BEAR BEGINNINGS 2024
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
SHABBAT SERVICES
5:15pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Join us for your choice of services to usher in Shabbat at WashU! Please RSVP HERE by Friday, August 9 for Reform or Conservative options, subject to interest.
BEAR BEGINNINGS SHABBAT DINNER WITH CHANCELLOR ANDREW D. MARTIN
6:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth
Celebrate your first college Shabbat with your family and meet new friends at a festive Hillel dinner! Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will join us for this popular gathering along with other University friends. Dinner is free for first-years, $22 per additional family member. RSVPs are strongly encouraged HERE by Friday, August 9, as very limited walk-in space is available.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
BEAR BEGINNINGS SHABBOS MORNING MINYAN AND LUNCH
9:30am | 12:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Shabbos day at WashU Hillel is a special time for students to come together for davening, learning, and of course, food. First-year students and family are invited to get a taste of what has become the highlight of the week for our Shabbat observant students. Come for services or just kiddush and lunch. Kiddush and lunch are free for first-years, $20 per additional family member. RSVPs are appreciated HERE by Friday, August 9.
AFTERNOON OPEN HOUSE WITH DR. ANNA GONZALEZ
3-5pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Take a break from move-in or stop by during your afternoon Shabbat walk to grab a cool treat and learn about Jewish life on campus. Chat with Dr. G (Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs), meet other new students, families, and the Hillel staff, and see our beautiful Hillel home. Bear and Brookie, the WashU Police Department’s adorable therapy dogs, will also be stopping by! Refreshments served. No reservations required.
SEUDAH SHLISHEET WITH RAV SHLOMO AND KYRA ASHKANAZY (OU-JLIC DIRECTORS)
7:15pm | OU-JLIC home (Address provided upon RSVP)
Come together at the end of Shabbat at the OU-JLIC home. There will be food, singing, sharing of Torah and overall good vibes. RSVPs are strongly encouraged HERE by Friday, August 9. When you RSVP, please let us know about any dietary restrictions.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
BEAR MITZVAH; A MIXER FOR WASHJEWS
9:00-11:00pm | Risa Commons on the South 40
Join new students to celebrate like it's your B-Mitzvah! Enjoy dessert, music, and more...you won't want to miss it! Text MITZVAH to 314-334-4080 to speed up check in!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
FIRST YEAR SHABBAT DINNER
7:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Take a break from the hustle of Bear Beginnings activities and enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends, returning student leaders, and the Hillel staff. Come as you are (casual attire welcome)! Walk over to Hillel directly or meet up at the South 40 Clocktower at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. RSVPs are strongly encouraged but walk-in space will be available – text FIRST YEAR to 314-334-4080.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
SHABBOS MORNING MINYAN AND LUNCH
9:45am | 12:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Join us for student-led morning minyan, followed by kiddush and lunch. Sign up requested HERE.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
HILLEL BAGEL BRUNCH & MEZUZAH MAKING
12:00pm - 2:00pm | WashU Hillel, 5300 Forsyth Blvd
Join your Hillel community for the first Sunday Bagel Brunch of the year! Stop by anytime to enjoy bagels, schmear, lots of lox, and decorate a mezuzah for your dorm. Bear and Brookie, the WashU Police Department’s adorable therapy dogs will also be stopping by! Walking groups with student leaders will be meeting at the South 40 Clocktower at 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM.
WELCOME EVENTS
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
JEWBQ | 5:00-7:00pm | Lien Gregg Porch
Join Hillel and Chabad for a kosher BBQ to kick off the year with Jewish students on campus. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Text JEWBQ to 314-334-4080.
Wednesday, August 28
FYSHFEST: CARDINALS GAME | 5:15PM | S40 Clock Tower
Join friends, new classmates, and WashU Hillel student leaders to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals as they take on the San Diego Padres! We'll meet up at the South40 Clock Tower to walk over to the Metro Station and travel to Busch Stadium together (bring your Metro pass!). The event is $18 per person and includes your ticket to the game and $12 voucher for dinner. Register by texting CARDINALS to 314-334-4080 by August 26. Limited tickets are available!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
WELCOME BACK SHABBAT DINNER | 6:00pm Optional Services | 7:00pm Dinner | Hillel
Unwind after the first week of classes at Hillel's annual Welcome Back Shabbat Dinner! Schmooze with other first years and meet returning students over a delicious classic Shabbat meal. Groups will meet at the Clocktower at 5:45pm to walk over together for services, and at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. Sign up requested – text WELCOME BACK to 314-334-4080.
