TH: Tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? What are you studying? What are your plans this summer?

JY: I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin and I am double majoring in Social Work and Jewish Studies with a minor in Hebrew. This summer I will be traveling with Birthright through Texas Hillel and then extending my stay in Israel until the end of June.

TH: What is your current role at Texas Hillel?  Previous roles?  What other ways have you been involved at Texas Hillel?

JY: Currently at Texas Hillel I am involved with Texans for Israel, as one of its board members. We are a pro-Israel organization that helps educate people about the culture, politics, and other events going on in Israel. We also held a Yom Ha’atzmaut party to celebrate Israeli independence. I also took part in Texas Hillel’s learning program, Life’s Big Questions and I frequently attend Shabbat services and dinners, as well as other events that Hillel hosts.

TH: How did you initially get involved at Texas Hillel?

JY: I initially got involved at Texas Hillel through an introductory lunch that was held at the beginning of my freshman year at UT, and I have been coming to Hillel ever since.

TH: What are some of your favorite activities or programs at Hillel?

JY: One of my favorite activities at Hillel was the Life’s Big Questions program held this year, as I was fortunate enough to both learn about Judaism as well as further my connection with the Jewish community here at UT. I also enjoy just being at Hillel, with a welcoming and safe environment for Jewish students, with friendly faces always there to talk to or study with.

TH: Do you regularly attend Shabbat services and dinner?

JY: I try to attend Shabbat services and dinner as much as I can. As a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, I attended the AEPi Shabbat that was hosted earlier this year and as the Judaism chair of the fraternity going into my junior year, I hope to continue the tradition by helping organize another AEPi Shabbat as well as further the fraternity’s involvement with Texas Hillel.