History

Hillel at Wake Forest

From the Feb.9 2012 Old Gold & Black article on Diversity at Wake Forest University

Rabbi Michael Gisser, the associate chaplain for Jewish life noted that the number of self-identifying Jews has increased since the creation of his position last year.

However, Gisser was quick to state that being Jewish does not necessarily have to do with religious belief. “Although we have a religious affiliation, Hillel is not just about ritual and religion,” Gisser said. “Judaism in the United States is actually a culture, a civilization.”

Co-president of Hillel, junior Hanna Book, noted that the Jewish organization has been at the university since 1997 and has “grown exponentially” in recent years.

“We plan a wide assortment of activities that range from religious engagement to social action to social meet-ups as well as educational opportunities,” Book said. “Key events include: speakers, Shabbat dinners, movie nights, bagel brunches, Israel awareness week and much more.”

Members of Hillel have also participated together in intramural sports and other campus activities such as Hit the Bricks and D.E.S.K.

Aside from commenting on the meetings and functions of Hillel, Book lauded the hard work that Gisser has put into Jewish life at the university.

“Rabbi Gisser serves as a mentor, adviser and friend,” Book said. “He helps guide us in planning our events, organizing our budget and appropri ately following religious guidelines.”