New Student Shabbat BBQ
Join us for an evening at the President's Park Picnic Area to meet new friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and learn about Mason Hillel!
Explore George Mason University Hillel
Mason Hillel is a warm, relationship-based Jewish community where all kinds of Jewish are welcome.
Located in the Interfaith and Spiritual Center as part of the Religious Professional Council (RPC), we enrich the lives of undergraduate and graduate students across Northern Virginia, including students at George Mason University, the Mason Square campus, and the Antonin Scalia Law School.
Through Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, Jewish learning, leadership opportunities, mentorship, Israel experiences, and meaningful one-on-one connections, Mason Hillel helps students explore their Jewish identity, build lasting friendships, and find a sense of belonging during a transformative time in their lives. Since 1995, we have worked toward the betterment of Jewish life at GMU, throughout Northern Virginia, and across the Commonwealth by creating welcoming spaces where students can grow, connect, and engage with Jewish life in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to them.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,000 Jewish Students (3.6%*)
27,879 Students
*Percent of population
27,879 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
250 Jewish Students (2.2%*)
11,432 Students
*Percent of population
11,432 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience Through Hillel
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator No
- Hillel Mental Health/Wellness Staff No
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation Yes
- Alt Break Participation No
- Israel Fellow No
- JLIC Educator No
Campus Climate for Jewish Students
- Hillel CCI Antisemitism Training Participant Yes
- Open Title VI Investigation Yes
- Anti-Israel Student Government or BDS Resolution Passed
Kosher Dining
Kosher food is served at the Mason Mensch counter in the Eaterie. Students are able to use the university meal plan without additional cost. Kosher food is also provided at all Shabbat/holiday programs through Hillel.
Options: University meal plan-no extra cost
Religious Services
Mason Hillel hosts Shabbat service and dinner every other Shabbat, alternating with Chabad on campus, to ensure a free Kosher-Shabbat dinner every week for every student. In addition, we offer Jewish holiday celebrations throughout the year and interesting discussion-based learning opportunities for students to explore their Jewish identity.
Frequency: Every Other Friday
Frequency: Bi-monthly
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Jewish Studies Offered Yes
- Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor
- Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program, University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
- Private/Public Public
- Acceptance Rate 87%
- U.S. Region Mid-Atlantic
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $14,220
- Tuition Out-of-State $38,688
- Out-of-State/Int’l 15% / 6%
- Greek Life Yes
Campus Voices
It can be hard to have a disability and make friends at school. In high school, I was involved with Washington Hebrew Congregation and loved being a leader in my Jewish community. So when I was searching for a way to form a community for myself at George Mason University, I went to see what was happening at Hillel.
Madison Essig, Fairfax, VA
Read Madison’s Story Here
Trips & Experiences
Events
New Student Campus Tour
Meet at Fenwick A for a guided tour of campus led by Mason Hillel students! Learn insider tips and all the best spots while getting to know other students.
Bagel Break
Find Mason Hillel at JC East Plaza for a bagel to fuel yourself for the first day of classes!
Paint and Plants
Find Mason Hillel outside of the Spiritual Center to plant a succulent to decorate your room!
Soda Bar Social
Join Mason Hillel in Fenwick A to celebrate the start of a sweet new school year with flavored sodas!
Joint Shabbat with Chabad
Join us in Fenwick A for the first Shabbat of the semester! Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and kick off a new school year together!
Havdalah & Dessert
Wrap up the weekend by celebrating Havdalah with singing, desserts, games, and great company at The Hub!
DIY Dorm Decor
Be sure to stop by Fenwick A to get crafty and make some DIY dorm decor! We'll provide the materials, just bring yourself.
Challah Bake
Finish up the week by braiding, baking, and hanging out with friends at our challah bake!
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].