Explore Hillel at the University of Rochester
Jewish student life here at the University of Rochester is vibrant, pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive. Hillel helps to foster student growth, Jewish learning, and relationships. We serve approximately 500 ish undergraduate Jewish students as well as a large number of Jewish graduate students, faculty and staff. Our programs reflect the great diversity of our students' lives. We offer weekly Shabbat services and home-cooked kosher meals, holiday services and celebrations, social and cultural programming, learning cohorts, social justice initiatives, special trips and events, Israel-related programming and travel (including Birthright), and more. Our campus and Hillel cultures encourage students to authentically explore and connect with Jewish traditions - and each other - in meaningful and relevant ways. We are here to guide and support them through their journeys in becoming active members of the Jewish and adult communities, and in their own personal practices.Undergraduate Enrollment
6,570 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
5,430 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience
There are many ways to experience Jewish life at UR. We have students who we see multiple times each week, and students we see primarily on holidays. We have students who connect with Hillel in a multitude of ways, and those who best connect through one type of engagement - perhaps Shabbat, a learning cohort, or Israel-related programming. We welcome all kinds of Jews, all kinds of Jewish, and all ways to connect and engage with our shared culture, heritage, and traditions.
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Rabbi/Jewish Educator on Campus Yes
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation Yes
- Alt Break Participation No
- 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
- Israel Fellow No
Kosher Dining
Kosher dining meat station is part of the meal plan. Open Sunday-Friday breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab and go options available for Shabbat and when you're on the go. Kosher dinner served by Hillel on Shabbat and holidays. Some kosher options in the local community.
Options: University meal plan-extra cost;University meal plan-no extra cost;Kosher food available nearby
Religious Services
Student/Staff lead Shabbat services every Friday night accompanied by delicious home-cooked meals made in the Hillel Kosher Kitchen. Saturday morning services are offered about once a month, and are student led. We also offer havdalah services a few times each semester - depending on student interests - and a full line-up of services for the High Holidays.
Frequency: Contact this hillel
Wellness, Inclusion, and Activism
We place a high value on being an intentionally inclusive space. Our siddur has full Hebrew, transliteration, translation, and commentary - to be inclusive of all levels of Hebrew literacy. We are hyper inclusive around food, providing a variety of specialized options for students with varying dietary needs and preferences. We structure our Orientation and overall engagement initiatives around meeting students where they are, and supporting them on their own unique and authentic personal Jewish journeys. We offer spaces for students to relax and decompress, and love programs with the resident therapy dog!
Additional Campus Information
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- Private/Public Private
- Acceptance Rate 30%
- U.S. Region Northeast
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $63,150
- Tuition Out-of-State $63,150
- Out-of-State/Int’l 65% / 24%
- Greek Life Yes
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].