Challah at your new Jewish family!

New friendships, smooth move ins, and playing everyone's favorite game Jewish geography all make FreshFest a no brainer! All activities will be built for Jewish students of all different backgrounds to build community and make life-long friendships as they get to know campus and each other. Registration closes July 1st! https://www.ithaca.edu/jumpstart-program

And of course, since this is a Jewish community event, plentiful food is of the essence.  Delicious food from the new Kosher Korner and even challah baking are just two highlights of this fantastic experience! 

 In this program, participants will: 

  • Hike to Buttermilk Falls, BBQ at the park, and bake warm loaves of challah in between tons of chit chat and bonding activities.  

  • Meet new friends and make community connections that will last throughout your years at Ithaca College. 

  • Participate in reflection exercises, icebreakers, and meaningful small-group discussion opportunities. 

  • Learn about upcoming trips with Hillel, from Apple Picking for Rosh Hashanah to Israel on Birthright. 

  • Get oriented to your own version of Jewish life on campus- whether it’s just for the High Holidays, or every Shabbat Dinner. 

Students should be able to safely walk for at least 4 miles. Life threatening allergies/medical conditions should be able to be managed in the field. Students need to bring a water bottle, any life-saving medications, PPE, clothing appropriate for the weather and a raincoat, small backpack to carry their gear and snacks. 

Questions? Contact us at hillel@ithaca.edu

Can't Come to Fresh Fest? Sign up for Hillel and tell us about yourself here.

*Note: All food will be kosher or kosher style, and there will be kosher food available at every meal for students who register.

FreshFest Schedule at a glance:
August 14:

4 pm meet at Muller Chapel for parent's welcome & icebreakers
6 pm meet your IC Hillel mishpacha (family) with our BBQ dinner!
8 pm nighttime activity

August 15:
10 am depart for the Hike to Buttermilk Falls
12 pm icebreakers, snacks, fun times at the picnic site
2 pm optional hike down the falls for a waterfall swim!
3 pm head back to campus
6 pm picnic by the pond
8 pm closing circles