College's first Hillel House under construction

Construction is underway on Connecticut College’s first Hillel House, which will serve as a center for Jewish student life and related intercultural programming at the College.

The 6,700-square-foot Zachs Hillel House will be located on the north end of campus and will include a conference room, library, study space, kosher kitchen and social space. The new facility will provide space for weekly Shabbat services and religious observances, lectures, study sessions and meals, like the popular Bagel Brunches.

"Connecticut College Hillel is an active and engaging group on our campus,” said Claudia Highbaugh, dean of religious and spiritual life. “With a newly-dedicated space on campus, Hillel will grow by encouraging religious and cultural discourse and providing a gathering space for our College family and friends.”

The new Hillel House was made possible by a $1 million gift from Henry Zachs, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has funded Hillel Houses at Trinity College and the University of Connecticut, and his family. A resident of Farmington, Conn., Zachs has served as president of the Greater Hartford Jewish Foundation and was presented the Harold Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education Lay Leader Award in 2009 by the Hebrew High School of New England.

"My family and I are pleased to support the construction of a space that will promote intellectual and social growth for the entire Connecticut College community,” said Zachs. “Hillel has become a vibrant program at Connecticut College and we hope that a dedicated facility will ensure its growth into the future."

The Zachs Hillel House is expected to open to the Connecticut College community this spring.



September 4, 2013