“Your Jewish home away from home.”
That is the motto of Hillel Ottawa, an organization that is part of an international network of Hillels that support Jewish students on college and university campuses around the world. In Ottawa, Hillel primarily works with students at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. In addition, there is a Hillel House at 284 Laurier Ave E, where students can live, hangout, relax, and recharge. With a full calendar of programming, it’s important that the right staff is in place to make sure that every Jewish student’s needs are met while they are in school. That is why Hillel Ottawa is thrilled to introduce its two new staff members!
First up is Jamie Sweigman, Director of Hillel Ottawa
Hi! My name is Jamie Sweigman, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Director of Hillel Ottawa. Having been a student at the University of Ottawa and a resident of the Hillel House, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of Hillel's mission. As an alumnus of the Jewish fraternity AEPi, I deeply understand the importance of fostering a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community on campus. I am honoured to be a part of Hillel Ottawa and am enthusiastic about guiding our Jewish leaders in achieving the goals we will set forth. Together, we will continue to create an engaging, welcoming, and dynamic environment for all Jewish students.
Next meet Oren Baray, the Student Life & Advocacy Coordinator
Hello! My name is Oren. I am the Student Life and Advocacy Coordinator. I was born and raised in Ottawa, and I am currently finishing my Bachelor of Commerce in Management at the University of Ottawa. Throughout my life, I have developed a deep passion for Jewish education, which has led me to actively engage with various organizations within the Jewish community of Ottawa and on campus. I am super excited to be a part of Hillel Ottawa!
What are you excited about in your new roles?
As we are both new to Hillel Ottawa, we are most excited about fostering a sense of belonging and community among the Jewish students here in Ottawa. Witnessing our vibrant community grow and thrive is a huge source of inspiration.
What big visions do you have for Hillel Ottawa?
We envision a community that is not just a place of connection but a hub of innovation and personal growth. We are enthusiastic about expanding our reach, creating engaging events, and offering meaningful programs that resonate with all Jewish students. We have already noticed students are excited to meet one another and we are thrilled to see how the Hillel community on campus will grow with our guidance.
How many Jewish students are on the campuses you serve?
We believe to have roughly 1,500 Jewish students across the three campuses we serve, and our goal is to ensure that every single one of them feels part of our dynamic community.
What if I live locally, but I am not a currently enrolled in a local school? Can I still attend Hillel Ottawa Events?
Absolutely! While our primary focus is on local school students, we welcome all members of the local Jewish community to join us at Hillel events. Our goal is to foster connections and provide a supportive environment for everyone. For those who have recently graduated, feel free to register for the Hillel Alumni program.
How do we find out about events?
To stay updated on our events, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@HillelOttawa) and join our mailing list through our website www.hillelottawa.ca. When a new student registers with us, we make sure to reach out to them and invite them out for coffee at their earliest convenience. We can't wait to connect with all the students around Ottawa and share the exciting happenings in our Hillel community!
Can one donate to Hillel Ottawa or partner as a business?
Yes, of course! We love to collaborate with local organizations and businesses. Please reach out to Jamie by phone at (647) 382-8777 or email to discuss opportunities.
As we are looking to embrace more students than ever in recent years, we are accepting donations that can be made through our website. We are a small organization with big vision and lots of students to support. We make sure to offer all our programs for free and aim to invite and include every Jewish student around Ottawa. This can only be done through the generous donations from our alumni and local community. In addition, it is Hillel International’s centennial year, and we are striving to raise funds to secure Hillel Ottawa for the next 100 years!