Testimonials

Summer Internship Program Testimonials

"I do not believe my first summer back in Cleveland would have been as fulfilling without the help of Hillel's Summer Internship Program. I am very grateful for the program as I realize that few students get the opportunity to have such a well-rounded educational summer the perfect balance of work and play, my experience through Hillel equipped me with skills, knowledge, and tools for my future."

- Lauren Jaffe, Northwestern University, Class of 2011

"My internship through the Cleveland Hillel was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I got great work experience, made new friends, and started building my resume for my future career if I could, I would sign up for the program again.

- Cory Tilson, Kent State University, Class of 2010

"The Cleveland Hillel Foundation Internship Program is an incredible opportunity that has exceeded my expectation. The enthusiastic efforts by the Hillel and Jewish Federation staff truly demonstrate to me the tightness of the Jewish Community. Our weekly excursions in and around Cleveland have opened my eyes to an exciting social atmosphere that the surrounding suburbs cannot offer to my friends and I. I have full confidence that Cleveland in both night and day is a safe and fun environment for young adults to hang out and now frequently encourage my friends to join me in exploring what Cleveland has to offer."

- Jacob Louis Frank, Cornell University, Class of 2011

"I am grateful to the Summer Internship Program for providing an outlet for a meaningful, educational, and professional summer working experience. I have really enjoyed it, and look forward to when Cleveland is ready for us to move back."

- Jennifer Susan Johnson, University of Michigan, class of 2011

"Throughout this internship program, I've not only gathered valuable knowledge and experience within my work place, but I've also gotten a chance to get to know the city of Cleveland in a way I would have never imagined. We've seen parts of Cleveland I never knew existed, and met influential people that I never thought I could meet. The connections we've built are amazing and I couldn't ask for more. As a result of the Hillel Summer Internship Program, I'm going back to college with a new found appreciation for the city I live in and a desire to return and explore it even further."

- Julia Blyumin, Ohio State University, class of 2011

"I am grateful that over the course of eight weeks I have been given many un-intern like projects to keep me busy. My co-workers have entrusted me with many important responsibilities and I have learned a great deal. On Fridays the entire internship program gathered together to tour Cleveland and visit all the local must sees. I know that might come as a shock to some of you, but Chicago and New York should watch out because it's in fact true: there is actually some pretty cool stuff happening around the city!"

- Tracy Levine, Ohio State University, class of 2011

"The Cleveland Hillel Foundation Summer Internship Program helped me to become an ambassador with Cleveland as my cause. The mission is not to go out and say "Move to Cleveland!" Instead I can stop the self-deprecating mentality when Cleveland is mentioned in conversation and share my own positive perspective as a testament to this summer's experience."

- Hal Kominsky University of Michigan, class of 2011

"The Hillel Program placed us with great companies around Cleveland, but the program's crowning achievement was establishing a renewed interest in exploring what Cleveland has to offer young adults. I've always been very proud of being from Cleveland. Hillel helped me experience parts of Cleveland I had never seen."

- Mike Teplitzky, Ohio University, class of 2011

The Cleveland Hillel Foundation Internship Program provided everything needed for the perfect summer: a social life, professional experience, a financial stipend, and family time!

- Michael Goldberg, Emory University, class of 2013

Graduate Student Testimonials

"As a law student at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, I am thankful that Cleveland Hillel puts on programs geared towards graduate students and young professionals.  Their programing has provided me great networking and social opportunities, and has allowed me to get away from the library when needed. I attended numerous holiday parties, had a blast, and have met so many new people. I look forward to JCLE and I know it will continue to grow the Jewish social scene"

- Michael Kluchin, Cleveland Marshall Law School '12

"Not only has Hillel provided me a space for hanging out, studying, relaxing, and Shabbat dinners, but the graduate student programming has introduced me to other community members my own age. I've built lasting relationships throughout the year, and I've had unforgettable Jewish experiences. I love Cleveland even more, now"

- Rayna Karoll, CWRU Dental School '12

JLSA at both law schools has been instrumental in introducing Jewish law students to each other through a variety of programs. Cleveland Hillel has helped connect us with other Jewish graduate students and young professionals, as well as the Jewish community in Cleveland.

