, I thought to myself. I took one of the contact slips
and quickly ran to class.
I
knew I had to look into this organization, so I emailed a message to the then
current president, Sophie Lester. Yet, I hesitated, not because I was nervous,
but I had a preconceived idea of what Hillel was all about. Really unsure what
to do, I decided to email the president and see what would unfold from there.
When
I heard back from Sophie, she informed me that she was glad that I had
contacted her and invited me to join the group. Still very biased about what
kind of group it was, I asked if we can meet up first so that I can learn more the
JSO. I prepared a list of questions for the upcoming meeting.
Sophie
quickly calmed my fears. She explained
that Hillel of Metro Detroit, known as HMD, believe that every Jew should, and
must, feel welcome. They go out of their way to ensure that all food is 100%
Kosher; any events held on Shabbat will adhere to observant views; and the
like.
Still
a little worried, I nevertheless agreed to attend the JSO’s next event, a Bagel
Talk. That event changed my whole viewpoint on HMD. We simply talked about what
it means to be a Jew, while munching on delicious bagels from Jerusalem Bagel.
During the board meeting that followed, I found myself becoming the new
secretary of the JSO at OCC.
For
some reason that I cannot explain, I felt at home. Although I kept asking
questions (to make sure I wasn’t dreaming) I was constantly reminded that I
don’t have to worry about kashrus or Shabbos or anything really. I began to
associate a great deal with the JSO and with Hillel of Metro Detroit in
general. I now try to attend every event I can; and I do everything in my power
to have other Jews at OCC join us.
HMD and the JSO are
great ways to meet new people and have a feeling of belonging. Whether it’s volunteering
at Yad Ezra or having a blast at Dave & Busters, Hillel of Metro Detroit
definitely has enhanced my college experience.
However, a recent event showed me just how beautiful this organization
is. On February 2, HMD joined with residents of the Fleischman Senior Home for
a “Senior Prom”. It was an afternoon of dancing, singing and laughing, getting
to know one another; it was a sight to behold.
Through this event, I
understood the goal of Hillel. HMD is here for the community. If it means
spending extra money on 100% Kosher, so that one observant Jew will feel
comfortable; it is done. If it means
going out of the way to calm the fears of a young guy who may or may not join
their organization; it is done. HMD simply wishes to make the Jewish community
of Detroit whole. Young or old, Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform; none of that
matters to them. A Jew is a Jew – that’s what is important.
The smiles I saw at the
“Senior Prom” made me realize just how glad and proud I am to be able to say
that I associate myself with HMD. They
are more than just an organization– they are a community. A community that
cares.
Dovid Nissan Roetter is a second year student at Oakland Community College and lives in Oak park, MI.
