Get to Know Ethan Bair, Hillel at Syracuse University's New Rabbi on the ‘’Cuse Conversations’ Podcast

As a student at Oberlin College, Ethan Bair experienced such a meaningful connection with Hillel and with his rabbi that he was inspired to become a rabbi.

There was something beautiful about building community and teaching the ways of the Torah to college students for Bair, who earlier this summer was named Hillel at Syracuse University’s new rabbi and will serve as Jewish chaplain at Hendricks Chapel.

Helping students learn more about who they are while furthering their development intellectually and spiritually is one of the most exciting aspects of this new position for Bair, an accomplished Jewish community leader who brings more than 10 years of experience to campus.

Rabbi Bair is excited to get started building interfaith partnerships that help cultivate an empowered spiritual Jewish community while serving as a valuable mentor and resource to Jewish students—and the campus community as a whole.

He joins the podcast to discuss how he assists with the holistic development of Syracuse University’s Jewish students, why he’s passionate about forming meaningful connections and impactful relationships with the campus community, the importance of finding your joy and passion, and why being part of the multi-faith community at Hendricks Chapel is such a blessing.

Note: This conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.

Check out episode 116 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Ethan Bair. A transcript [PDF] is also available.