Members of Loyola’s newly developed Jewish Student Association have high hopes for the future, since their Hanukkah Gelt Off went off without a hitch on Nov. 29.
JSA began in August with the intention of raising awareness of the Jewish presence on campus, said JSA president Sarah Glover, political science sophomore. The group also focuses on charity work, as it is an integral part of Judaism, she said. The Gelt Off was the first major event for the association.
Spencer Pinckney, music freshman, won the Gelt Off’s $50 prize after competing against 25 other players at the tournament. All proceeds collected from the Gelt Off will go to the Kingsley House, a New Orleans resettlement and recovery center.
Attendees felt the Gelt Off was a success for JSA. “(It is a) great turnout for a young organization.” said Jason Pressberg, adviser of Hillel, a local Jewish multi-campus organization. Sergio Gonzales, music industry studies sophomore, described the Gelt Off as “a pretty innovative and creative way to generate awareness of different cultures.”
Leah Rosenberg, law student and vice president of JSA, hopes the organization will change “the Jewish perception in general.” She said she feels that there is a lack of awareness about Jews, especially at a school like Loyola.
Political science professor and JSA adviser Roger White said Judaism is primarily focused on people and the promotion of goodwill and mutual understanding. “It’s not really an option to do good deeds – you’re supposed to do them,” he said.
Members of JSA plan to invite religious leaders to come to Loyola and help educate the community. They also want to become an active part of Hillel. Loyola first participated in Hillel three weeks ago by hosting a community-wide dinner, which they opened to both Jews and non-Jews. Local universities take turns hosting each week’s dinner.
In the spring, White said he hopes to work with the Muslim Student Association to have events addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Rosie Dao can be reached at [email protected].
