What is Hillel International?

Source: http://hillel.org/about

Hillel welcomes students of all backgrounds and fosters an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. As the largest Jewish student organization in the world, Hillel builds connections with emerging adults at more than 550 colleges and universities, and inspires them to direct their own path. During their formative college years, students are challenged to explore, experience, and create vibrant Jewish lives.

For nearly a century, Hillel’s network of dedicated student leaders, professionals and volunteers have encouraged generations of young adults to celebrate Jewish learning and living, pursue social justice (tikkun olam and tzedek) and connect to their peers and the global Jewish people. By participating in life-changing trips and campus initiatives, students learn to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Jewish people and the world while they grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. At the heart of the Hillel network is the Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center, supporting local Hillels to ensure that we achieve our mission “to enrich the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.”

Hillel engages with and inspires the leadership of more Jewish college students than all other endeavors combined. We know that 90% of Jews in the United States go to college, and with a rich and diverse Hillel network, we are proud to be serving them at more than 550 colleges and universities.

Our Mission: Enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Our Vision: We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

What does Hillel offer for students?

Hillel encourages students of all backgrounds to form deep, personal connections to Jewish life, learning and Israel, through Jewish exploration, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Hillel professionals provide opportunities for students to have meaningful Jewish experiences, which can range from participating in peer-facilitated Jewish learning initiatives or immersive travel experience such as alternative breaks and Birthright Israel, to developing relationships with Jewish mentors and educators, among others. Hillel also supports and facilitates student celebrations of Shabbat and holidays on and off-campus. We provide opportunities for students to build lifelong connections – to their Jewish life, to each other and to Jewish communities worldwide.