While students are traveling back to campus from across the country, the staff at St. Louis Hillel has been finalizing programming and events for the Fall. Washington University’s orientation week begins on Aug. 25 with move-in day. Over 1,000 freshmen arrive on campus to be met by the St. Louis Hillel staff and student leaders.

Friday, Aug. 26 is Freshmen and Family Shabbat, an opportunity for freshmen to meet student leaders in the Wash U Jewish community and share their first Shabbat Dinner on campus.  

On Saturday, Aug. 27, students can participate in egalitarian services at Hillel as well as a bagel brunch on campus held by the Jewish Student Union (JSU).  

On Sunday, Aug. 28, JSU and Chabad Student Association (CSA) will host a free, kosher barbeque on Lien/Gregg Porch on the South 40.

Additionally, students can relax after the first couple days of class by attending an Ice Cream Social held by JSU on Wednesday, Aug. 31.  

Finally, the first campus-wide Shabbat will be held at Holmes Lounge on the Wash U campus on Friday, Sept. 2.

Hillel, JSU and FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel) will hold a retreat for Jewish freshmen over Labor Day weekend called Into the Wild. This will be the second year that the retreat will be held at Camp Manitowa in Rend Lake, Ill. The retreat offers freshmen the chance to meet other Jewish students while participating in activities planned by their peers as well as enjoy the offerings of the camp such as kayaking, a ropes course and swimming.

To find out what other events Hillel and JSU have planned for the school year visit www.stlouishillel.org.