Build-Your-Own Cheese Board & Study Break
Apr
27
3:00 PM15:00

Build-Your-Own Cheese Board & Study Break

Join the Grad Network community on Sunday, April 27 3-5PM ET at the Great Lawn in Central Park to build your own cheese and snack board! Take a break and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the park with fellow grad students. Stop by to connect, unwind, and put together your own cheese and snack box - perfect for a picnic or to take home. Looking forward to seeing you there! Stop by for ~gouda vibes only~ and games too! 

Sign up by Wednesday, April 23. Guests of current graduate students are welcome.

Questions? Reach out to Sarah Wish.

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End of Year Celebration
May
14
5:00 PM17:00

End of Year Celebration

The Grad Network invites you to an End-Of-Year Happy Hour 5-8 p.m. May 14 at Ellington in the Park, located in Riverside Park! Toast the end of another academic year, hang out with friends, and celebrate the Graduate Student Class of 2025! Register to attend.

Registration includes vegetarian appetizers, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and fun swag! Guests of The Grad Network are welcome to attend.

Cost should not be a barrier to participation. If you are unable to pay and want to attend, please email Melissa.

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Screening of A Real Pain
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00

Screening of A Real Pain

As part of Columbia/Barnard Hillel's Yom HaShoah remembrance, Columbia/Barnard Hillel and The Grad Network are screening A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, at The Kraft Center 7 p.m. April 22. 

Please RSVP to attend. Pizza and light snacks will be provided.

A Real Pain tells the story of mismatched cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, but their old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

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The Grad Network Passover Seder
Apr
12
8:00 PM20:00

The Grad Network Passover Seder

Celebrate Passover with The Grad Network and join us for an evening of food, storytelling, questions, and community. The Grad Network Passover Seder will begin 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at The Kraft Center, located at 606 West 115th Street.

RSVP to reserve your seat!

Please note that The Grad Network experiences are only open to current Columbia graduate students and their guests.

Cost should not be a barrier to participate. If you are unable to pay and would like to attend any of The Grad Network experiences, please email Melissa.

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CUIMC Bagel Hour
Apr
10
12:00 PM12:00

CUIMC Bagel Hour

Swing by Hammer Room 303 for bagels. Feel free to grab food to go or stay to hang out.

This week, Dr. Yinghui Mao, Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs, and Hashim Al-Hashimi, Associate Dean for Biomedical Graduate Education, will be in attendance.

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Passover Pop-Up Food Pantry
Apr
9
4:00 PM16:00

Passover Pop-Up Food Pantry

The Grad Network Passover Pop-Up Food Pantry is open to all graduate students at Columbia University and Teachers College with the intention of making kosher for Passover food more accessible for those celebrating Passover. If a gift of Kosher for Passover groceries will make it easier for you to observe the holiday this year, you are welcome to come fill a bag! 

The Passover Pop-Up Food Pantry will be open from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. The food pantry will include packaged Kosher for Passover food, as well as fresh produce.

We are thrilled to be able to supplement Kosher for Passover meals for graduate students. This initiative is made possible by the Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.

To help us properly stock the Passover Pop-Up Food Pantry, please register here.

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Leading Towards Inclusion & Justice with Amy Spitalnick
Apr
8
6:00 PM18:00

Leading Towards Inclusion & Justice with Amy Spitalnick

Join us for a conversation with Amy Spitalnick about addressing antisemitism and protecting civil rights for all. Sign-up to attend.

Amy Spitalnick is the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the national convener of Jewish coalitions working across communities to build a just and inclusive American democracy.

A nationally recognized leader on countering antisemitism, hate, and extremism and protecting democracy, Amy previously served as Executive Director of Integrity First for America, which won its groundbreaking lawsuit against the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and hate groups responsible for the Charlottesville violence. 

Amy has extensive experience in government, politics, and advocacy, including as Communications Director and Senior Policy Advisor to the New York Attorney General and spokesperson and advisor to the New York City Mayor. She serves on the Boards of Directors of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Tufts University Hillel, and the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University, as well as on Tree of Life’s Academic Advisory Council and Bedrock’s National Leadership Council. 

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Ritual Lab Fellowship
Apr
1
7:00 PM19:00

Ritual Lab Fellowship

4 Tuesdays | March 25 - April 15 | 7-9 p.m.

This Ritual Lab Fellowship is open to all graduate students interested in creating their own set of Judaica for Passover! Throughout the fellowship, each person will create their own Seder plate, cup for Miriam or Elijah, and matzah cover. During the fourth and final session, our cohort will enjoy a Kosher for Passover dinner together!

