Dear University of Arizona Hillel Community,
These are challenging times, and we are here for you. Today, University President Robert Robbins announced that students should not return to the UA after spring break and that all classes will transition to be virtual. This past week, we celebrated Purim, when we revel in temporarily and playfully turning our world upside down. As we've seen in recent days and weeks, we face the very real challenge of adapting to a genuinely topsy-turvy world, and to navigating a public health reality that is anything but playful. Our Hillel values the health and well-being of our community above all else. In accordance with the UA's recently announced policy, our Hillel will cancel all scheduled in-person programming through the end of the semester. We will re-assess the situation as it continues to evolve. As more information becomes available, we will have a decision about our May Birthright Israel trip. Please stay informed via the University's dedicated site, and monitor your email, Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates from the University and Hillel.
Just as upcoming classes will go virtual, for the time being, so will Hillel. During this period of uncertainty, your Hillel community will remain a constant. We are working on opportunities to connect with you and keep you engaged with your UA Hillel community through interesting, relevant and meaningful virtual content and programs. As the Jewish text Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) teaches, "al tifrosh min hatzibur - don't separate yourself from the community." Please know our staff is always here for you - to chat, to be a resource, or to simply provide support during this challenging time. Our contact information is at the end of this message.
Our building will remain open for individual meetings and business Monday - Friday. Students who are staying in Tucson are welcome to contact one of us to make an appointment, or to individually drop in. We ask all in our community to practice social distancing in your interactions, take practical steps such as hand washing and avoidance of close contact, and to stay home if at all symptomatic.
We will continue to place the needs of our community first, and invite you to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can best live out our commitment to you. Be sure to check our Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
Shabbat Shalom, Michelle Blumenberg, Executive Director Abbii Booe, Assistant Director Nirit Gelfer Israel Fellow, Jewish Agency Israel Fellow Charae Stewart, Operations Manager
Please consider supporting the UA Hillel through our spring match campaign. Amid the uncertainty of this moment, our Hillel team is working hard to innovate and adapt our plans for this next stage, which will redefine what Jewish "campus" life looks like. We're dreaming of creative, interactive and engaging responses to this challenge which will strengthen our Hillel community and enable students to continue to engage with Judaism in vibrant and meaningful ways. Thank you for your support! https://uahillel.org/2020-passover-spring-match