Hillel hosts interfaith, intercultural Holiday Palooza
Students and staff donated, then painted
Hillel reinvented its annual Holiday Palooza this year and in the process raised approximately $400 for Shelters of Saratoga and decorated the windows of the Dining Hall Atrium with seasonal greetings in eight languages.
The annual event has typically offered refreshments, crafts, and token gifts, explained Lollie Abramson, coordinator of Jewish Student Life and Interfaith Programs. Other faith-based student clubs have traditionally been invited to participate in the event.
This year, co-presidents Bekah Page and Erika Wohl suggested locating the event in the atrium, to raise visibility. They provided holiday treats, including dreidels and gelt, and invited other clubs to distribute seasonal treats. It was decided to make the event a fund raiser and allow those making donations to paint the windows. The students voted to make the beneficiary be an organization that helps the homeless, Abramson said.
In addition to Hillel, other participating groups were Newman House; Ujima, which provided information about Kwanzaa; Hayat, which offered Henna tattoos; and Christian Fellowship, which distributed candy canes. "It truly was interfaith and intercultural," said Abramson.
The highlight of the event was a performance by the Gospel Choir. "They were awesome," she said.
Holiday greetings, courtesy of the Hillel Holiday Palooza
There were greetings in eight languages - including English, Hebrew, Latin, Korean,
Spanish, and German - recognizing the holidays of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa,
and expressing wishes for success on exams, peace on earth, and happy new year.
(Photos by Lollie Abramson)
