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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 12, 2007

USF CAMPUS - It's a time for beginnings at the University of South Florida Hillel.

The Jewish student center will host services for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, at 7 p.m. today. The event will usher in a fall semester filled with activities, including a 10-day student trip to Israel.

'We hope the new year brings continued growth in opportunities that we offer our students,' said Hillel Executive Director Nicky Spivak. 'We want more students to be involved in more programs. We hope more students than ever before will go to Israel and return more connected to their Judaism.'

Hillel is a worldwide campus organization dedicated to uniting and educating Jewish college students. At USF Hillel, the doors are open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. until the end of Shabbat services Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday for a bagel brunch.

In addition to being a place for students to hang out, relax and watch television during the day, Hillel offers a variety of programs. Students can join the board or participate as leaders on campus. Hillel is also home to everything from yoga to tap-dancing classes.

'The Hillel bridges the gap between being a Jewish child living at home and being a young adult in the community,' said Lori Drutz, program director.

The most anticipated Hillel event is the organization's annual free trip to Israel. The trip, Taglit-Birthright Israel, is funded by donations from the government of Israel, the United Jewish Communities and private philanthropists. Students from campuses across the country attend. The only cost is travel to and from the airport.

During the trip, participants visit historical sites, go rafting on the Jordan River and ride camels through the desert. To qualify, students must be between the ages of 18 and 26, and it must be their first group-led trip to Israel.

This year's trip is planned for December. Students can register by visiting www.israel. hillel.org. Spivak will choose participants at random. The number able to attend depends on the registration turnout nationwide.

Junior Julie Mischner considered the adventure overseas enlightening.

'It was a fun and exciting experience,' she said. 'I learned a lot about Israel and about being Jewish.'

After the trip, Mischner became involved at Hillel. She attends Shabbat, stops in between classes and is a chairperson on the committee for Israeli Independence Day.

'It's fun to hang out with other Jewish students,' she said, enjoying a snack in the lounge.

Senior Mandy Rosenblum sat beside her, putting finishing touches on her makeup before a date.

'Because of Hillel, I've been able to meet more people and involve myself more with Judaism,' she said.

Rosenblum considers Hillel a home away from home. She will attend Rosh Hashanah services on campus for the first time this year. In the past, she traveled home to Fort Lauderdale.

'This year, I'm looking forward to celebrating with friends,' she said.

Tonight's services are student-led. Rabbi Uriel Rivkin will conduct Orthodox services at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

If students prefer to attend services at a local synagogue or temple, Hillel will provide transportation.

'Rosh Hashanah is a time of self-reflection,' Spivak said.

Spivak's hopes for Hillel in the Jewish new year are simple.

'We want students to know we're here if they need us,' he said. 'We're here to help students stay connected to Judaism while away from home.'

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Rosh Hashanah services

WHEN: 7 p.m. today, 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday

WHERE: University of South Florida Hillel, 13102 N. 50th St.

CONTACT: Call (813) 899-2788.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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