No prior knowledge about Passover, ritual objects, or art making is necessary to participate. We’ll learn together during the workshops!

Questions? Email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network, at melissa@hillel.columbia.edu.

Sign-up by 5 p.m. March 13 to be included in this learning cohort. 

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The Grad Network Purim Celebration
Mar
27
7:00 PM19:00

The Grad Network Purim Celebration

The Grad Network invites you to belated, yet super festive, Purim Celebration 7-9 p.m. March 27 at Jake’s Dilemma, located at 430 Amsterdam Avenue.

Registration includes drinks, vegetarian food, a photo booth, and a service opportunity. The service project is designed in partnership with Repair the World.

RSVP to attend!

Cost should not be a barrier to participation. If you are unable to pay and want to attend, please email Melissa.

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Coffee with the Team!
Mar
26
10:00 AM10:00

Coffee with the Team!

We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah Wish to the Grad Network staff team!

Swing by during the following times to meet Sarah, say hi, and chat. And, of course, The Grad Network will treat you to coffee or tea!

  • Wednesday 10 -11 a.m. | Joe’s Journalism

  • Thursday 1-2:30 p.m. | Joe’s NoCo

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Ritual Lab Fellowship
Mar
25
7:00 PM19:00

Ritual Lab Fellowship

4 Tuesdays | March 25 - April 15 | 7-9 p.m.

This Ritual Lab Fellowship is open to all graduate students interested in creating their own set of Judaica for Passover! Throughout the fellowship, each person will create their own Seder plate, cup for Miriam or Elijah, and matzah cover. During the fourth and final session, our cohort will enjoy a Kosher for Passover dinner together!

No prior knowledge about Passover, ritual objects, or art making is necessary to participate. We’ll learn together during the workshops!

Questions? Email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network, at melissa@hillel.columbia.edu.

Sign-up by 5 p.m. March 13 to be included in this learning cohort. 

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In Conversation with Roots | An Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation
Mar
3
6:15 PM18:15

In Conversation with Roots | An Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation

Join us for a conversation with Khaled Abu Awad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, two leaders of an Israeli-Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. Hear their personal stories of struggle and transformation, as well as their vision of mutual national recognitions and reconciliation.

When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 3

Where: 5th Floor of The Kraft Center, located at 606 W. 115th Street

RSVP to attend.

Co-Sponsored by Atidna

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Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship
Feb
24
6:00 PM18:00

Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship

4 Mondays | February 10 - March 3 | 6-8 p.m.

Explore the intersection of Judaism and gender during this learning fellowship. This 4-part speaker series connects traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary perspectives on gender and identity. Whether you are new to Judaism or seeking to deepen your understanding, this experience provides a unique opportunity to integrate tradition with modern approaches to gender and inclusivity.

Dinner will be provided at all Fellowship sessions.

Questions? Email Sarah, Grad Network Rabbinic Intern.

Sign-up by 10 p.m. Monday, February 3 to be included in this learning cohort. 

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MEGA Shabbat 2025
Feb
21
7:00 PM19:00

MEGA Shabbat 2025

MEGA Shabbat is Columbia/Barnard Hillel's largest shabbat dinner of the year! MEGA Shabbat is on Friday, February 21, at the Levien Gymnasium. Doors open at 6:30 pm. 

This event is open to all Columbia/Barnard students, grad students, faculty & staff. RSVP to attend! Guests are welcome. Please include your guests names on the RSVP FORM.

Any questions? Email shabbat@hillel.columbia.edu

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MEGA Challah Bake
Feb
20
11:00 AM11:00

MEGA Challah Bake

Join us as we bake 200 CHALLAHS for MEGA Shabbat!

The MEGA Challah Bake will be occurring all afternoon of Thursday, February 20 in the Kraft Center and we need your help! Come braid with us for 20 minutes, 3 hours, or anywhere in between. (Snacks will be provided throughout the day.)

Complete this form to let us know when you’re available to help bake!

Please reach out to Liana (liana@hillel.columbia.edu) and Sofi (sofi@hillel.columbia.edu) with any questions.

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Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship
Feb
17
6:00 PM18:00

Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship

4 Mondays | February 10 - March 3 | 6-8 p.m.

Explore the intersection of Judaism and gender during this learning fellowship. This 4-part speaker series connects traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary perspectives on gender and identity. Whether you are new to Judaism or seeking to deepen your understanding, this experience provides a unique opportunity to integrate tradition with modern approaches to gender and inclusivity.

