Jennifer Ackerman, JCSC 2002-2003
Hotep-Shalom: A Partnership for Jewish and Black Students

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The words Hotep and Shalom each translate into a heartfelt greeting, salutation and peace in both Swahili and Hebrew respectively. Begun in Spring of 1999 this group was formed in order to increase understanding between students, create deeper relationships, and improve community relations by creating bridges of understanding. The group holds monthly dialogues and social events.



Face to Face Photo Exhibit

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PROGRAMS


Hotep-Shalom: A Partnership of Jews and Blacks: Get to Know Us!
An opening meeting to hear about the many programs Hotep-Shalom does throughout the year. Students saw a powerpoint presentation of the trip to the south from last year (5 students participated)
The trip to the south did not happen this year again, largely because lack of student interest/ambition to plan.  I would look into doing a shorter trip and recruit early on in the year if this is a goal of yours.

Dialogue I - The Rabbi and the Preacher:
Discussed the similarities and difference in Judaism and Christianity. Rabbi Misha Zinkow of our Hillel and Preacher Clarice Ford of the OSU Multicultural Center led a compare/contrast session on ideology and practices (8 students participated)

Dialogue II - Experiencing the Other Homeland:
Lisa Forstein, a Hillel student who spent time in Ghana, talked to other students about her experiences. Students talked about the feelings of being an outsider to mainstream cultures. (60 students participated) 

Magic Mountain: Students spent a Sunday afternoon playing miniature golf and socializing. (7 students participated)

Culture Cook-off:  Hotep-Shalom members had the opportunity to prepare dinner in the Hillel kitchen. Foods were made from both the Jewish and African American cultures. (10 students participated)

Dialogue III - Face to Face: A dialogue was based off of the visiting photo exhibit in the gallery on Hillel. Photos were on Blacks and Jews in Pennsylvania during the civil rights movement. Dinner was served, followed by a discussion. (20 students participated) 

YMCA Kids: Hotep-Shalom students joined with the South Area Black Student Association in an afternoon of fun with YMCA children. (4 students participated) cosponsored with SABSA

Viewing of the "Fires in the Mirror": viewing of the film about Jews and Blacks living in Crown Heights during the riots there. (3 students attended) Holocaust Vigil: Reading of names

Rwandan Speaker: Cosponsor of Louis Mushikiwabo, founder of Rwandan Children's Fund
 
Vermonster-ous Karaoke Night: Held in our Hillel Cafe, Cosponsored the event with Café' Programming
 

Future Goals

This year Hotep-Shalom has been in transition of leadership.  There are four key Hillel students that are eager to make a connection with Black students on campus.  The challenge for next year will be helping to make that connection.  Use the partners listed on the "partners page."  They will be the most important resources on campus.  Especially with this student group, attend as many campus resident halls meetings, meet with Larry Williamson, flyer all over campus hitting south campus, dorms, and the Hale Center.  The students who have helped with programs this year will be your greatest asset.