Vanderbilt Hillel welcomed more than 300 people, including 110 Jewish first-year students and their families, as well as 50 Jewish upperclassmen leaders, to FYSH Fest, its premier pre-orientation program for incoming Jewish students.
This gave incoming Jewish students the opportunity to build friendships, become familiar with Vanderbilt and Nashville, and connect with the Hillel community before the excitement and demands of move-in weekend began.
Before first-year students officially moved in on Saturday (Aug. 22) morning, Vanderbilt Hillel began welcoming students and their families on Thursday (Aug. 20) evening with a dinner at the Student Life Center. Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier addressed the students and families, welcoming them to the university and sharing his philosophy of principled neutrality. He also provided incoming families with insight into Vanderbilt and the university's approach to fostering an inclusive campus community. Describing the atmosphere of the evening as “electric,” Chancellor Diermeier praised the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the start of the new academic year.
Following dinner, students traveled off campus for an evening at Pop Golf, while parents and families were invited to a dessert reception at Vanderbilt Hillel.
“With all that is happening in the world, I had no idea how much I needed to experience FYSH Fest. As a Hillel Board member, I was bolstered with hope for our Jewish people, thanks to the Hillel students and staff who dedicated their time and talents to welcoming incoming first-years,” said Risa Herzog, Vanderbilt Hillel board member. “Being in a room filled with these warm and enthusiastic leaders, along with incoming first-years and their families, gave me hope for our future.”
The following morning, families gathered at Hillel for brunch before students and parents separated for their respective activities. Parents participated in a student panel, where upperclassmen answered questions about campus life and the Vanderbilt experience, followed by a tour of campus.
Meanwhile, first-year students received individual tours of their class schedules, learned more about Vanderbilt Hillel programming, and traveled downtown for a scavenger hunt that introduced them to some of Nashville's most popular restaurants and attractions. The afternoon concluded with frozen Greek yogurt at Culture Club.
Students and families came back together Friday evening for a Southern-themed Shabbat celebration at Acme Feed & Seed. The menu featured smoked chicken sliders prepared in Vanderbilt Hillel's smoker by Jason Sparks, along with potato salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, and pie.
“We are thrilled to once again have such a great turnout for FYSH Fest,” said Ari Dubin, executive director of Vanderbilt Hillel. “The Jewish population at Vanderbilt has been growing significantly over the past several years, and we are excited to continue building our Jewish community on campus by providing meaningful programming and meeting the evolving needs of our students.”
FYSH Fest Co-Chair Lillian Green was part of creating the experience for the weekend. “From delicious food to campus tours to Shabbat overlooking the Cumberland River, I’m so proud of what the FYSH Fest leadership team was able to accomplish.”
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