Mark Kremnitzer

Please write a paragraph response to the following questions. All responses will be posted on the web:

1) Describe your involvement with Hillel

I have attended numerous local Hillel events at Towson. In addition, I have attended two overseas trips with Hillel; one to Israel over the winter break for a Pluralism seminar, and another one to Odessa, Ukraine with Baltimore Hillel.

2) Why do you want to be on the Hillel board?

I have a strong desire to make the Hillel of Towson University better and stronger. I think that it is my responsibility, as a Jew that has had the ability to spend time in Israel, to participate in any local Jewish organization, and make it stronger, and make people more interested in their Judaism.

3) Why do you feel you would be good for the position that you are running for?

I feel that I am very well educated about Shabbat. I am able to lead all sorts of services; however I am most definetly extremely confident in Friday evening services. I also am able to lead most of the Saturday morning service, and one of my priorities would be figuring out a way to have a Saturday morning service here at Towson university atleast once a semester, to allow students who haven’t yet experienced it to see how great Shabbat can be, in all of its aspects---relaxation, prayer, friends, and so on. 

4) What do you hope to accomplish during your year on the Hillel board?

I would strongly hope to accomplish the goal stated above, of having a Saturday morning service at Hillel, with students leading the  entire service. Also, I would like to make Shabbat more accessable to those who don’t usually come to our Shabbat services. For example, I’d like to advertise far more for it, and have different themes that would attract people that usually wouldn’t want to come. I would also want to work in conjunction with the Jewish Learning board member to incorpirate  Chevruta’s into Shabbat on occastion, and do anything possible to make Shabbat not only a relaxing experience, but an educational one as well.

5) Describe previous programming experience that you have had with Hillel.

I have not specifically organized any programs over this past year, yet I have been an active participant in just about every program that Towson Hillel has done over the past year. I have filled in for people when they weren’t available; done D’var Torot at Shabbat services, and have done everything possible to make Towson Hillel stronger. On Board, I would like to do more.