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Bear Beginnings & Welcome Events

BEAR BEGINNINGS 2023

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
SHABBAT SERVICES | 5:15pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Join us for your choice of services to usher in Shabbat at WashU! Please RSVP
here by Friday, August 11 for Reform, Conservative, and/or Orthodox options, subject to interest.

BEAR BEGINNINGS SHABBAT DINNER
WITH CHANCELLOR ANDREW D. MARTIN
6:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth

Celebrate your first college Shabbat with your family and meet new friends at a festive Hillel dinner! Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will join us for this popular gathering along with other University friends. Dinner is free for first years, $18 per additional family member. RSVPs are strongly encouraged
here by Friday, August 11, as very limited walk-in space is available.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
AFTERNOON OPEN HOUSE | 3:00-5:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Take a break from move-in or stop by during an afternoon Shabbat walk. Learn about Jewish life on campus, meet other new students, families, and the Hillel staff, and see our beautiful home. Refreshments served. No reservations required.

SEUDAH SHLISHIT | 5:00-6:30pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Spend the last few hours of Shabbat connecting with new and old friends, meeting our Hillel staff, and learning more about WashU Hillel.  A light kosher dinner will be served. Reservations not required but appreciated! Please click
here.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23
BEAR MITZVAH; A MIXER FOR WASHJEWS | 9:30-11:30pm | Risa Commons on the South 40
Join new students to celebrate like it's your B-Mitzvah! Enjoy dessert, music, and more...you won't want to miss it!


FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
FIRST YEAR SHABBAT | 6:00pm Optional Services | 7:00pm Dinner | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth
Take a break from the hustle of Bear Beginnings activities and enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends, returning student leaders, and the Hillel staff. Come as you are (casual attire welcome)! Walk over to Hillel directly, or we’ll also have meet ups at the South 40 Clocktower at 5:45pm to walk over together for services, and at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. RSVPs are strongly encouraged
 here, but walk-in space will be available.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
HILLEL BAGEL BRUNCH & MEZUZAH MAKING POP-UP | 11:00am - 1:00pm | The Swamp
Drop by to enjoy bagels, schmear, lots of lox, and more! Meet fellow first-years, schmooze with Hillel staff and students, decorate a mezuzah for your dorm, and learn more about Jewish life on campus.



WELCOME EVENTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 28
JEWBQ | 5:00-7:00pm | Lien Gregg Porch
Join Hillel and Chabad for a kosher BBQ to kick off the year with Jewish students on campus. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. No sign up necessary!


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
WELCOME BACK SHABBAT DINNER | 6:00pm Optional Services | 7:00pm Dinner | Hillel
Unwind after the first week of classes at Hillel's annual Welcome Back Shabbat Dinner! Schmooze with other first years and meet returning students over a delicious classic Shabbat meal. Groups will meet at the Clocktower at 5:45pm to walk over together for services, and at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. Sign up requested and can be found
here. Limited walk ins will be available.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
FYSHFEST: CARDINALS GAME! | 11am | Lopata Great Hall
Join friends, new classmates, and WashU Hillel student leaders to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates! We'll meet up on campus to get to know one another and travel to Busch Stadium together (bring your Metro pass!) The event is $18 per person and includes your ticket to the game and your choice of a kosher hotdog, pastrami dog or veggie/gf option, plus chips and a drink. Register
here by August 31.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
BAGEL BRUNCH | 12:30pm | Hillel
It's the first brunch of the year! Enjoy delicious, free bagels, cream cheese and coffee! Grab and go if you need to, but we'd love for you to stay and hang out! All are welcome, no sign-up needed.

FYSHFEST: APPLE ADVENTURE | 1:00pm – 5:00ish pm | Meet at Hillel
Do you love apples and fun fall days in the country? Join First Year Students of Hillel for an adventure at Eckert’s! Pick some apples to enjoy with friends and more. The event is free but bring money if you want to purchase snacks or get other items at the gift shop. Register
here!