By Elexa Sherry | Contributor

When entering college, Lianna Friedman had no idea how much her interaction with Judaism would change when she became involved with Texas Hillel. Friedman said growing up, she never had the aspect of a Jewish community.

“It really started here,” Friedman said. “I had a Bat Mitzvah and I went to Hebrew school. But, after my Bat Mitzvah, it all really stopped.”

However, Friedman’s Jewish life and involvement hasn’t halted forever.

“I’ve gained a Jewish community, as cliché as it sounds,” Friedman said.

Senior Lianna Friedman is a supply chain management major, minoring in management information systems at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas.

Friedman grew up in San Diego, California, where she and her family still engaged in traditions such as weekly Shabbat dinners, which she’s only grown fonder of since her time at Hillel. Currently a member of the Executive Cabinet as the Shabbat Chair, Friedman coordinates weekly Shabbat dinners, finds service leaders and student spotlights and works with organizations to sponsor themed Shabbats.

“By getting to help create that community aspect for other people through Shabbat and having a hand in helping that experience reach more people, I’m making sure that it’s a positive community-building experience for everyone who shows up,” Friedman said. “It’s something I’m so passionate about that I’ve loved my whole life, so getting to share that with other people is really special.”

Before Friedman took on the role of Shabbat Chair, she began her main involvement with Hillel her junior year, where she started off as a First Impressions Intern. Now, Friedman said she spends most of her time at Hillel.

“I really enjoyed the environment and the people (at Hillel) and wanted to get more heavily involved,” Friedman said. “So, I applied for the Student Executive Cabinet, and now… here I am. I’m here every day of the week.”

Throughout her time at Hillel, Friedman has participated in numerous activities. The summer after Friedman’s freshman year, she went on birthright.

“It was fantastic, it was the best ten days ever,” Friedman said. “It definitely gave me a more well-rounded view of my Judaism and seeing more of the cultural side was really awesome and something that definitely stuck with me.”

One of Friedman’s favorite Hillel events to take place on campus is the Israel Block party.

“I think it’s the most fun event of the year, because it’s so public and there’s so many things to do there,” Friedman said.

As being the Shabbat Executive Chair, Friedman said she’s also biased towards Shabbat festivities.

“I think there’s just a good opportunity to hang out with your friends and kind of chill,” Friedman said. “It’s just a nice way to start my weekend every week because I’m surrounded by all my friends where we get to eat dinner together and celebrate Shabbat, so I’m just really biased towards it… but I love it!”

Friedman said most of her time is spent between Hillel and her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau. As the president of the sorority last semester, Friedman has been heavily involved in the organization where she has led the other girls in the chapter. She is also a member of UT’s Supply Chain Management Student Organization, where she gets to connect with other SCM students at the university.

When Friedman is not busy working at Hillel or participating in sorority activities, she likes to Crochet in her free time. She is also a Lacroix addict (tangerine flavor specifically) and loves to indulge in a multigrain bagel topped with egg and cheese from one of her favorite Austin eateries, Nervous Charlies.

“(Nervous Charlie’s) is life-changing,” Friedman said.

Friedman is looking to stay in the Austin area after graduation and is currently applying to jobs in the field of supply chain and data analytics- a dream job of hers.

Friedman’s significant participation and contributions to Hillel has her wanting to stay engaged and find a Jewish community once graduating, she said.

“I want to stay involved in Jewish life after college, “Friedman said. “It’s definitely created that passion within me and inspired me to stay involved and find a Jewish community wherever I go once I graduate.”

Texas Hillel wishes Lianna the best of luck with all of her future endeavors and appreciates all of her devotion and contributions. Lianna will find success wherever life takes her!