Jewish Joy Found in Oxford
After a long first semester filled with new friendships, meaningful moments, and the slow but powerful feeling of finding home in a new place, Hillel at Miami University (Hillel at Miami) students are finally taking a well deserved break. This semester, we built something special. We shared Shabbats that felt like family dinners, holidays that anchored us, late night movie nights on Hillel couches, study breaks fueled by snacks, and moments when we simply needed a mental pause and knew exactly where to go. We held space for the painful chapters of our Jewish history, and we also made room for laughter, celebration, and pride. Jewish joy was not something we searched for. It showed up again and again, in quiet conversations and crowded rooms alike.
This fall semester was not only about joy. It also asked something of us. Changes in Ohio and federal law made it harder for Hillel to show up on campus in the ways we always have. Shifts in how universities can support diverse communities directly impacted Jewish life at Miami University. But instead of shrinking back, we showed up. We worked closely with the University to remain visible and connected. We tabled on campus, proudly handing out matzah ball soup and explaining to curious non Jewish students what it was. “Kind of like a soup dumpling, but not,” became our go to explanation. Even University President Greg Crawford stopped by. He loved it so much he came back for seconds, hoping to take some home to his wife, but we had already run out.
In the midst of these challenges, we also saw something powerful. The University chose to embrace us. President and Dr. Crawford invited the Jewish community to a reception at their campus residence, where kosher food was thoughtfully served and students were welcomed with care and intention. In that room, surrounded by Jewish students, faculty, and leaders, we felt seen. We felt supported. It was a reminder that partnership and allyship matter, and that our presence on campus is valued.
There were also moments of pain that some in our community are still carrying. Antisemitic graffiti appeared in residence halls, and Hillel at Miami made the decision to speak out. While the University has been a strong partner in investigating these incidents and implementing mandatory Title VI training in every residence hall, it was essential to name what was happening. With the University’s support, we are committed to continuing this work and to hosting events alongside other campus organizations that stand firmly against hate. History has taught us the cost of silence and belittling antisemitism. Students, many of them in their first or second year, came to Hillel looking for guidance, reassurance, and somewhere to feel safe. These students, and others, were proud to stand with Hillel in our statement calling out antisemitism.
And still, even after everything, we ended the semester with joy. Five Jewish organizations at Miami, Hillel, Olami, AEPi, Sammy, and Students Supporting Israel, came together to host the first ever Latke Fest. Students ate Latkes, Sufganiyot, and other treats. They warmed up with hot chocolate, coffee, and other festive beverages while listening to Hanukkah music and playing games. At a time when it felt especially important to lean on one another, we filled a room with warmth, laughter, and the smell of latkes. Hanukkah reminds us that light persists, even in the darkest moments. As we look ahead to the new semester, that light is what we carry with us, together.
