Jeremy Weisblatt (freshman-Jewish studies) was looking to fill a gap in his life.

Although Weisblatt had academics and sports, he was looking to find something fulfilling to complete him. He found it in Penn State Hillel, a Jewish organization that promotes awareness in different aspects of Judaism.

"Hillel helped me to fill that gap," Weisblatt said.

"It provides a good atmosphere for me and gives me something to do outside of school," he added.

Hillel was one of more than twenty groups represented at the Religious and Spiritual Fair held yesterday afternoon in Johnston Commons in East Halls.

The event, which was co-sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs (CERA) and East Halls Residence Association (ERHA) educated students about the various religious and spiritual clubs offered on campus.

Davin Carr-Chellman, associate director of CERA, said this was the first time this event was held in East Halls.

"There are 56 religious and spiritual organizations at Penn State," Carr-Chellman said.

"It's a great way to get involved with community service and participate in life outside of the classroom," Carr-Chellman added.

Zehra Sirin (junior-industrial engineering) is a member of the Muslim Students Association.

She said that education is critical in combating prejudice.

"After 9/11 there were a lot of misconceptions about Islam," Sirin said. "It's important to educate to prevent stereotypes."

Priscilla Lillback (sophomore-Spanish) helped hand out flyers for her group, Campus Crusade for Christ. She said that it's important for students to feel strongly connected to something or college can be a lonely place.

Kelly Dunlop (senior-biology) is a member of Kappa Phi Christian service sorority, a group for Christian women.

She also said she thinks it's important to connect with people who share the same values that she does.

Jeff Buterbaugh (junior-biology) got involved with the Christian Student Fellowship as a way to participate in something other than academics.

"So many people are looking for things to outside of school," Buterbaugh said. "This was a way for me to meet people and do something outside of the campus."

Many of the groups represented stated that their organizations accepted people of all different beliefs.

Curt Himmelberger (junior-elementary education) is the president of Christians in Action. "Our group allows for people of all different beliefs to come together and discuss different topics," Himmelberger said. "We don't speak to people; we speak with them."

Carr-Chellman said all of the groups represented connect to the Penn State family.

"There's an awful lot of really interesting stuff that goes beyond the stereotypes some people have about certain religions," Carr-Chellman said. "This allows students to learn more about them."