Hillel at Miami University Press Release
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11 East Walnut Street, Oxford, OH 45056

For more information contact:
Andrea Kahn
(513) 523-5190
muhillel@muhillel.org

(Miami University, Oxford, OH) Hillel at Miami University is proud to announce that two of its students were given the opportunity to attend the United Jewish Communities General Assembly in Cleveland on November 14-17, 2004. Justin (Tugs) Gruenberg and Jenny Jacob took part in the four-day conference, which is the largest gathering of Jewish people interested in leadership within their own Jewish communities. There were participants representing Jewish federations from all over the United States, Israel, as well as other parts of the world.

Jenny Jacob, from Cleveland, a delegate from Miami, had lots of great things to say about her experience at the conference. “I met tons of people from all over the country and learned a lot about Judaism and the world.” Jenny hopes to find a career that will involve her in the Jewish community, both locally where she lives and nationally as well. “This was a great way to be able to see what is out there and ways to get involved.”

Justin (Tugs) Gruenberg, from Detroit, also represented Miami University at the conference. He describes the conference as one of the most amazing weeks of his life. “It is just so hard to put into words how touching and wonderful this experience was. The Jewish federations have reached out to so many people over the years to help in all sorts of ways. I enjoyed being surrounded by such outstanding Jewish leadership.”

This year, the General Assembly's (GA) theme was “Imagine.” A collection of forums, workshops, and programs were offered to help provide resources needed to encourage leadership and strengthen the overall Jewish community. Topics relating to the Israeli government's plans for disengagement and other various issues that Israel faces in today's modern society were discussed. Some of the major speakers included Joshua Malina of NBC's “The West Wing” and Israeli Olympic gold medalist Gal Fridman.

Hillel at Miami University provides a wide variety of social, educational, community service, religious, and cultural experiences for students and the community of Oxford. There are many Jewish groups at Miami including Miami Students for Israel, the Association of Jewish Students, Greek-Jewish Council, and First Year Students of Hillel. Jewish High Holiday services are offered along with weekly Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner, and Passover Seders. The Beerman Jewish Student Center is celebrating 30 years in its current location, one block from Miami's campus.

For more information please contact Andrea Kahn at Miami University's Hillel Foundation.