Fresh Fest
Fresh Fest is Hillel's two-day early-move-in orientation program for our incoming Jewish Scarlet Knights, offered at a highly subsidized cost. Enjoy campus scavenger hunts, free kosher food, exclusive merch, and the chance to make new…
Explore Rutgers University Hillel Foundation
Find your people at Rutgers Hillel. Rutgers Hillel is a vibrant, welcoming community where Jewish students of all backgrounds come together to explore identity, celebrate tradition, and just be themselves. Whether you're observant, "just Jewish," or still figuring it out, there's a place for you here. We’re artists and academics, activists and adventurers, introverts and extroverts. Some of us keep kosher and daven daily, others are here for the friendships, the food, and the chance to connect. However you show up, you're part of the family. Home to over 6,400 Jewish undergrads, Rutgers offers one of the largest and most diverse Jewish student communities in the country—and Hillel is at the heart of it. Our student-led groups host everything from cultural events to volunteer projects to Torah study, giving you the freedom to shape your Jewish experience and make your voice heard. Looking for a safe, quiet place to study between classes? We’ve got you. Want to enjoy free Shabbat dinners with hundreds of other Jewish students? That’s every Friday night. At Rutgers Hillel, you'll find connection, purpose, and lifelong friendships. Come as you are—and discover who you can become.Undergraduate Enrollment
6,400 Jewish Students (17.0%*)
37,751 Students
*Percent of population
37,751 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
1,000 Jewish Students (7.0%*)
14,284 Students
*Percent of population
14,284 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience Through Hillel
Experience Jewish Life at Its Best At Rutgers Hillel, we’re proud to have one of the most dynamic and diverse Jewish communities in the country—led by a passionate team of rabbis, Jewish educators, advocates, and rising professionals. Our building is a hub of Jewish life on campus, featuring everything from inspiring classes and student-led clubs to the best avocado toast in New Brunswick at our on-site café. We host multiple events every day—follow us on Instagram to see what’s happening! Whether you’re looking to connect socially, spiritually, or culturally, there’s something here for everyone. Signature programs include: -Jews and Booze -Kol Halayla Jewish A Cappella -Poker Club -SHEM Theater Productions -Israel education & activism -Free snacks during finals -Weekly classes with free dinner and a stipend We believe “all kinds of Jewish” means all kinds. From “just Jewish” to Modern Orthodox, from meeting your beshert at FreshFest to proudly supporting the Jewish Queer community—you belong here. At Rutgers Hillel, we’re not just building programs. We’re building community, leadership, identity—and a future for Jewish life that’s vibrant, inclusive, and unstoppable.
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator Yes
- Hillel Mental Health/Wellness Staff No
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation Yes
- Alt Break Participation Yes
- Israel Fellow Yes
- 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
Hillel offers free Shabbat/holiday meals and often offers free dinners in conjunction with events during the week. There is a full-service kosher dairy restaurant in Hillel, Bistro 70, where students can purchase kosher meals or use Knight Express points through Rutgers Dining Services to acquire meals. Chabad runs a full-service kosher meal plan that is separate from the university. There are kosher restaurants and groceries of various kinds in nearby Highland Park.
Options: Meals available on shabbat/holidays only;Kosher food available nearby
Religious Services
Celebrate Shabbat Your Way Religious life at Rutgers Hillel is as vibrant and diverse as our community. Every Friday night, we host three unique Shabbat services in our beautiful prayer spaces—Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform—so you can find the vibe and community that feels right for you. After services, everyone comes together for a free, delicious Shabbat dinner—great food, great people, and the perfect way to unwind from the week. Our Orthodox community offers daily minyanim (morning, afternoon, and evening), while our Conservative community gathers for Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday nights and Shabbat services on Saturday mornings or afternoons. Reform services are held every Friday night and often feature music, reflection, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful davening experience, a spiritual reset, or just some joyful Jewish community, there’s a place for you at Rutgers Hillel. Come for the prayer, stay for the people.
Frequency: Contact this Hillel
Wellness, Inclusion, and Activism
Wellness at Rutgers Hillel At Rutgers Hillel, your well-being matters. We’re committed to supporting the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Our social work graduate student intern offers opportunities for wellness-focused programming throughout the year, including stress relief events, mental health awareness, and personal development workshops. Need a calm place to recharge? Our Wellness Lounge is a quiet, welcoming space designed for studying, relaxing, or taking a break. The lounge includes an all-gender bathroom and is sensory-friendly—ideal for students who may experience overstimulation or just need a moment of peace during a busy day. Whether you're here for a mindfulness workshop, seeking support, or just need a quiet space to breathe, Rutgers Hillel is here for you.
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Jewish Studies Offered Yes
- Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
- Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program
- Private/Public Public
- Acceptance Rate 58%
- U.S. Region Mid-Atlantic
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $14,933
- Tuition Out-of-State $35,758
- Out-of-State/Int’l 16% / 7%
- Greek Life Yes
Events
New Student Shabbat
Join Rutgers Hillel for our annual New Student Shabbat. No RSVPs needed. This communal meal is open to all incoming first-years, transfer students, graduate students, and anyone who has moved into New Brunswick early.
Welcome Back BBQ
You won't want to miss our annual Welcome Back BBQ. Check out Rutgers Hillel around town as we visit all five of our campuses. Come by to learn about our programming for the coming year,…
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].