Hillel (Jewish Student Organization)

Augustana Hillel is devoted to promoting cultural diversity, raising awareness of the Jewish faith and culture, and developing a Jewish community on the Augustana campus and beyond.

Hillel meets monthly to discuss and plan events for the student body, such as the annual Hanukkah Party, Purim Party and campus-wide Passover seder with the Augustana Interfaith group. 

In addition to planning and hosting events, Hillel partners with cultural and religious groups on campus and in the surrounding community to promote diversity and foster a kinship between Jewish students and the rest of the student body. 

Student members of Hillel have the opportunity to attend services in Rock Island at Temple Beth Israel or in Davenport at Temple Emanuel, as Rabbi Linda Bertenthal serves as one of two advisors for Hillel.

President: Aaron Hanania
Vice president: Chloe Fisher

Advisors: Dr. Janina Ehrlich and Rabbi Linda Bertenthal
Phone: 309-794-7299

Related: Center for the Study of Judaism and Jewish Culture

Beginning Hebrew

Dr. Mischa Hooker in Classics is offering a 4-credit beginning Hebrew class upon sufficient student demand. This will fulfill the language requirement for general education.

If you would be interested in taking Beginning Hebrew in the 2021-22 or 2022-23 academic year, email Dr. Hooker and let him know of your interest.

Dr. Janina Ehrlich

Janina Ehrlich has taught in the Department of Music at Augustana College since 1979, and serves as the director of the Center for the Study of Judaism and Jewish Culture, as well as the on-campus advisor to Hillel.

By active work in these capacities, she seeks to bring the cultural richness and spiritual fulfillment of Judaism to the Augustana and Quad City community. 

Rabbi Linda Bertenthal

Rabbi Bertenthal serves as the rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Davenport, Iowa, as well as supporting Augustana's Hillel chapter.

She came to the rabbinate as a second career after practicing law for 13 years. In both careers, she has maintained a life-defining commitment to social justice, believing that God expects us all to treat one another with all the respect, dignity, justice and compassion required by each of us having been created equally in the image of God.

Rabbi Bertenthal loves Judaism and loves helping others find joy and meaning in its holidays and other ritual observances, its uplifting ethics, and its multivocality.

Aaron Hanania '23

Hanania majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in creative writing, with a focus on Environmental Law. He is currently a graduate student in Communication at Northwestern University.

Aside from serving as Hillel’s president, Hanania is an author, environmental activist, poet, and solo recording artist who writes, produces and performs his own music.

Hanania was a recipient of the Geifman Scholarship for Jewish students.

"Part of what makes Augustana so unique is the diversity of the student body. Everyone is welcomed here, and everyone is included."

Julian Pacheco '20

Pacheco is originally from Springfield, Missouri. He majored in psychology with a minor in English and intended to go into the forensic psychology field. However, after a year of graduate school at the University of Missouri, Springfield, he has changed to pursue his passion as a double bass performance musician.

In addition to serving as the vice president and president of Hillel, Julian played double bass in the Augustana Symphonic Band, excelled at the cello, was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity, worked with prospective students in the Admissions Office, and participated in AugieNAMI. 

Pacheco was a recipient of the Geifman Scholarship for Jewish students. 

“Even though Augustana is tied to the Lutheran church and one-third of students are Catholic, any student regardless of faith, is welcome.”

Chloe Fisher '24

Fisher is from Chicago, Illinois. She is majoring in secondary English Education, with the intent to go into teaching.

In her free time, Chloe likes to make music, draw, and be with her friends. She is the Hillel president for the 2023-2024 academic year.

She is a recipient of the Geifman Scholarship for Jewish students.

"Augustana has a fantastic, friendly environment, full of students looking to learn and grow without passing judgement."

Eden Nimietz

Niemitz is from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. They double majored in psychology and music, with a focus on music therapy.

They were the vice president of the Augustana Local Agriculture Society and played the French horn in the Augustana Symphonic Band. In addition, Nimietz enjoys writing music and poetry in their free time.

“Augustana embraces inclusivity and students of underrepresented faiths are welcome here.”

Jason Gluzkin '22

Gluzkin is from Glenview, Illinois. He majored in marketing and management, with a minor in communications studies.

When not in class, Gluzkin served as the intramural chair for Phi Omega Phi on campus and worked in the Intramural Sports and Recreation Department. 

He is currently employed in Chicago at a financial institution.

“Prospective Jewish students should know that they are welcome on campus and have a lot of resources at their disposal to feel included and valued.” 

Garrett McNelis '26

McNelis is a third-year student from Skokie, Illinois. He is majoring in psychology with a minor in anthropology, intending to pursue graduate school in psychology. 

McNelis is a member of the varsity volleyball team at Augustana. He enjoys working out, playing guitar and bass, and watching movies in his free time.

"Part of what convinced me that Augie was the right school was its inclusivity and ability to connect with students from any background!"

Meghan De Young ‘23

De Young is from Orland Hills, Illinois, and majored in creative writing with a focus on screenwriting. She is looking to pursue a masters degree in Marketing in the future. She is currently a Librarian at Madison School in Chicago and is working towards getting a screenplay produced. 

Along with writing and teaching, Meghan is an active part of the community as she spreads awareness of the importance of swim lessons for children and toddlers. In her free time she enjoys writing poetry and learning languages, as well as editing videos. 

"Augustana was and always will be a special place for me. The ability to build connections and be around people whose cultures, religions, and backgrounds differed from my own was one of the biggest takeaways and best experience I could have had."