IN THIS ISSUE:

1) Message from Leora Shudofsky

2) Message from Simon Klarfeld

1) Message from Leora Shudofsky

Dear Students,

As many of you already know, I will be leaving Columbia/Barnard Hillel on June 30th after 14 years of service.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to you, and the numerous students who came before you, who have made my work here so challenging, meaningful, enjoyable, heartbreaking, exhilarating and ultimately so satisfying over these many years.

It has been a privilege to be of service and I want to wish every one of you the best of luck on your life's journey even as I embark on a new part of my own journey. I take with me so many important memories, life lessons and experiences and I wouldn't have those with out you.

I have great colleagues who are staying on who I am confident will continue to provide you with all the resources, love and support that you need.  And there will be new staff joining the already stellar team that is here, so I leave with the utmost confidence that life at Hillel will not only go one after I leave but move from strength to strength.

As I mentioned, I'm here until June 30th so please stop by - I'd love to see you before I go.  And if you can't stop by, I'd still love to hear from you (LS190@columbia.edu).

"Al nah tomar shalom elah l'hitraot" - Let us not say "goodbye" but rather "until we meet again."

With love and respect,

Leora

Leora Shudofsky, L.M.S.W.

Associate Director

Columbia/Barnard Hillel

2) Message from Simon Klarfeld

After 14 years of service, we say farewell to Leora Shudofsky, as she leaves Columbia/Barnard Hillel at the end of the academic year for pastures new. More than anyone on our staff, Leora has seen the rise of this Hillel from a small entity in the basement of Earl Hall to a major Columbia institution and vibrant Jewish center. Thanks to her tireless work for Jewish students on campus, we now see such a flourishing organization with an amazing array of programs reaching out to a wide variety of students. In the past few years, Leora has focused both on sustaining and growing Hillel's program and in the maintenance of the Kraft Center facility - not easy or small tasks to juggle - and she has shown amazing commitment to both components of her work with serious dedication and energy. We will all certainly miss her and wish her much luck in her new ventures. On behalf of all the staff, students and alumni with whom you have worked and played, thank you.

Leora - thank you for pouring your heart and soul into this community - we are better for it. We wish you much luck as you travel along your journey - know that it is a path you walk with a community of supporters and well-wishers at your side wishing you all the best.

Simon Klarfeld

Executive Director

May 12, 2008