Hillel House renaming ceremony
On Sunday, Nov. 13, students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community gathered on the front lawn of the Hillel House, or as it is now called, the Leffell Center for Jewish Student Life, to celebrate in its renaming ceremony.
After anonymous donations from Lisa and Michael Leffell (the Leffell Foundation) about five years ago, renovations began on the Hillel House’s grounds to enhance the space into what it has become today. Now, that Michael and Lisa’s sons Ben and Adam graduated from Muhlenberg, Hillel was able to honor their gift.
“It is a great moment in the history of Jewish life at Muhlenberg College because it honors a family who helped make our beautiful Center for Jewish Life a reality,” said Rabbi Melissa B. Simon, Hillel Director and Jewish Chaplain, in an email interview. “We are grateful to them and all of the families who donated for the building campaign and for each donor who gives today to Hillel.”
The event hosted a wide range of speakers, beginning with an introduction by Rebekkah Brown, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, followed by Muhlenberg College President John I. Williams Jr. Aaron Brandt ‘17, Student Board President of Hillel, spoke next, sharing warm messages of acceptance, welcoming, and thankfulness.
“I feel blessed to have Hillel as a home,” said Brandt in his speech. “I know I speak for my classmates when I say we truly feel blessed to have this remarkable space for academic classes, Shabbat meals, Israel programming, and social events.”
After the unveiling and recognition of the Hillel House’s new title, the event was moved inside. Rabbi Simon spoke to the attendees about education and the celebration of Jewish life. She was followed by Ben and Adam Leffell, who shared their thanks and introduced the event’s key speaker, Dr. Ken Stein, Professor of Contemporary Middle Eastern History, Political Science, and Israeli Studies at Emory University.
Dr. Stein’s speech ranged from discussions on Jewish identity, conflicts in Israel and the Middle East, as well as the Jews’ quest for self-determination, but focused mainly on Israel’s affect and importance on American Jewry. A Q&A discussion followed, allowing for all in attendance to participate in the discussion of Jewish identity and American Jewish identity in a modern context.
The event’s focus rested on the celebration of Judaism, the acceptance of a diverse community, and the thankfulness for all that Hillel’s supporters have given to make the organization on campus into what it is today.
“I think it shows the confidence that Muhlenberg has in Hillel to show that this is not just one building on campus. It’s so much more than just a structure,” said Aviva Symons ‘18, Student Secretary of Hillel. “This impacts a lot of the programming and funding of the build- ing and even people that just come to Shabbat dinner once a month will see the new sign on the building and how this family supports Jewish life in unimaginable ways.”
Rabbi Simon couldn’t agree more.
“The naming of the Leffell Center for Jewish Student Life is a joyous occasion for us at Muhlenberg College Hillel as we offer gratitude for the significant gift made several years ago and celebrated today,” said Rabbi Simon.
While the name of the building itself is different, students can expect to find all of the same services, events, and opportunities that were present before the acknowledgement of the Leffell family’s gift.
“The name of the building has changed, but the work of Muhlenberg College remains the same: We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel,” added Rabbi Simon.
Photo courtesy of Muhlenberg College Public Relations