To Our UVM Hillel Community:

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Our role on campus is to support students and be there as a home away from home for Jewish life, learning and Israel. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our primary concern.

We have been monitoring the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and the potential impact on our community in earnest since last week following our decision to postpone a trip to Israel that was scheduled to leave last Friday. 

Per President Garimella's note below, UVM is shifting to remote learning starting Wednesday, March 18th. While the situation is constantly evolving, our Hillel is also shifting to supporting our student's community needs. Here are the bullet points most relevant to our Hillel.

*Starting Monday, March 16th, our Hillel facility will be closed pending further updates from UVM.

*Given that gatherings of more than 25 people are limited on campus and our facility is in a residence hall, I have directed Hillel staff to work remotely for the time being.

*Monday morning our staff returns from spring break and we will begin to develop plans by video conference to best support students during this time including Shabbat, Jewish learning classes, discovery conversations, coffee meetings, and signature events.

*Students will still need Hillel and Hillel will still be there for students. It may not look the same as last week, or even yesterday, but that is very much in line with our evolving Jewish tradition. We respond to uncertain situations, we change, we adapt, we thrive.

Our staff excels at developing intentional community. I am confident that in the coming days the innovative and creative spirit we foster at our Hillel will develop solutions to address these uncertain challenges.

As community members, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends, we are here to support you as members of the UVM family as well. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions you may have. 



Sincerely,

Matt Vogel
Executive Director
matt@uvmhillel.org

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