Student Story Sophie Krauss, Class of 2025

During winter quarter of my first year of college, I went to a Hillel Shabbat with one of my orientation friends. Earlier in the year I had disclosed my Jewish heritage to her. And after discovering it was a heritage we shared, my friend suggested that we go to Hillel together sometime. I had no idea what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect Hillel to become a home away from home. When I was younger, I lived in a town that didn’t really have a Jewish community. I didn’t have many Jewish friends or role models, and I didn’t feel connected to my heritage. So after my Bat Mitzvah, I stopped attending synagogue- two towns overand attempted to cast my Jewish identity aside. Surprisingly, in winter quarter of my first year of college, I felt connected to my Jewish community again after attending Hillel. I loved it. Everyone was super welcoming. Over the last couple years, Hillel has been many things to me. It has helped me find community, it has enabled me to explore my Jewish heritage and identity, and it has served as a place for my own growth. I have met some of my best friends at Hillel, and have enjoyed every Shabbat dinner, havdalah, and special event that I have had the privilege of attending. During spring quarter of my first year of college, I joined the Hillel Student Board. I wanted to be more involved, and as the vice president of engagement, I got to plan a ton of fun events for Hillel’s student population. Among other events, I organized a Hanukkah party, Purim party, Pride party, and Lag B'omer party. I also hosted Hillel’s first ever Matzah Ball: a spring formal that has since become a much loved tradition. This past summer, I visited Israel as part of Hillel’s birthright program. Visiting Israel with Hillel made the trip even more special and allowed me to have a greater appreciation for the Jewish community I have in Davis. Some of my highlights from the trip were exploring Tzfat, seeing the Western Wall, rafting on the Jordan river, and petting all of the street cats. I also appreciated that the trip gave me an opportunity to get closer to some of the friends I'd met back in Davis.

I can't wait to expand my involvement with Hillel this upcoming year as Hillel’s Tzedek intern. Through the role, I hope to share my love of animals with Hillel’s students as I plan to host events focusing on animal welfare. Throughout my time at Hillel, I've met many great people, strengthened my leadership skills, and began to feel more comfortable in my Jewish identity. For the first time, my Judaism gave me community.