Finding My Own Jewish Path at Hunter Hillel

Young man giving two thumbs up, smiling at a social gathering with friends, seated at a table with drinks and snacks.
Three smiling young adults taking a selfie together in a social gathering.
Three teenagers sitting at a table covering their faces with books titled "Hunter Hillel." Two of them are holding the books, while the girl on the left is not. The table has a pink tablecloth, some small pieces of paper, two empty paper cups, and a cellphone. A poster in the background reads "BENTER BILLIARDS."

I used to think I didn’t have a place in the Jewish community. My journey with Judaism has never been simple—it’s been filled with twists, turns, and a lot of questions. I grew up Orthodox, deeply connected to tradition, but at some point, I drifted. I moved away from religious observance, and with that came a struggle to figure out where I truly belonged.

Walking into Hunter Hillel changed that.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I quickly realized that Hillel wasn’t about being “Jewish enough” or fitting into any one mold—it was about showing up as you are and being embraced. I found a space where I could explore my Jewish identity on my own terms, where my questions weren’t just accepted, but welcomed.

Four young adults standing inside a wooden room, wearing matching gray hoodies that say 'I love h' with the rest of the text hidden. They have their arms around each other's shoulders, smiling at the camera.

This community became my home on campus. Whether it was grabbing a meal between classes, sitting down for deep conversations, or coming together for Shabbat, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: a sense of belonging. And this year, as the Shabbat Intern, I had the chance to create that same experience for others. Planning Shabbat gatherings and watching students come together—some who had never been to a Shabbat dinner before—has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done at Hunter.

And honestly, it’s been needed more than ever. The past year hasn’t been easy for Jewish students. With rising antisemitism, there have been moments when it felt isolating to be a Jew on campus. But Hunter Hillel is a reminder that we are not alone. We support each other. We celebrate together. We stand strong together.

I’m still figuring out my relationship with Judaism, and I know that’s okay. What I do know is this: I have a place here. And no matter where my journey takes me, I know I’ll always have this community to come back to.

–Ezra Avitsur, Hunter College ’27