Shabbat Shalom everyone. I am George Peker, a proud grapevine fellow, shout out to all my grapevine fellows, a member of the Chai Society board, feel free to check them out right over there, and one of the many students that spends more time at Hillel than their own home.
So much so that Google maps has labeled it home. And to be frank I can’t disagree with it.
A home is a place and it's also where loved ones are.
So there’s 2 parts to it
First, a place. If you look around, you will see the beautiful Hillel building that's just far enough away from campus to escape the chaos of college life, but close enough that I don’t worry about being late to class. The space itself is always perfectly maintained and full of every resource I may ever want or need. So I think we can check off that criteria.
Second where loved ones are, you can decide if we are going to check that one off after this:
As I walk through those doors
I’m greeted by lovely staff who I adore
And sometimes see some others who
I know, love me too
The staff are always there for us
They’re willing to help us without a fuss
Whether the task is big or small
We know to find them down the hall
You need an ear to hear your fears
Then somehow the worry disappears
My emotions are so clear
When i am with my staff and peers
All the students that come here
Gather together and conquer fears
Within each and every student
They themselves are a blessing
That I find that I am missing
And i’m always reminiscing
About the memories that we share
And how much they show that they care
I feel my feelings and emotions
Being cared for by each person
And as I step into this building
One big family I envision.
I think it's safe to check that off and say that Hillel 818 is a place where my loved ones are the menschiest of people. Hillel brings out the best in me, and I become a mensch amongst mensches. From the friends I've made here to the mentors I’ve found amongst the staff, I feel loved in this building, in this space, with my family in this home. Shabbat Shalom everyone.