Greek Jewish Council seeks new members

In its third year, a student organization hopes to unite Jewish students in greek communities to create ties that cross between chapters.

The Greek Jewish Council had its first call-out meeting of the semester Monday night. There are about 4,000 Jewish students at IU, GJC adviser Jason Keller said. He said many of them join the greek community, even outside traditionally Jewish fraternities and sororities.

“Many Jewish students need or want a connection to the Jewish community,” Keller said. “Bringing people together is very beneficial for us. We do not just want to focus on the Jewish houses, but we want to bring them together with non-Jewish houses.”

GJC is in its third year as an official IU student group. It is affiliated directly with Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, the Jewish community center on campus. Hillel even has a class called “Greek Life and Jewish Community,” which is open to IU students.

Keller said the group sponsors religiously affiliated events such as a Hanukkah party and a Passover dinner, but its goal is to have one social program a month.

“Our goal is to get Greeks who are Jewish to know one another,” president Lauren Tavel said. “We really want to get the word out about Jewish events on campus.”

Vice President Dan Brownsweig said GJC is planning a basketball tournament for March, which is going to double as a philanthropy event and is open to everyone. He said they are also planning a greek Shabbat dinner and a Passover dinner.

“We want everyone to feel welcome to participate and help us plan,” Tavel said. “Our main goal is to have a representative from every chapter to work as a liaison between us and them. We also want to have regular volunteering and leadership opportunities.”

Tavel said they have between 150 and 200 people on their contact list from previous events and call-out meetings. However, they would like more participation at events and within the Jewish community.

“We are a fairly new organization,” Keller said. “We are really looking for involvement and ways to reach out to people. We are open to suggestions.”

In fact, GJC does not have a complete executive board. Keller said there are only about five consistent members.

Tavel said they want to work more closely with Panhellenic Association and the Interfraternity Council. However, they are an independent group separate from the greek system because they are not a national organization. Keller said they have done several events with the Office of Multicultural Initiatives, but he is not aware of other organizations like GJC.

“We want to go beyond the people you are with all the time,” Brownsweig said. “We would like more members, executives and representatives from each chapter to get involved in our community.”