As the excitement of move-in weekend filled the Vanderbilt University campus, over 300 Jewish first-year students, student leaders, and families gathered to kick off the academic year with FYSH Fest, Vanderbilt Hillel’s premiere pre-orientation program. Designed to welcome new Jewish students before the official university orientation, FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel) Fest offered a unique opportunity for Jewish first-year students to build friendships, connect with Jewish life on campus, and experience a warm welcome to their new home.
The program launched on August 14th, with an opening dinner at the Student Life Center Ballroom. The evening featured remarks from Ari Dubin, executive director of Vanderbilt Hillel, and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. Diermeier said he knows how difficult life was for students after October 7th. “When Ari and I talked about this, Ari said it’s the most difficult time for our students on campus, and it’s better than anywhere else. I think that’s accurate. It was extremely challenging for everybody, but we came together as a community to support our students in the time when they needed the support of the community, and this Vanderbilt community came through.”
Their words were followed by welcomes from Rachel Pacernick, Hillel’s Engagement Director, and the program’s dedicated student leaders, Griffin Unger and Maya Blanks, who spoke passionately about the Vanderbilt Hillel and the FYSH Fest program.
Unger, a sophomore and co-leader of the FYSH Fest program, reflected, “With global antisemitism at an all- time high, it is paramount that Jewish students on campus have access to a community where they are able to openly practice Judaism and publicly express their Zionism, both areas where Hillel excels. Observing the freshmen, upperclassmen, and parents mingle served as proof that our program achieved all of its goals: connecting students, re-assuring parents that Vanderbilt is a safe place for Jewish and Zionist students and providing a community to new Vanderbilt students.”
After the formal dinner, the evening split into two tracks. parents returned to the Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life for a special dessert reception and informal gathering, and students continued their first night of fun with a visit to Play Playground, a one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment venue in Nashville. The space provided the perfect backdrop for new students to bond over laughter and shared experiences.
The next morning brought another opportunity for community connection with a welcome brunch for both students and families. This was followed by a student panel, where parents asked questions and heard candid answers from current upperclassmen about academics, Jewish life, and the Vanderbilt experience. After the panel, parents took a private tour of the university, allowing them to explore their students’ new environment firsthand.
While the parents explored campus, the first-year students engaged in their own programming at Vanderbilt Hillel. After taking their own personal tours of where to go on their first day of classes, students engaged in activities at the Vanderbilt Hillel building which included making traditional Israeli chocolate balls, arts and crafts, and an additional student-led panel where new students could ask upperclassmen about everything from navigating classes to finding the best coffee on campus. These informal conversations created an atmosphere of support and openness, giving first years both practical advice and meaningful connections.
The program culminated in a memorable Friday night Shabbat experience held at the iconic Acme Feed & Seed in downtown Nashville. Over 150 students and parents came together for Shabbat services, marking the end of the week—and the beginning of a new journey—with reflection, celebration, and community spirit.
FYSH Fest continues to be a cornerstone of Vanderbilt Hillel’s commitment to building a strong Jewish community from day one. Through thoughtful programming, joyful celebrations, and personal connections, the pre-orientation experience sets the tone for a vibrant and inclusive Jewish life on campus.
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