The Orthodox Union's Heshe and Hariett Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) Program, recently established at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, has shown much success, according to a press release from The Orthodox Union. Students say the program, operating with the help of the young Israeli couple Rabbi David and Ariella Ruderman, has already created a comfortable atmosphere for Orthodox students at the University.

In collaboration with Hillel and the Torah Mitzion organization, JLIC offers daily synagogue services in addition to Sabbath and holiday observations. The program presents Jewish students, regardless of their level of observance, with the opportunity to participate in an intensive study of Jewish texts. Through these events, it endorses interaction within the Jewish community and leads to positive growth of Jewish identity at the University.

The JLIC program places emphasis on easing the transition of Orthodox Jewish students into the secular atmosphere found on campuses. Ruderman and his wife Ariella are aware of the difficulties of adapting to a different religious life and focus their efforts on creating a "home away from home" for students.

The success of this developing community was apparent at the first Sabbath dinner of the semester, when a record number of 100 students attended. As is the case at the College, students at the University are the primary organizing force behind Sabbath meals and activities. Ruderman said, "They take a lot of pride in being the ones to make the Shabbat meals here, and feel empowered and happy. It is exciting to see how they created this functioning student community." Following this successful event, the couple opened their home to students remaining on campus for Rosh Hashana, and are now organizing the Yom Kippur celebration during which the students and Ruderman will alternate in leading the services.

The JLIC couple draws upon their experiences from Israeli institutions as they arrange Torah study sessions and the University's House of Study. As Ariella explained, "This access to regular study will enable the students who return from a year of study in Israel to remain in the rhythm of Torah learning."

The Director of Hillel at UMass, Rabbi Saul Perlmutter, said in the press release, "It has just been great so far-the Rudermans have really integrated into our staff. From the moment I met the couple, I thought they were terrific, warm and accepting. Now, after a week, I feel even more that they will help the students deepen their Jewish experience."