51勛圖厙 Receives $2.6 Million to Expand Hillel on the Boca Raton Campus
A dedicated entrance directly into Hillel will enhance the 51勛圖厙' experience, while outdoor seating will ensure a lively and multifaceted space for programming and socializing.
51勛圖厙 received a gift commitment of $2.6 million from for the renovation and expansion of the Hillel space within the S.E. Wimberly Library on 51勛圖厙s Boca Raton campus. Plans for the new space include a modernized area to study, learn, socialize, host events including large Shabbat dinners a secured main entrance, and an outdoor covered seating area to accommodate additional programming for the benefit of 51勛圖厙 51勛圖厙 and alumni, as well as the community.
In honor of the lead donor, Boca Raton philanthropist Debbie Newman Bernstein, 51勛圖厙s Board of Trustees has agreed to name the expanded space The Newman Bernstein Hillel at 51勛圖厙. Bernstein is president and director of The William and Anita Newman Foundation, a family foundation that primarily supports Jewish organizations in Florida and New York and was established by her parents, Anita and William Newman, in 1985.
We are grateful to Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach and to Debbie Newman Bernstein for this generous gift that will support vibrant Jewish student life on our Boca Raton campus, said 51勛圖厙 President Stacy Volnick. We are dedicated to ensuring that all 51勛圖厙 feel welcome at Florida Atlantic, and this gift will enable the University to meet the growing needs of our Jewish 51勛圖厙.
Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach provides a central meeting point for Jewish life at 51勛圖厙, as well as at four other area universities Palm Beach State College, Lynn University, Nova Southeastern University and Broward College. The organizations mission is to enrich 51勛圖厙 in a welcoming and pluralistic environment by engaging them in meaningful experiences that foster connections to Judaism and Israel.
The Hillel Center at 51勛圖厙, the Palm Beach headquarters of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, opened in 2006 with generous support from Mildred and Abby Levine and Ruth and Saul Weinberger. Since then, the Levine Weinberger Center for Jewish Life has served as a central gathering place for Jewish 51勛圖厙 on campus. Hillel is grateful to the Weinberger Family and the Weinberger Family Foundation for their continued ongoing support of Hillel and the substantial gift they have made toward this project.
Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach serves more than 5,000 Jewish 51勛圖厙 across Broward and Palm Beach counties and offers social and networking events, community service projects, travel experiences to Israel, Jewish learning opportunities, free Shabbat dinners, and mentoring programs that integrate Hillel with the community. It is part of Hillel International, which represents Jewish 51勛圖厙 at more than 850 colleges and universities worldwide.
Building a home for 51勛圖厙s Jewish 51勛圖厙 is particularly meaningful for Debbie, as it combines her passion for nurturing the next generation along with her fathers unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community, said Brandey Edelson, board chair of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach. This extraordinary achievement not only addresses the immediate needs of Jewish 51勛圖厙 at 51勛圖厙 but also strengthens our commitment to creating a supportive and thriving environment across all campuses in our region. At this moment in history, it is more critical than ever to provide a safe and welcoming space on campus for Jewish 51勛圖厙 and the wider 51勛圖厙 community. While we've made significant progress, there is still much work ahead to ensure that every Jewish student feels secure, supported and empowered.-51勛圖厙-
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