Condoms at Hillel

If you’ve spent time in Muhlenberg’s Hillel, you know a couple of things for certain—that you can get delectable pull-apart chocolate babka cake after most Shabbat dinners, and that when you come to class there are loads of delicious snacks waiting in the kitchen. Yet something that students who visit Hillel might not know is that in the bathrooms they can find a hefty stash of condoms.

Walking into the bathroom across the dining room one fateful Friday night, I located the source of my fascination: the basket of rubbers. These little magical packages come with a store of knowledge. Propped against these baskets, there are fliers headed, “Why are there condoms at Hillel?” They state, “Judaism encourages adults of all ages and physical and mental capabilities to develop expressions of their sexuality that are both responsible and joyful.” Much of Jewish tradition is about discernment, which is why it’s also written, “The abuse of human sexuality can be destructive to our emotional, spiritual and physical health. We have a duty to engage only in those sexual behaviors that do not put others or ourselves at risk.” This is a fairly straightforward idea that is often implicit, but that can be overlooked.

It seems Hillel is making a statement that condoms don’t bring students away from their Judaism; in fact, they can be employed to create a stronger bond with students’ beliefs, ethics, and boundaries. Though the Muhlenberg Hillel has taken no open political stance about safe sex for college students, through providing these materials, it participates in a movement much larger than itself.

“I think that although at first a bit shocking, the condoms promote a safe community of acceptance. It also helps that Rabbi Melissa is approachable about these issues, making sure students are being safe and protected,” says Alexandra Liebman ‘18.

To link back to the Jewish religion, at the bottom of this same flier it states, “Blessed is our Eternal G-d, Creator of the Universe, who has made our bodies with wisdom...” a prayer chosen for the way it links everyday physical functions with thankfulness. In this context it seems that the prayer clarifies that sex is nothing to be ashamed of, but is as normal as everyday body functioning, which is to be celebrated.

As a welcoming space for the Jewish students on campus, a source of interfaith connection and a leader for community engagement, Hillel has a tangible and lasting impact on people. The Jewish leaders on campus seem to believe that it’s important no detail is overlooked, including what’s in the bathrooms.

That is also why in a majority of the bathrooms I found yellow posters titled, “Sexual Assault: We’re Here for You” which address how Muhlenberg supports students who have experienced sexual assault. They also lay out steps for students to take if they want to file a report or bring criminal charges against the alleged perpetrators. In addition, on the door of the two Gender Neutral Bathrooms, one upstairs by the Hillel staff offices, and one downstairs, there’s another explanatory flier beginning with, “Our Jewish community is committed to respecting and honoring the diversity in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities, including the right of individuals to self-identify their gender.” Along with the provision of condoms, Hillel has taken tangible steps toward bridging the gap between students who often face obstacles surrounding gender and sex and the Jewish community.