FAQs

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.

Learn more about Hillel.

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 Taglit-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.

Israel is at the heart of Hillel’s work. Our goal is to inspire every Jewish college student to develop a meaningful and enduring relationship to Israel and to Israelis. We know that engaged and educated students can become committed Jewish adults who are passionate supporters of Israel.

Hillel welcomes, partners with, and aids the efforts of organizations, groups, and speakers from diverse perspectives in support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Learn more about Hillel’s Center for Israel Engagement, and click here to read our full Guidelines on Israel.

Each Hillel is unique and caters to the local community it serves. There are Hillels on large college campuses, and in the middle of metropolitan cities; those with large staffs; those run by student groups with a faculty advisor; and many more models.

Hillel is headquartered at the Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center (SIC) in Washington, DC. We offer local Hillels resources and services to support them in their work on campus. Our Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Experience provides students and professionals with Jewish educational resources and learning curricula. We also offer support in the areas of human resources, fundraising, strategic planning, leadership development, communications, fiscal administration, and student engagement. 

To learn more about a local Hillel, visit its College Guide listing.

In general, we do not advertise outside interests. If you feel that your event or opportunity is uniquely relevant to the Hillel network, please contact us with details. If you have a local offering relevant to students, you may contact the nearest Hillels directly through their College Guide listing.

Hillel has never charged membership fees. We encourage students to get involved and shape the Hillel experience they want during their time in college. Hillel is supported by generous donors. Learn more about supporting Hillel.

We understand that the college selection process can seem scary at first.  While it can be difficult at times, it can also be a truly rewarding experience!  Choosing a college is about finding the place that is right for you. Start by deciding which factors are most important to you.

Our College Guide offers information on hundreds of colleges and universities around the world. Visit now for information on Jewish populations, kosher dining options, religious life, and Jewish studies. Once you have narrowed down your college choices, contact the local Hillel professional on campus and ask to be put in touch with a current Jewish student.  Begin your search.

If you are a current student, the best way to get involved in a Jewish community of your peers is by contacting your Hillel and asking for more information about how to get involved. To find a local Hillel’s contact information, visit its listing in the College Guide. Many Hillels organize a wide range of activities, from Taglit-Birthright Israel trips to Shabbat celebrations and other offerings. There may also be campus clubs, from Israel advocacy interest groups to community service organizations, that you might wish to join. If you are not a college or university student or the nearest Hillel is too far away, local Jewish Federations, Jewish Community Centers, and synagogues are a great place to start your search for a local Jewish community.

Donate to your local Hillel by visiting its listing in our College Guide.

Thank you very much for your donation to Hillel! Please note that it can take up to six weeks for your gift to be processed and a receipt to reach you by mail. If you have not received your receipt after six weeks, please email Krista Bowen at kbowen@hillel.org, and include your full name, address and date of your gift, and your specific inquiry/request. You may also reach us by phone at (202) 449-6568.

Contact us here.

We do not sell or provide mailing lists.

There are many ways to participate in a local Hillel. Learn how to get involved.

Click here to donate online.

A donation to Hillel can help impact approximately 400,000 college-age Jews on campus, at a critical moment of their self-discovery. With your support, Hillel provides students with meaningful Jewish experiences at colleges and universities across the world; encouraging them to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. Your generous tax-deductible donation will enable us to continue enriching the lives of these students. Please click here to donate now.

Hillel does not award scholarships or grant money to individuals.