A Conversation with Jon Polin, Father of Hersh z”l
7 p.m. | November 4 | The Kraft Center

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s son, Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after having his dominant forearm blown off. In the months that followed, the couple—dual American-Israeli citizens—became full-time hostage advocates, speaking worldwide about Hersh’s abduction and fighting for the release of all those who had been taken. Almost a year later, on day 330, the IDF announced that Hersh had been murdered by Hamas in a tunnel in Gaza, along with five other young people with whom he was being held. Despite the devastating loss of their son, Jon and Rachel remained tireless global advocates, continuing their efforts until the last hostage was recovered on January 26, 2026, Day 843.

Supper Club: Dinner & Small Group Conversation
7 p.m. | November 5 | Malka (161 W 72nd Street)

We're bringing back Supper Club with a 3-course meal (significantly subsidized) and livley conversation at Malka. Supper Club has been an initiative to experience cool NY restaurants and explore a topic with a small-group of people. This conversation will focus on Jewish representation in TV and Movies. Join us to meet new people, enjoy excellent food, and have some healthy debate about our favorite characters!

Space is limited to 9 people.

Community Run for Coffee & Pastries
9 a.m. | November 6 | The Kraft Center —> Breads Bakery

Join The Grad Network community for a fun morning run. Our run begins 9 a.m. Friday, November 6 at The Kraft Center and ends at Breads Bakery, where we'll enjoy delicious pastries and warm beverages. This route is approximately 3 miles. We intend to stay as a group throughout the run and maintain a 9:30-10 min/mile pace. 

Students are welcome to drop off bags and other belongings at the Kraft Center prior to the run.  

Anyone is welcome to skip the run and meet up for treats at Breads Bakery. We expect to arrive at Breads Bakery around 9:40 a.m. 

This run is hosted by The Grad Network Advisory Board: Mor & Yaffa

Rosh Chodesh Kislev Women's Circle
7:30 p.m. | November 9 | The Kraft Center Room 4A

The Grad Network is excited to host a Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle for the month of Kislev. For generations, Jewish women have gathered to welcome the new moon. This is a time of renewal, reflection, and divine feminine energy.

This event is for female identifying students. Dinner will be provided. 

This month, we celebrate the new moon of Kislev, a month of dreaming and embracing life's miracles. Together, we’ll explore Kislev’s themes through guided practice, sacred text, and connecting as a community. 

If you have any questions—or if you know someone who would love to be part of this, please reach out to Megan, The Grad Network Rabbinic Intern.

This experience is provided at no cost because of generous gifts to The Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.

Lunch & Learn: Jewish Perspectives on Organ Donation
12 p.m. | November 12 | Hammer HSC LL 108A

Join The Grad Network community and Rabbi Joshua Rabin of LiveOnNY for a Lunch & Learn exploring Jewish perspectives on organ donation, brain death, and end of life patient care. Sushi will be served at noon; the discussion will begin at 1 2:30 p.m. 

Reach out to Jane, The Grad Network Engagement Manager, with any questions!

This experience is provided at no cost because of generous gifts to The Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.

The Grad Network Shabbat Dinner
6:30 p.m. | November 13 | The Kraft Center

End your week with the Jewish grad student community! Dinner will be served 6:30 p.m. at the Kraft Center, located at 606 West 115th Street.

This experience is generously subsidized by The Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.

Mega Challah Bake
3-8 p.m. | December 3 | The Kraft Center

We’re braiding 300 challahs for Mega Shabbat dinner. Drop by anytime from 3 - 8 p.m. to braid challah and help make Mega Shabbat delicious!

Snacks will be provided throughout the day.

Mega Shabbat
6:30 p.m. | December 4 | Levien Gymnasium

Mega Shabbat is Columbia/Barnard Hillel’s largest, most welcoming, most celebratory Shabbat dinner of the year! This year, Mega Shabbat is also the first night of Hanukkah, adding extra joy to our Shabbat gathering.

Mega Shabbat is in loving memory of Myra H. Kraft. This Shabbat dinner is at no-cost to guests because of generous gifts from the Myra Kraft Shabbat Fund and The Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.