The University of Maryland has elected not to resume in-person classes this semester.

Our world has changed profoundly in a short time. Maryland Hillel, much like everybody else, is grappling with what this reality means. We’re doing our utmost to transition one of the most vibrant campus communities to a hub of excellent online activity. Our core mission remains the same:

• We are here for you, our students. Our team is making proactive phone calls to you, and we invite you to call Hillel professionals.
• Wherever possible, we are migrating programs and initiatives online.
• Hillel is seeking to inspire you to reach out to others and aid those in distress, in keeping with tikkun olam.
• Graduating seniors are particularly affected because of commencement. Maryland Hillel will find a meaningful way to mark the occasion, imperfect though it might be.

The University of Maryland has urged students not to return to College Park, other than to collect belongings at an appointed time. Please do not be in College Park any longer than essential.

If you reside in off-campus housing and are unable to return home, we ask you to please avoid large gatherings, and effectively self-isolate with your roommates. Some students need to remain in College Park as their families are in quarantine or ill. We need to keep the environment and community safe for students who have no other choice but to reside in College Park.

Until further notice, no minyanim will take place in College Park, including outdoor minyanim. You should limit your Shabbat meals to a nuclear family size (your immediate apartment or one other apartment which will stay consistent throughout this ordeal), but you should not simply mix and match on a daily basis. Kosher dining cannot resume under the current circumstances.

We will do our best to update this recommendation for after Passover in consultation with the health authorities and university administration. Please stay safe and healthy.

As we always say, Maryland Hillel is not where you go, it’s who you can become. Through thick and thin, we want to remain supportive for all Jewish Terps. Stay tuned for an announcement on Monday with online coffee check-ins with staff members, classes we’ll offer through video calls, and other virtual opportunities.

Maryland Hillel is committed to protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. We are working in partnership with the University of Maryland to understand and respond to the evolving situation concerning preventing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Effective after the end of Shabbat on March 14 and through March 22, the Rosenbloom Hillel Center will be closed during the original week for UMD spring break. Staff members will be accessible and working remotely. For general questions, email reception@marylandhillel.org or call 301-422-6200. We will be checking the inbox and voicemail regularly.

For the second week of spring break (March 23–27) and during the time classes are being administered online (March 30 – April 10), we will make a determination about in-person programming and access to the RHC by March 20. We will continue to follow recommendations from the university and make adjustments that are in line with their plans. Watch Instagram, Facebook, and your email for an update.

You, your health, and your wellbeing are our top priorities. Please take care of yourself, take care of each other, and be in touch.