UNC Hillel is here to support you
Being a part of a Jewish community means celebrating together in times of joy and grieving together in times of sadness. UNC Hillel is here to support you and provide comfort during difficult times. As our University community grapples with an epidemic of mental health struggles, UNC Hillel is working to connect our students to resources and community.
Hillel resources:
The UNC Hillel building will be open, and Hillel staff will be present, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Shabbat gathering, prayer, and dinner will be from 6:00-8:30 pm on Friday. As is Jewish tradition in times of difficulty and sadness, we’ll be providing snacks. Masks are required indoors, and we ask that you eat food outdoors on the porch, front lawn, or side yard.
During the University’s Wellness Day on Tuesday, October 12, Hillel will be open for a Wellness Day. Our social media will highlight the day’s activities as our schedule comes together.
Rabbi Melissa Simon, our UNC Hillel rabbi, is available for pastoral support. You can email her here or use her Calendly link to find a time to meet.
Other Hillel staff are also available to connect you to resources. Please reach out to us via email or Calendly:
Maura Koenig, Director of Student Engagement (email, Calendly)
Joanna Berman, Springboard Fellow (email, Calendly)
University resources:
UNC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS can be reached 24/7 by phone at 919-966-3658)
Peer supporters from student-run organization Peer2Peer, which offers mental health resources for graduate and undergraduate students, can be reached through their online form. Students can remain anonymous.
Jewish and national resources:
Jewish for Good (formerly "Jewish Family Services") of Durham-Chapel Hill provides grief counseling services.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, is available 24/7. It is free and confidential.
Crisis Text Line (national): text HOME to 741741.
The Trevor Project: The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
TrevorText (LGBTQ suicide prevention) Text START to 678678
In the Talmud, it is written: Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved the whole world. Each of our students is an entire world to their friends, family, and our Hillel community.