All of us at the Hillel JUC wish you a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. The Hillel JUC will be closed Thursday-Sunday (November 23-26) for the holiday, but next week offers a rich variety of events to meet your interests, beginning with Campus Superstar AUDITIONS!

The competition is on to find a campus idol! Is your singing worth the $5,000 first-place prize? 2nd and 3rd place winners each get a $1,000 prize. Full-time students from any college or university can audition at the location and time most convenient for them:

Pitt - William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge * Nov. 27, 3-6pm
CMU - The Hillel JUC * Nov. 28, 4:30-8:30pm
Point Park - JVH Auditorium * Nov. 30, 4:30-8:30pm

Up to 25 semi-finalists will be asked to return in February, date TBA, with 10 finalists competing at the main event on March 22, 2007 in Carnegie Music Hall. For more info contact Linda Myers.

Other terrific programs in late November/early December include: Faces of Homelessness, AEPhi's Spaghetti Dinner to support pediatric AIDS treatment and research, Pitt Hillel Student Board elections, Brotherhood's Jewish Cooking for Men, Hebrew School Dropout, Sisterhood's Mental Health and Wellness evening, Shabbat services and a delicious FREE dinner!

Monday, Nov. 27 The Hillel JUC and the National Coalition for the Homeless invite you to connect directly with Faces of Homelessness and learn how you can make a difference. 8:30pm in the Kurtzman Room @ the William Pitt Union. For more info contact Meredith or Jackie.

Tuesday, Nov. 28 The sisters of AEPhi are holding a special spaghetti dinner to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Delicious food for an important organization that serves so many children and families! The cost is just $6, and the dinner will be 6-9pm in Dining Room A @ the William Pitt Union. For more info contact Naomi.

Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 28-29 Pitt Hillel Student Board election speeches for all offices other than President and Vice President will be held 8:45pm on Tuesday @ the Hillel JUC. Following the speeches and through 10pm on Wednesday, come vote for your new Board officers @ the Hillel JUC. For more info contact Jackie.

Wednesday, Nov. 29 Gentlemen, come flex your culinary muscles at Brotherhood's Jewish Cooking for Men, 6pm @ the Hillel JUC. Shatter the stereotypes and create a delicious meal! Space is limited, so contact Justin to confirm your spot.

Wednesday, Nov. 29 Adam & Steve? What does the Torah really say about homosexuality? You might be surprised. Come find out at Hebrew School Dropout, 7:30pm @ the Hillel JUC, with special guest, Rabbi Danny Schiff. For more info contact Jackie.

Thursday, Nov. 30 Sisterhood’s Of Mind and Body Series continues with a program on mental health and wellness, 7:30pm @ the Hillel JUC. While you discuss these important topics with the ladies, enjoy delicious fondue! For more info contact Michelle, Hillary, Jackie.

Friday, Dec. 1 Join friends and neighbors for Shabbat services (5pm) and a FREE delicious dinner (6pm) @ the Hillel JUC. We will be joined for dinner by a speaker from the Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases at the Albert Einstein Medical Center of Philadelphia. For more info contact Sahar.

Monday, Dec. 4 The Jewish Studies Program and the Department of Religious Studies will host Professor Moshe Maoz, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in a lecture titled Islam in the West: Clash or Dialogue, 4pm in 115 Mervis Hall. Prof. Maoz is a visiting scholar at Robert Morris University. For more info contact Professor Alex Orbach.

Sunday, Dec. 3 Open Stage Theatre (OST) will host a martini & hors d’oeuvres reception (non-alcoholic martinis also available) as the first of several events to celebrate its 15th anniversary season. Come learn about the theatre and meet the guest of honor, Councilwoman Tonya Payne. 5-7pm @ OST, 2835 Smallman Street. $5-10 donation at the door; for more info contact OST.

Sunday, Dec. 10 Come and play BINGO for a great cause! Pittsburgh's Jewish community is coming together to raise funds to meet the growing needs of the Squirrel Hill Kosher SuperPantry, our community’s resource for those who would otherwise struggle with hunger. 12:30-4pm @ the JCC Katz Theater on Darlington Road in Squirrel Hill. Lunch available, and BINGO board sets start at $10/set. For more info contact Becky Abrams: (412) 421-2708.

Now through Dec. 30 The Framery proudly presents "Pure Faith," the latest collection by Israeli ethnographical photographer Harel Stanton. Don't miss this stunning visual exploration of faith around the world. Check out Harel Stanton's website. The Framery is located at 4731 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

Cool Space Locator seeks an intern ($10/hour) November 2006-May 2007 to take the lead in helping staff plan and organize Cool Space Awards 2007. Cool Space Locator is a non-profit organization committed to helping small business owners and non-profit leaders make wise real estate choices. For more info and to apply, contact Robyn Barber.

JEVS Internship - Summer 2007 JEVS (Jewish Employment and Vocational Service) awards a limited number of stipends to Jewish university students who expect to reside in the Delaware Valley in June-August 2007. Interns visit a variety of organizations within the Jewish communal service system. For more info and to apply ASAP, contact Peggy Truitt.

Need-based Scholarships for 2007-08 The Central Scholarship and Loan Referral Service (CSLRS) of the United Jewish Federation (UJF) of Greater Pittsburgh offers need-based grants to Jewish students (undergrad and grad) who have been residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, or Westmoreland Counties for at least two years. Applications will be available in November, with an application deadline of February 6, 2007. For more info contact the Career Development Center of Jewish Family and Children's Service @ (412) 422-5627.

This week's Torah portion is Toldot. Learn more here.