All of us at the Hillel JUC wish you good luck in your remaining final exams, a safe return home, an enjoyable winter break, a happy Hanukah, and a successful new year! Please remember that the Hillel JUC will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 21 through Monday, Jan. 1. We will reopen on Tuesday morning, Jan. 2. See you in the new year!

If you're among the 21+ crowd, don't forget this Saturday's first-ever VODKA and LATKE PARTY Dec. 16, 9pm @ Shadow Lounge! We're expecting a terrific turnout, and there will be delicious food, great live music, raffles, and an awesome vibe you don't want to miss!

Last but not least, check out details on upcoming spring semester auditions for The VoKols (Pittsburgh's hottest Jewish a cappella group) and take note that the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University is conducting an important study involving Jewish undergrads, so please read the details below and let us know if you DO NOT WISH to be invited to participate in this survey.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Twenty-somethings And Graduate students (TAG) are invited to the first ever Vodka and Latke Party, 9pm @ Shadow Lounge, 5972 Baum Boulevard. Live music by The Freedom Band, raffle prizes, hors d'oeuvres, and more. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. This special night is 21+ and non-smoking. Questions or RSVP: E-mail or call Ann via (412) 992-5255.

VoKols Auditions The hottest Jewish A Cappella group in Pittsburgh, The VoKols, will hold its spring semester auditions Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 10 and 11 @ the Hillel JUC, 8-10pm. All interested should prepare a popular song to sing a cappella. If your semester doesn't begin until a week later, no worries; just contact The VoKols to secure another date or ask any questions you may have. Good luck!

E-mail Survey - Please reply if you DO NOT WISH to be included The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University is launching an important study of the educational experiences, identity and aspirations of Jewish undergraduates. They have asked to use the Hillel JUC contact list for the purpose of inviting students to participate in a brief on-line survey. All responses to the survey will remain strictly confidential and findings of this research will be reported only in ways that do not identify individuals.

The study has already been approved by the Brandeis Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (781-736-7596). This committee works to safeguard the interests of individuals who participate in Brandeis-sponsored research. We think that this is an important study and will provide needed information to the Jewish community. However, we also respect your right to the privacy of your contact information.

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY, PLEASE CONTACT SAHAR BY 8pm on THURSDAY, DEC. 21, AND WE WILL REMOVE YOUR INFORMATION FROM THE LIST THAT WE WILL BE SHARING WITH CMJS.

CMJS has assured us that our e-mail list will not be shared with any other organizations and will not be used for any other purposes, research or otherwise. If you wish to know more about this research, you can e-mail or call Aron Klein at 781-736-3821.

Young Zionist Leadership Conference in Miami Beach, Florida: Jan. 19-21 University Student Department/Hagshama of the World Zionist Organization invite you to join over 100 student leaders from around the US! Connect to Israeli social activism, dare to debate controversial issues in Israel, explore Hebrew culture (food, film, and art), strengthen your campus advocacy skills and personal connection to Zionism.
Application DEADLINE is TODAY, Friday, Dec. 15, and cost (including flight) is ONLY $170!!! Apply here and for more info contact Sahar.

Spitzer Hillel Forum on Social Justice in Washington, DC: Feb. 25-27 Join hundreds of students who share your interest in pursuing social justice through political activism, grassroots organizing, community service, and advocacy. This year's central theme is sustainability. Make new friends, meet the experts, lobby on Capitol Hill, and create solutions to make your environment sustainable!
Early-bird application DEADLINE is TODAY, Friday, Dec. 15, and cost is $365. Apply here. The price rises if you apply after Dec. 15. For more info contact Sahar.

Sunday, Dec. 17 The United Jewish Federation invites you to come light the candles of Hanukah at a community celebration of Israel for the entire family. Enjoy family activities, candle lighting, and Israeli music. Kosher food vendors will be available. This special event begins at 5pm @ the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. For more info contact Leah.

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.

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 are available and the application deadline is February 6, 2007. For more info contact the Career Development Center of Jewish Family and Children's Service @ (412) 422-5627.