"I think the new, more Conservative leadership is taking the reins to make it more pluralistic," says Andelman, who is Conservative. "But I think a mixed leadership could offer that as well, with some different methods. I don't think an Orthodox leadership would simply have an internal vision."
The New Building
Two years ago Hillel moved to its new location on the corner of Plympton and Mt. Auburn St. from its old building at 74 Mt. Aubun St.
The new building was designed by architect Moshe Safdie in the shape of a U, with several large meeting spaces and rooms for each of the three minyans. The inside of the U has no walls, only windows, in contrast to the old Hillel which was an almost entirely brick structure.
Many say that the brighter, more open feel of the new building has helped to make more people feel comfortable.
"The old building used to be a final club, and it felt like it," says Tucker. "You had to go into a dark brick building, whereas I think the new building is much more welcoming; it has an open environment."
Others say this shift has helped promote renewed interaction among the different groups.
"At the old building, the dining hall wasn't big enough to fit everyone on Friday nights," says Wilson. "As a result we had to split into the upstairs and the downstairs. The downstairs had a much greater Orthodox presence, while upstairs was more relaxed. Now we all eat together."
Dalia G. Trachtenberg '96, a Hillel member and co-chair of Harvard Students for Israel, said that she thinks that the new building has promoted harmony.
"The building seems more open. Everyone can feel they belong." Trachtenberg says. "There isn't a sense of divisiveness--everyone eats in the same room."