Ronalee and Russell Galbut and Jewish Life at FIU

Life would have no meaning without art. I am inspired by images more than words, and I may be the first in my family to embrace a career at the opposite end of the so-called office-type vocation. I am a millennial, born in a traditional Jewish family on my mother’s side, and the end product of multi-continental influences – North African, European, South American and North American. So I needed to find an open and heteroclite place to study, where I could sense all these cultural filters: FIU was the one.

During my freshman year, I had the opportunity to visit the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. Taking my first steps through the doors on Miami Beach, it made me very proud to be Jewish. In fact, the art and history that fills its walls has inspired me to pursue a degree in art history while allowing me to keep my religious and cultural background alive. The memories of the individuals and families who helped shape Jewish life in Florida will always be surrounding us. It is truly inspiring for me as I engage in my new role as president of Hillel at FIU.

Getting involved with the Jewish organizations on campus gives me more than just another experience. It helps me further my social, networking, and leadership skills. Most importantly, I am able to give back to my community and somehow stay connected to my family that lives far away. It made me realize that, as part of a minority, we need to work harder and work together to create a positive presence and a meaningful impact. It also helps fight ignorance so we can build a better understanding between students from different backgrounds by exchanging experiences and achieving great projects for ourselves and for the University.

When I started at FIU, I was immediately introduced to the opportunity of being a part of the campus Jewish life, and after a year and a half, I have become an active member of Shalom FIU, a pro-Israel group. I am proud to now call myself the president of Hillel at FIU, the other Jewish group on campus. I am in my second year here at FIU, and it has truly been a challenging experience. What makes me feel more at ease with this new and overwhelming life experience is that I was able to find my “home away from home.” Belonging to the Jewish community is not only what identifies me, but what I believe in. And being able to interact with people that share the same culture, vision, and values as mine made me feel that I too could find my place on this gigantic educational ground.

Thank you!
Sabba Rault

jmof.fiu.edu