Although the idea of a large group of students eating in the same dining hall and praying in the same building does not seem particularly problematic, the intersection of very different religious backgrounds in those settings has presented a challenge for Hillel coordinators.
"People's expression of Judaism can be so different to the extent where there might be conflict," Rosenberg says.
On the broadest level, Hillel organizers have long sought to accommodate people of different religious backgrounds by offering separate religious services for Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jews.
And by offering kosher meals, Hillel provides a place for dining that is open to all types of Jews.
But, as Rosenberg suggests, differences in observance can lead to controversy.
Recently, for example, some Hillel members have debated whether or not soda machines in the building should be left running during the Sabbath.
Others have argued over whether women should be allowed to lead the grace after the Sabbath dinner--a debate that some Hillel regulars say has been especially volatile lately.
Read more in News
Test Prep Courses Stress, Cost StudentsRecommended Articles
-
Hillel Offers Many OptionsTo the editors: I am writing to clarify an unintentional omission in the profile of me ("Are Harvard Students Happy?",
-
Jewish Students Profess Identity, Discard Belief"It is easy to be an atheist, a skeptic. My hope is that students will dare to be emotionally honest,
-
Hillel Dedicates New Center on Mt. Auburn St.; Riesman Grant of $500,000 Supports RenovationsMore than 300 people attended services yesterday dedicating the new location of Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel at the Riesman Center at 74
-
Hillel Election Brings New EraFor the first time in years, Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel has a decidedly Conservative feel. Following the elections of new leaders last
-
The Real Reason Martin Is a BigotI did not feel The Crimson, in its article ("Martin Speaks At BSA Event," news story, Dec. 1,1994) fully represented
-
HOW REAL ARE BLACK-JEWISH TENSIONS?As a sell-out crowd of 1,200 prepares to watch 'Liberators' tonight, the question of rocky Black-Jewish relations once again comes
