On Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet a celebrity Emory alumnus. That’s right. The star of the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” – Adam Richman (‘96C). I’ll be honest. I have never watched the show, but after seeing him at the Book Festival of the MJCCA this weekend, I’m a big fan.

In the few minutes we had together in the “green room” (thanks to my friend Bennie Cohen of Birthright Israel NEXT for getting me in), he reminisced with me about going to Hillel’s High Holiday services at Glen Memorial as an undergraduate. Someone asked him if he knew what an aliyah was, he recounted. A nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn who went to Schechter day school? He was all over that. He did the aliyah. As he tells it, they were so impressed that they asked him to lead a couple other prayers during the service.

On stage at the Book Festival, Adam gave an amazing talk filled with humor (much of it referring to Emory) as well as meaningful commentary on how to be mindful of our own culinary experiences. It was while he was at Emory, in fact, that he began to explore all the culinary pickings he could find in Atlanta (eating as much traif as he could, he says with a wink). He started to keep a journal about his food journeys, which ultimately led him to where he is today.

On Sunday, students in the Tritt & Oppenheimer JHealth Leadership Institute met at Hillel to hear from guest speaker Dr. Bruce Feinberg, founding president and CEO of Georgia Cancer Specialists and current vice president and medical director of Cardinal Health, a worldwide distributor of medical supplies.

His insight into the world that the students will one day enter was invaluable as he discussed important aspects of their future career, such as what the business model of a clinical practice is and how to manage the doctor-patient relationship. He also talked about the deeper meaning of being in the healthcare industry and the rewards and challenges of helping others.

Matt Goldberg, chair of the Book-a-Sukkah program, said that diverse groups at Emory ranging from sororities to an interfaith club reserved the Sukkah.

"One of the customs of Sukkot is welcoming guests into the Sukkah," Matt said. This custom, known as ushpizin, goes back to Abraham and Sarah, who welcomed strangers into their tent. “I emailed all the club presidents at Emory, both Jewish and non Jewish,” said Goldberg, “and invited them to use one of Hillel’s two Sukkahs for their next club meeting.”

Hillels of Georgia celebrated the dedication of the Marcus Hillel Center, named in honor of Billi & Bernie Marcus, on September 26, 2010.

There was a tremendous show of support from the community with a standing-room-only gathering of nearly 300 guests on a very rainy day that did little to dampen spirits. Hillels of Georgia extends great appreciation to all the capital campaign contributors, ceremony presenters, event volunteers, and community members who made the event meaningful and memorable.

In the words of the Shehechiayanu blessing, we give thanks to the Holy One who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this very special moment in the history of Jewish life at Emory University.

For a full recap of this exciting and memorable event, complete with photos and other multimedia, please visit www.emoryhillel.org/dedication.

On Monday, August 30, Hillel held its annual Welcome Back BBQ at Bama. With its prime location right in the center of campus next to the DUC, this event is always a popular way to get back into the swing of Hillel. This year was different, however, because Goodfriend’s catering services did the cooking. Instead of students grilling, Goodfriend’s turned our ordinary kosher BBQ upside-down.