Dinner will be provided at all Fellowship sessions.

Questions? Email Sarah, Grad Network Rabbinic Intern.

Sign-up by 10 p.m. Monday, February 3 to be included in this learning cohort. 

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Community Yoga for Wildfire Relief
Feb
16
10:00 AM10:00

Community Yoga for Wildfire Relief

Join the Grad Network community in supporting those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles.

When: 10 a.m. February 16
Where: The Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life
What: Community yoga class to support wildfire relief

The community yoga class will be led by Columbia University student and yoga teacher, Miriam Berkson. RSVP here.

The full registration fee will be donated to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles to support their Wildfire Crisis Relief efforts.

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Happy Hour Supporting Wildfire Relief
Feb
13
7:00 PM19:00

Happy Hour Supporting Wildfire Relief

Join The Grad Network for a Happy Hour supporting Wildfire Crisis Relief 7-10 p.m. Thursday, February 13 at Jake’s Dilemma. Registration includes two drink tickets, as well as food. All food provided will be certified Kosher.

The full registration fee will be donated to the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles to support their Wildfire Crisis Relief efforts.

Register here to attend. Guests of graduate students at Columbia University and Teachers College are welcome.

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Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship
Feb
10
6:00 PM18:00

Judaism & Gender Learning Fellowship

4 Mondays | February 10 - March 3 | 6-8 p.m.

Explore the intersection of Judaism and gender during this learning fellowship. This 4-part speaker series connects traditional Jewish teachings with contemporary perspectives on gender and identity. Whether you are new to Judaism or seeking to deepen your understanding, this experience provides a unique opportunity to integrate tradition with modern approaches to gender and inclusivity.

Dinner will be provided at all Fellowship sessions.

Questions? Email Sarah, Grad Network Rabbinic Intern.

Sign-up by 10 p.m. Monday, February 3 to be included in this learning cohort. 

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A Night with Alex Edelman
Feb
6
7:30 PM19:30

A Night with Alex Edelman

Fresh from his Emmy award winning HBO special, Alex Edelman is coming to the Kraft Center ~just for us~. Alex is a comedian and writer whose Orthodox Jewish upbringing has informed critically and commercially acclaimed work for the stage and screen. A black and white cookie enthusiast, Alex will be performing stand up followed by a moderated conversation.

Limited tickets available, CUID only, $5, 1 ticket per person

Reserve your ticket here.

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Havdalah & Ice Skating in Central Park
Jan
25
5:45 PM17:45

Havdalah & Ice Skating in Central Park

Don’t miss the 4th annual Grad Network Havdalah & Ice Skating in Central Park!

Join The Grad Network 5:45 p.m. on January 25 for a short Havdalah service in Central Park (exact meeting location TBD), followed by ice skating at Wollman Rink. Registration includes tickets to Wollman Rink and rental skates.

Space is limited. Sign up by Thursday, Jan. 23

If your Shabbat practice does not allow for you to get to Central Park by 5:45 p.m., you are still welcome to join us for ice skating. Our ice skating time begins at 6 p.m., and you are welcome to arrive anytime after then.

Cost should not be a barrier to participation. If you would like to attend and are unable to pay the registration fee, please email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network.

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Jewish Changemakers Fellowship Info Session & Pizza Gathering
Jan
23
5:00 PM17:00

Jewish Changemakers Fellowship Info Session & Pizza Gathering

Learn more about the JFNA Jewish Changemakers Fellowship and enjoy pizza with The Grad Network community. Swing by Kraft Center Room 4C between 5-6:30 p.m. for food and information about this unique leadership opportunity.

Questions? Contact Lily Serber, current graduate student and Jewish Changemaker Fellow.

The Jewish Changemakers Fellowship offers a leadership development experience for current and aspiring Jewish leaders between the ages of 20-25. Those who complete the requirements earn a $350 stipend. Changemakers accepts candidates from the United States and Canada and values Jewish diversity in the selection process.

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Columbia, Israel, & the World: Situating Ourselves in 2025
Jan
22
5:30 PM17:30

Columbia, Israel, & the World: Situating Ourselves in 2025

5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 22 | The Kraft Center, Rennert Hall

Advanced registration required. CUID holders only.

Hear from Dan Senor, bestselling author, host of “Call Me Back” podcast, and a co-founder and member of the board of directors of the Foreign Policy Initiative, and Haviv Rettig Gur, a veteran Israeli-American journalist and analyst, serving as The Times of Israel’s senior analyst.

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