Jewish Community Partners

Phoenix Goldberg, Director, Hillels of Memphis

Starting college invokes so many emotions: excitement and anticipation, yes. But it can also be a time of anxiety, searching, and sometimes isolation. Thankfully, for Jewish students in Memphis, Hillel can be a home away from home.

Rhodes College and Hillels of Memphis came together in mid-August to warmly welcome incoming Jewish students and their families at a special reception, marking the beginning of their college journey. The event, attended by approximately 50 people, showcased the strong support system available to Jewish students on campus and within the wider Memphis Jewish community.

The welcoming atmosphere was palpable, underscored by the presence of Rhodes College leadership. President Jennifer Collins, along with the VP for Student Life, VP for Belonging and Compliance, VP for Development, and the President’s Chief of Staff attended the event to demonstrate the college’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and safe space for Jewish students. Their presence, coupled with expressions of warmth and support, sent a positive and uplifting message to the new students and their families.

Rhodes Chaplain Beatrix Weil offered robust and inspiring words of encouragement, urging students to embrace their full identities, including their Jewish heritage, and to be authentic throughout their college experience. President Collins echoed this sentiment, expressed her strong support for Jewish life on campus and acknowledged the robust partnership between Rhodes, Hillels of Memphis, and the Memphis Jewish Federation. She was enthusiastic about attending a Hillel Shabbat Dinner and extended an open invitation for students to connect during office hours.

Jimmy Ringel, Chair of the Memphis Jewish Federation, delivered opening remarks that emphasized the strong partnership between the Federation and Rhodes Hillel. He said the Federation is proud of the vibrant Jewish life on campus and highlighted the opportunities Hillel provides for students to connect with one another, celebrate holidays, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore their Jewish identity.

 He also addressed the vital role of the Hillel/Federation relationship in both joyful moments and in addressing challenges such as antisemitic and anti-Israel activity on campus. Ringel also mentioned the Federation’s work to foster understanding and build bridges across communities, such as a future Black-Jewish Unity Dinner between Hillel students at Rhodes and the University of Memphis and students at LeMoyne-Owen College that is currently being planned.

“In so many ways, Rhodes College has proactively supported Jewish life on campus,” said Federation Executive Vice President Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein. “From creating the merit-based Jewish Community Fellows program for incoming Jewish students to their current participation in Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative, the college has partnered with the Jewish community in deep and meaningful ways.”

Other speakers included Jack Seigerman, Rhodes Hillel Student President, Zachary Roberts, Chair, Hillel Advisory Council and Laura Linder, President and CEO of Jewish Community Partners.

The reception provided a valuable opportunity for new Jewish students from across the country, from Denver to New Jersey, to meet one another. Parents in attendance experienced firsthand the tangible support offered by Rhodes College and the unwavering commitment of the Memphis Jewish Federation to Jewish college students. Many parents expressed their sincere appreciation for this support as their children begin college, which they said they found reassuring during this significant transition for their families and the currently fraught time for Jewish students on campuses nationwide.

If you know a Jewish student attending college in Memphis, Hillel leadership would love to meet them! Reach out to Phoenix Goldberg, Director, Hillels of Memphis: pgoldberg@jcpmemphis.org