Explore Connecticut College Hillel

Community is at the center of Jewish life at Conn. Every Friday night, Conn Coll Hillel welcomes and celebrates Shabbat together. Shabbat dinners range from Home-Cooked to Sushi or Pizza and offer a diverse array of themes and programming, such as Beach Shabbat and A Capella Shabbat. Conn Coll Hillel also sponsors holiday and social events, including Tashlikh, a Yom Kippur break-fast, Sukkah building and meals, Chanukah and Purim parties, and Maimuna to end Passover. Hillel students also participate in the local Jewish Federation's Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut observances.

Undergraduate Enrollment

170 Jewish Students (9.1%*)
1,861 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

0 Jewish Students (0%*)
0 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience

Conn Coll Hillel and Zachs Hillel House co-sponsor lectures, exhibits and performances centered around Jewish and Israel-themed topics with academic departments, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Programs and the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. Through discussions and programming – led by Conn faculty, guests, our local Young Emissaries from Israel, and Hillel students who've returned from Birthright Israel trips -- students are encouraged to create their own unique relationships with Israel. Connecticut College offers a Jewish Studies minor.

  • Served by Hillel Yes
  • Religious Services Available Yes
  • Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator Yes
  • Kosher Food Available No
  • Birthright Israel Participation No
  • Alt Break Participation No
  • Jewish Studies Offered Yes
  • Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor
  • Study Abroad in Israel University approved programs
  • Israel Fellow No
  • JLIC Educator No
  • Hillel Mental Health/Wellness Staff No

Campus Climate for Jewish Students

Religious Services

Connecticut College’s full-time Hillel director is a rabbi and college chaplain who supports students in exploring and fostering their Jewish identities through religious and educational programming. She leads High Holiday services and a communal Passover Seder, facilitates the Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF), and provides pastoral care. Students lead the monthly Kabbalat Shabbat services which adopt a more Reform or Reconstructionist style.

Frequency: Monthly

Wellness, Inclusion, and Activism

Since its construction in 2014, Zachs Hillel House has been a home away from home for Jewish students and a space for intercultural programming for the entire campus community. The building has event and meeting spaces as well as a large game room where students study, recharge and connect. Conn Coll Hillel is committed to inclusion and actively reaches out to diverse campus organizations. Collaborative programs, such as Pride Shabbat, Unity Shabbat and Multi Faith Shabbat, build bridges across difference and enable students with intersecting identities to feel seen and accepted. Conn Coll Hillel also sponsors Tikkun Olam and Jewish cultural activities, such as challah baking and sales to benefit various causes.

Additional Campus Information

  • Private/Public Private
  • Acceptance Rate 37%
  • U.S. Region Northeast
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $59,025
  • Tuition Out-of-State $59,025
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 16% / 9%
  • Greek Life No

The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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