Lessons from Shavuot: Finding a Path Through the Wilderness
After wandering through the vast, empty desert, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah.
Explore Cohen Hillel at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
With nearly 3,000 Jewish students and a top academic institution, Hillel is a home-away-from-home for many Jewish students from around the country. On a daily basis, dozens of students relax at Hillel between classes or at the end of their day; staff members are frequently seen around campus working with students to maximize their experiences on campus. Hillel holds about 500 programs each year including sports tournaments, social gatherings, educational opportunities and professional development sessions.Champaign-Urbana has an Eruv, a Mikvah and 3 kosher restaurants including Hillel's Cafe Sababa.
The Campus has several kosher dining options, a unique Jewish studies program that offers a Minor and a Major in its field.
This Hillel serves: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Parkland College; Eastern Illinois University
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,250 Jewish Students (9.0%*)
36,258 Students
*Percent of population
36,258 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
1,000 Jewish Students (4.5%*)
22,098 Students
*Percent of population
22,098 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience Through Hillel
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator Yes
- Hillel Mental Health/Wellness Staff Yes
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation Yes
- Alt Break Participation No
- Israel Fellow Yes
- JLIC Educator Yes
Campus Climate for Jewish Students
- Hillel CCI Antisemitism Training Participant Yes
- Open Title VI Investigation No
- Anti-Israel Student Government or BDS Resolution Passed
Kosher Dining
Kosher Dining is available at Allen Hall dormitory. Hillel offers kosher hot lunches for sale during weekdays and free meals on Shabbat (Dinner, Lunch, 3rd Meal). Kosher breakfasts are available for free following the daily morning Minyan. Kosher groceries (frozen meat,dry goods etc...) are available in the local markets or through Hillel's caterer. There are two additional Kosher restaurant in town.
Options: University meal plan-no extra cost;Hillel meal plan-extra cost;Hillel meal plan-no extra cost;Kosher food available nearby
Religious Services
Daily orthodox minyan service is offered on campus. We hold Kabalat Shabbat and Maariv services on Friday for Conservative, Reform and Orthodox. Shabbat morning services for Orthodox meet regularly and for Conservative and Reform meet from time to time in cooperation with the Champaign-Urbana's Sinai Temple. We hold Reform, Conservative and Orthodox High Holiday services.
Frequency: Daily
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Jewish Studies Offered Yes
- Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
- Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program, University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
- Private/Public Public
- Acceptance Rate 42%
- U.S. Region Midwest
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $12,992
- Tuition Out-of-State $33,344
- Out-of-State/Int’l 17% / 14%
- Greek Life Yes
Campus Voices
When I think back to the first few days of my college experience at the University of Illinois, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and fear.
Katie Comrov, Champaign, IL
Read Katie’s Story Here
Hillel is turning 100! In honor of this milestone and to mark the launch of the Hillel Alumni Network, we asked alumni from throughout Hillel’s rich history to share their memories with us. We’ve compiled their memories into a Hillel Scrapbook and are excited to share these excerpts with you:
Hillel International, Champaign, IL
Read the Story Here
Related News
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].