By Josh Rapkin

My experience on Hillel's White Water rafting trip on the Ocoee River was unforgettable. I was able to meet many new kids and bond with them about our Jewish backgrounds and plans for college. After our Hillel group met at the meeting location, we shared a delicious bagel lunch and got ready to board the buses headed for the river. Eventually, we arrived at the site, and began our descent down the Ocoee River.

Although I was nervous to embark on my first ever white water rafting trip, my fears were quickly assuaged by our calming tour-guide J.T. From the first rapid we conquered, I had a blast traveling down the Ocoee River with friends that I will likely have for a long time. Some of the most exciting moments of the journey came when my group was just traveling down the river, rowing and talking about life. I honestly could not be more happy that I went on the Hillel Rafting trip, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in making new friends and having an amazing day of adventure! Can't wait til next year's trip!

Dear Parents, Alumni & Friends,

When I visited Emory for the first time, I sat down with the Hillel program director to learn about Jewish life at Emory. I knew I wanted to maintain my Judaism in college and wanted to make sure that I would be able to do that at Emory. Within a few minutes of talking to her, it became evident that Emory was not just a place I could go to maintain my Judaism, but also a place I could cultivate and grow my Jewish connection. This short meeting was a big part of why I decided – that very day – that Emory was the place for me.

It’s amazing how small things like this can mak all the difference – an encounter and conversation that helped set me on a meaningful path. Over the past two years, I have seen how Hillel at Emory harnesses the power of “small things” to inspire hugely meaningful Jewish experiences.

My Jewish journey at Emory started with the Hillel whitewater rafting trip. I bonded with the students who have since become my best friends. I also got the opportunity to meet and learn from student leaders in Hillel. I wanted to be part of that welcoming, warm community. I wanted to help Hillel reach out to other students like me so that the Emory Jewish community could continue to thrive.

I am proud to now be in a position of leadership to help set the vision for Jewish life at Emory and ensure that every student feels as welcomed and as valued as I have felt. This has been an exceptional year so far.

Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life announced that Emory University student leader Erika Rief was among the winners of its 2011 Philip H. and Suzi Rudd Cohen Student Exemplar of Excellence Awards at the recent Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Denver.

The Student Exemplar of Excellence Award is annually awarded to five students who have displayed exemplary leadership on their respective campuses by inspiring others to act and lead, building meaningful relationships, fostering innovation and creativity, and modeling and inspiring Jewish growth. Selected from among numerous nominees, Rief is joined by fellow winners Will Eastman of Rutgers University, Benjamin Elkind of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Toby Ring of the State University of New York at Geneseo, and Joshua Yudkin of Washington University in St. Louis. Each winner and their respective Hillel receive a prize of $150 and a plaque in recognition of their outstanding leadership efforts.

As you settle into your new home for the next four years, Hillel is here to help give you a true sense of community. Yes, there are 2,000 or more Jewish undergraduates at Emory, but what brings people together is community - close friends, exciting events, opportunities to learn and grow, occasions to celebrate.

A great way to get plugged into the Jewish community at Emory is through the First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) program. We'll match you up with an upperclassman, a "Big FYSH", who will help you find your way throughout your first months at Emory...and beyond.

If you're visiting our website today, there's a good chance you just heard you got into Emory. Congratulations!!!

That means it's decision time, and Hillel is here to help. If you have any questions about Jewish life on campus, want to talk to a student about Emory, or want to arrange a visit to campus - let us know! Give us a call at (404) 963-2548 and ask for Michael Rabkin or Daniel Reiser. You can also find our contact information here.

If you know you are definitely coming to Emory, take a moment to fill out our student connection form, and someone will be in touch with you personally. We'll also send you a welcome kit over the summer so you know what kinds of things to expect during your first few weeks at Emory.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!