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eJP October 27, 2020 By Magda Dorosz I have sent 314 young Polish Jews to Israel on Birthright Israel since 2011, because the trip is among the most important Jewish experiences for young adults in Poland that impacts their future engagement. Hillel in Poland is now the leading provider of that trip. Birthright for many of our participants is the first Jewish thing they do after discovering their Jewish roots. Some apply for the trip only months after they learn of their heri

By Magda Dorosz When I was first introduced to Hillel’s engagement methodology, I was impressed by how a simple coffee invitation can turn into long-lasting relationships between students and Hillel professionals. The concept of inviting a student out for coffee to learn what’s on their mind and hear about their studies and personal interests outside the classroom seemed like such an easy thing to replicate in Poland. I imported the methodology to Hillel Warsaw, where I serve

Hillel Warsaw students distributing mishloach manot to refugees on Thursday This Purim is not like any other. Usually, at this time of the year we would be planning a Purim celebration for Hillel students and young adults and finding creative ways to present the Purim spiel for the larger Jewish community in Poland. This year we find ourselves fighting another enemy, another Haman. And the aftermath of his actions. Instead of planning a joyous Purim celebration, we are tendin

Judaism is not a religion and tradition you practice alone. We need a minyan, for instance, for some of the most basic practices of our religion. That requirement of a community to be able to perform certain religious obligations is what strengthens us in both peaceful and challenging times. It is empowering to know that there are others around you who will bring comfort to you. When we first built Hillel Poland almost eight years ago, we hoped it would be a place to experien