Hillel International Honors Rabbi Elana Friedman with Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award
World’s largest Jewish college organization convened campus leaders in Boston Dec. 9-12 for 2024 Global Assembly, recognized extraordinary leadership efforts
BOSTON, MA – Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, honored outstanding Hillel professionals and campus Hillels for their exemplary efforts in supporting Jewish students at colleges and universities during a year when students needed support more than ever before. The awards were presented during the 2024 Hillel International Global Assembly (HIGA), an annual gathering of Hillel professionals from around the world. Among those recognized this year is Jewish Life at Duke’s Rabbi Elana Friedman, Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain for Duke University and Jewish Life at Duke.
Hillel International named Rabbi Elana Friedman a Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence, which honors professionals in various stages of their careers whose remarkable passion and outstanding devotion to the Jewish campus community sets a standard for all to emulate.
Duke’s first female rabbi, Rabbi Elana Friedman joined the Jewish Life at Duke team in 2015 as Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain. For the past nine years, she has served as chief Jewish educator and spiritual leader of the campus Jewish community. In addition to providing counseling for students, offering opportunities for Jewish learning, and serving as liaison for Religious Life, she facilitates the observance of Jewish holidays, supervises the kashrut of the Freeman Center Cafe’s kosher kitchen, and holds duties related to educating the greater campus community about Judaism, Jewish observances, and challenges facing the Jewish community, including antisemitism.
Alumna Shaina Lubliner ‘20 highlighted Rabbi Elana’s approach of empowering students to build micro-communities and create their own customs, noting Jewish Life at Duke’s annual Host-Your-Own Passover Seder program, in which Shaina participated a student. Shaina credits her career path to Rabbi Elana: “[her] approach to democratizing leadership has led me to my current career, where I strive to embody Rabbi Elana’s kind intellect, fierce passion, and compassionate guidance as I support others in creating their own holy spaces.”
Duke Student Affairs Associate Director for Learning & Development Tasha Curry-Corcoran emphasized the leadership role Rabbi Elana Friedman embodies on Duke’s campus: “In the wake of the October 7th events, she not only provided healing spaces and individual support for Jewish students, but also served as a compassionate, calming presence, offering wise counsel during a time of grief and shock. Her ability to foster positive change is evident in her leadership role within the Duke Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East, where she helps build bridges of understanding and constructive dialogue across campus.”
Alumna Sophie Barry ‘22 summed it up in her nomination, writing, “If every campus had a Rabbi Elana, the world would be a kinder (and funnier) place. Her dedication and vibrant spirit have not only transformed the Jewish community at Duke but have also enriched the broader campus culture.”
“We are so inspired by campus Hillels and professionals who are dedicated to building vibrant communities for Jewish students at a time when they need it most. Rabbi Elana Friedman has been a true leader in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces on campus for Jewish exploration and learning, and giving Jewish students the opportunity to thrive,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “Every Hillel, including Jewish Life at Duke, has been core to the strength of Jewish students this year, and we are so proud of the work they are doing.”
Honored in front of more than 1,200 colleagues and supporters in the global Hillel community, the awardees were selected for their leadership and impact in advancing Hillel’s mission to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.
“Rabbi Elana has been the mission-focused beating heart of the Jewish experience at Duke for thousands of Jewish students over the past nine years,” said Jewish Life at Duke Director Joyce Gordon. “She defines what an excellent leader and colleague should be, leading with humility, building authentic partnerships, and devoting herself to the campus community. All of us at Duke are better for her work.”
“No work week is complete without seeing Rabbi Elana having coffee with a student who is laughing, crying, or in deep thought on the plaza,” added Duke’s Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for Student Engagement Shruti Desai. “Her ability to remind so many of us to find the humanity in one another is a gift, and she has become a compass for our campus community.”
Please join us in wishing a hearty mazal tov to Rabbi Elana on this well-deserved and highly-regarded recognition! To make a gift to Jewish Life at Duke in honor of Rabbi Elana, click here.
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About Jewish Life at Duke
Jewish Life at Duke (JLD) is the hub for all things Jewish on Duke’s campus. An accredited Hillel as well as a department within Duke University’s Division of Student Affairs, Jewish Life at Duke is guided by a mission to empower Jewish students to learn and grow intellectually and spiritually; to inspire and nurture personal paths to Jewish identity; and to cultivate community and friendship. Comprising the Freeman Center for Jewish Life and the Rubenstein-Silvers Hillel, JLD takes a pluralistic approach to Judaism to ensure that all Jewish students, regardless of affiliation, are welcome and included.
100% of JLD’s operating budget comes from donations from alumni, parents, and friends.
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