New Hillel House Dedicated At Muhlenberg College

The new Hillel House at Muhlenberg College was dedicated last weekend, drawing students and staff, alumnae,  parents and the community to the celebration.

The new structure connects two older homes on Chew Street, with additions to the side and rear.

Hillel Co-President  Jeremy Henowitz  ’12 conducted part of the dedication ceremony. On Saturday, Co-President Myah Blazar ’11 greeted the overflow group in the 300-seat dining room during a Havdalah service and reception.

The building also contains a sanctuary, a kitchen, lounges, study areas and office space.

Hillel is an international organization that provides opportunities to enrich the lives of Jewish students by providing an atmosphere where they are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually and socially.

More than 33 percent of Muhlenberg students are Jewish. Muhlenberg, a Lutheran school, is open to encouraging the participation of all religions in its community. 

A Bagel Brunch was part of the dedication festivities on Sunday morning, as Hillel strives to bring students from throughout the campus together as a weekend ends and academic preparation for the new week begins.

Those participating in the brunch were Patti Mittleman, director and Jewish Chaplain of Hillel at Muhlenberg, and Wayne Firestone, the Hillel International President.

Muhlenberg President Randy Helm said the college and donations paid for the expansion. 

The new Hillel House will also be the new home of the college's sociology and anthropology departments.