Being involved with JLSA has given me the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills, and work with other law student organizations. Hillel has provided a home away from home and enriched my life and experience during the stressful time as a law student

- Jonah Grabelsky CWRU Law School '11

The opportunity for students to meet with professionals in our field of study is very important to us and enhances our experience while studying and training here in Cleveland. Attendance by professionals in the health field tonight, (MOCA event in December) enables students to grow personally and professionally, by learning about the general community, the Jewish community, career paths and issues.

The Jewish Medical Student Association at CWRU plans educational, social and professional development programs for medical students, residents and fellows at CWRU's School of Medicine and Lerner College of Medicine. We work closely with the medical schools and Cleveland Hillel staff and student leaders, to plan events for our classmates as well with other professional and graduate students in Greater Cleveland.

- Juliana Gildner-Leapman CWRU Medical School '13

Considering the intimate setting, I think the number of attorneys present was just the right amount. Obviously my goal is to meet as many attorneys as possible, but if there were even two or three more I don't think there would've been as much of an opportunity to hear the opinions of the attorneys as in depth as we did. Additionally, the variety of attorneys was solid too because we heard from young, middle-aged, and old attorneys (not in age, but experience levels!), and although they were all in "litigation," they really covered a significant gamut of the law. Hearing the stories of how they got to where they are was invaluable and it calmed me to know that everyone struggles at first to get their career going.

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-Jeff Heller CWRU Law School '11

I did enjoy the program very much. I found it very informative and useful. I learned what firms are looking for in resumes, what things I could do to increase my chances of getting hired, and that there are an array of many different options in the legal field among others. I would definitely be very interested in attending another program like this. This type of setting is very conducive to getting people connected.

- Olia Orekhov Cleveland Marshall Law School '11

I did enjoy the program.  Too often networking events are quite large and end up not being very informational.  I thought that the size was actually quite perfect.  It really allowed us to have time to talk to a variety of the attorneys and yet not feel overwhelmed.  Additionally, I enjoyed the roundtable approach to allow everyone to both give their background and to answer questions as a group. The setting was very conducive to a conversation and not merely a presentation.

- Scott Singer CWRU Law School '11

Undergraduate Testimonials

Throughout my last two years at Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland Hillel has given me many opportunities to experience Jewish life in a variety of ways. One standout is the Alternative Winter Break program to New Orleans. At a time when we constantly hear about the selfish… me generation, Hillel has provided a profound venue for us to help others in need.

- Jordan Leventhal Tri-C '10

Hillel's student body, under the guidance of its full-time staff, actively participates and creates bustling Jewish activity, fostering the ever-growing Jewish community on campus. Our weekly Shabbat dinners, festive holiday ensembles, and co-sponsorships on campus are what identify Hillel as a multi-faceted, multi-lateral organization.

- Gilad Salomon CWRU '10

When I arrived at college, I didn't really think much about my Jewish identity. By getting involved with Oberlin Hillel, I found a community of enthusiastic individuals who all had something in common with me. I've had so much fun celebrating and learning about Judaism with Oberlin Hillel!

- Emma, Oberlin College '12

Having Hillel at Cleveland State is important for everyone, as it allows the Jewish students on campus to connect with other Jews.

- Mark Kun, CSU '11

Hillel in Cleveland has been one of the highlights of my academic career. Whether it was attending weekly Torah study lunches or going to pool night and other social activities, I always had fun and met some of the coolest people on campus.

- Nick Lees, CSU '10

I must admit that during my first two years here I never stepped into this building or attended events. Now I am a regular. What changed things for me was going on birthright with other students from Case Western, Cleveland State, Tri-C, and John Carroll last May. It was an unforgettable experience that has changed my life. I am involved in community service programs, Shabbat, Holiday celebrations, social programming and much else.

- David Schinler CWRU '11

Hillel is a place on campus that I can go and feel at home. Since the Jewish population at Case is fairly small it is nice to have a place to go and meet other Jewish students. Whether I am there for a barbeque, Friday night services, or to make Matzah ball soup, everyone there is so warm and welcomes me in no matter how long it's been since I've last been there.

- Thea Emmons CWRU '13

Hillel has really enhanced my experience while at college. It can be very isolating attending a commuter school. Hillel has provided me a social outlet and helped bridge the gap between living at home and having a real college experience.

- Nechama Splaver CSU '11

Oberlin Hillel encourages participation and welcomes people of all different backgrounds into the Jewish community. It nourishes us as we explore our Jewish heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of our Jewish identities.

- Mona M Oberlin '11

The Oberlin Hillel community is like my family in my home away from home

- Asher B '13