Changing of the guard
Hillel reflects, evaluates and presses on for 1998
EMILY YEARWOOD SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
IIt was a case of out with the old guard and in with the new, when the B'nai Brith Hillel Foundation held its annual general meeting on Feb. 25. Attendees were introduced to new members of the board of directors and said goodbye to the departing members.
The out-going directors saw Hillel House enter its 51st year at the University of British Columbia (UBC), serving as a link between students and their Jewish heritage.
Though Mr. Abramson and co-president Rodney Massel are both vacating their positions on the board executive, they \vill remain as board members. Taking over will be Sheldon Green as the new president, Judy Zak, Myron Calof and Diane Golden as vice-presidents, Daniel Gumprich as treasurer and Ellen Bick as secretary.
The executive switch-over coincides with a restructuring period at Hillel. Mr. Meranda said students wanted more responsi-
Saylng good-bye: Rodney Massel and Arnold Abramson leave their positions as co-presidents of Hillel but will stay as members of the board of directors.
Through its hot lunch programs, socials, and educational opportvmities, Hillel tries to attract students and fill this identity gap.
"Once they're here, that's our chance to really shine and make a difference," said Gabe Meranda, executive director of Hillel.
The departing board members faced challenges of a different sort than the front-line issues addressed by Mr. Meranda, but they were no less daunting. According to Arnold Abramson, outr going board co-president, the first ■. challenge was hiring a new executive director. Then, there was the 50th anniversary gala, held last June. Tlie fund-raising event was in response to a pledge by Morris Wosk, to match the simi , raised by community members to a maximum donation of $500,000. The campaign, which came to a close in December, ended with more than $300,000 being donated by Mr. Wosk. Mr. Abramson said the onus is now on the new board to "continue with the momentum to provide , services to students, to get them involved, and continue fund-raising."
bility for the wide spectrum of Hillel events, as well as to create a friendlier environment for newcomers. Students were actively involved with events during Israel Week — March 2-5 — including panel discussions with local rabbis and a 50th birthday cake for Israel.
"I think [Hillel] is fundamentally the same but the way that we do things has changed," said Mr. Meranda. To use a 90s term, it's much more user-friendly. The philosophy is the same but the style is different."
Though students are increasingly active, Mr. Meranda has not been sitting idle. He is trying to bring other UBC clubs into closer contact with Hillel and he is actively involved with outreach to Simon Eraser University. He hopes that a staff worker will be hired next year for SFU.
"I hope to convey a very positive message about the way things are going," he said, "to inspire the board in terms of feeling that we're on the verge of something." □
Emily Yearwood is a freelance writer living in Vancouver.
Van Cleef & Arpels Ear Clips, Diamond & Platinum Ring, 3.00 carals. Diamond Bracelel-Watch. circa 1935.
sold for $19,550 in our fall '97 auction. sold for $23,000 in our spring '96 auction. sold for $18,400 in our fall '97 auction.
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Jewish Immigrant Aid Services of Canada giAS)
announces
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
• GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS
• JOHN HIRSCH SCHOLARSHIPS FORTHE PERFORMING ARTS
• MARTA AND MICHAEL HERLING SCHOLARSHIP
A. TERMSAND ELIGIBILITY
1. Jewish immigrants who have immigrated to Canada in the past nine years.
2. Enrolment in a post-secondary programme or equivalent formal training.
3. Avvards based on merit and financial need.
B. APPLICATIONS
1. Applications are available thriough Jewish immigrant Aid Services or your local Jewish Family Service and are due by April 23,1998.
2. Address applications and inquiries to:
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (Canada) ' National Scholarship Committee
4600 Bathurst Street, Suite 325 Willowdale, Ontario M2R3V3
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