Hi everyone! I am currently serving as Hillel’s Jewish Learning Chairperson, but tonight, I am standing before you running for your Hillel President. I have to admit; I had to think long and hard before deciding to run for president. First of all, I love programming, which is what I have been doing, and I needed to make sure that this job was right for me. Then I looked at our current president, Lauren, and my opponent Jill, and I had to do some real soul searching to consider, “What can I offer that is different?” I have always loved how cool, calm and collected Lauren is. She is always eloquent and so well connected to other campus communities. I hope to continue connecting with other campus groups, just as Lauren did. Then I look at Jill. Unless you catch her on a day with three papers, two jobs and a board meeting, she is the happiest bubbliest person I know. She is filled with energy and I absolutely love her spirit to learn and grow. I respect and admire both Lauren and Jill; as fellow members of the Hillel board, but also as friends. So before I could turn in my application for presidency, I had to introspectively consider the following-Next year, Dov and I will be married. Will I have the time to lead? In that time, will I want to lead? And most importantly, is this where I can be the most valuable and the most effective for Hillel? The answer to all those questions was a resounding YES. And in the next few minutes, I’d like to tell you why.
Hillel is not just my favorite campus club or group. Hillel is my community—a community that I am very committed to. Nothing can Change that. I have found my place in the Jewish community through Hillel. It is Hillel. It is all of you. Our community is filled with people who will go the extra mile to get a friend a calculator for a math exam. Our community is a place of learning—like learning, which words are appropriate…and which should never…ever be spoken. Our community is filled with people with innovative ideas—like April and her Hillel Idol, and our community is full of friends supporting one another through difficult times—like taking one-day car trips for a Shivah Call, more than 4 hours away.. We are a blend of “Jews doing Jewish” like Shabbat services and Tu b’Shvat seders and just having a good time, like playing truth or dare for Rosh Hashana or hanging out at Beach Bums for a free ice cream party. As a community, we know the meaning of “healing the world” and doing acts of loving kindness and our community is one of loving our neighbors, no matter their culture and religion. Hillel is a place where we can laugh our “tuchases” off or go red in the face from debate. To any of you who may have a question of my commitment to hillel, question no further. I am here to stay.
There are a few things in my life that I care enough about to fight for. I love my fiancée. I would do anything for him. I love my friends and my family—I would back them anywhere, and will always support them. And I love Hillel. I am passionate about Hillel. I care enough about Hillel to make it work. I see what Hillel is, and some very integral people have worked very hard to get it to where it is. I’d like to take it a step further. As I painted on Hillel’s brand new mural, “Hillel: Your Jewish Home Away from Home.” The picture is one of smiling faces and opened arms. Above it, in BIG BOLD letters, it screams: “WELCOME.” Those statements are my ultimate goals for our Hillel. I want it to be a place where everyone can feel at home, and where everyone regardless of his or her religious backgrounds, feels welcome. We don’t all look the same, think the same, pray the same or even believe the same. But there is a common denominator. We are all Jewish, and my goal is, and will continue to be, to foster a stronger relationship and strengthen understanding of each other—to take all the wonderful, unique pieces that you all bring and truly build one strong, diverse community.
I believe for leadership to be effective, there are three key components you should look for.
1) An understanding of the community
2) A drive to make changes and a willingness to do whatever it takes
3) A great track record.
I believe that with these components, I can work for you, for Hillel. Firstly, whether you are Reformed, Conservative, Orthodox, fall somewhere in between, or prefer to not be labeled—I’ve been there. I have experienced Hillel from both ends of the spectrum thinking, “It’s way too religious for me,” and also thinking, “For a Jewish organization, where is the Judaism?” I’ve been in both places, and I know how it feels. I understand our community. We are diverse, with diverse ideas, beliefs and customs-and I value that diversity. Secondly, I am passionate. I don’t mind being the lone voice or the squeaky wheel. If I have an opinion-or think an “unrepresented” (or non-board member) opinion is being overlooked, I will work to let it be heard, whether it is popular or not. I have never been afraid to go head-to head with ken, about anything…just ask him. Actually, Ken and I see two very different view points most of the time. So far, this has been a recipe, not for disaster but rather for pure success. With the ideas and ability to follow through, I have been successful implementing each of my programs—I know how to get things done. Although I am usually shy, I’ve learned that the squeaky wheel gets the grease—and for you, our campuses Jewish community, I will be heard. For Hillel, it’s worth it. And thirdly, my track record and my past programs have shined over the past 2 years. Signature programs, invented just for our Hillel are being modeled and modified for other campuses and organizations. Because of my passion (and maybe a little pride) I have never partially done a program. When I do something, I do it right. Student/Faculty Luncheons are monthly. Shabbat @ Dov’s continues to multiply, topping off at 40 people last month! (Although some of you come back just for Dov’s speeches.) Every day you can find people in the Hillel doing Jewish learning together through the Let My People Know learning buddy program that I implemented.
I have never given up and said, “This is as good as it gets, and I can deal with that” As good as it gets has never been acceptable for me. I always strive for better. Some believe that you should hold quality over quantity. It doesn’t matter how many people you get, just make it good. Others believe you should get the new people in… its quantity over quality. I don’t buy either of those. You need both. If you have been to my programs, you know—I always have both quality programs and a great showing. It is evident in my past that I understand our community will work for our community, no matter what, and I know it takes work, lots and lots of work. But our community is worth every bit of effort it takes.
I’m really proud of what a lot of you have accomplished this year. Jill and Stephanie really came through with FYSH—just look how many of you showed up tonight. The amount of First Year Students wanting to make a difference and be a part of their Jewish community is a real tribute to all of you. I wish I could have gotten to know you guys better. From what I hear, you are an exciting, creative and caring group. There were many Hillel programs that I think you really would haven enjoyed—and I’d love to have to opportunity to share them and work with you in the future.
I’m also really proud of the current board. You’ve sat through some loooong, agonizing, even tear-jerking board meetings. I’d say that we worked really hard together-supporting one another. We’ve debated some really important things…also some pretty silly things. But when you care about something, with all your heart…that’s what you do. You put your own selfishness aside and really think for the community. What is best for our community?
I can honestly say, that after great thought and consideration, I think that what is best for our Jewish Community, is a strong board, led by a strong leader—a leader who has never backed down, never given up, and always puts forth 110% effort. I believe that what is best for our community is someone who believes that yes we are a religious group. Yes we are a cultural group, but first and foremost, we are a Community. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
I want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to work with you in the past, and I’d love the opportunity to hear all of your ideas and help you make them happen in the future. Through Hillel, I have learned lessons of working as a team, but giving people their independence. I have learned of new perspectives from friends, like existence of G-d and the meaning of making an “informed choice.” I’ve even learned how to make Matzoh ball soup in quantities large enough to feed a small army of hungry Jews. Through Hillel I have learned and grown. I have implemented Signature programs that I am truly proud of. Next year, I’d like to be in the position to work with you all—so when you have that new and crazy idea…that idea that just might work….I’ll be there to support you, and together we can make it happen.