Bringing Alex Edelman to Campus – A Dream Come True
We wanted Alex to shine. For Jewish students, we knew it would be powerful to see someone perform who felt familiar.
Explore Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis
WashU Hillel has enhanced the lives of thousands of college students throughout St. Louis and helped Washington University cultivate one of the most vibrant campus Jewish communities in the country. We are honored to play an important role in advancing the University's goal of knowing every student by name and by story, and are the only organization that fosters Jewish pluralism on campus.We have a beautiful home on Forsyth, but we are more than just our building and the programs that take place there. WashU Hillel seeks to support and empower Jewish students along their own unique paths, wherever they are and in whatever ways are most meaningful to them.
Through social justice programs, immersive trips, Shabbat and holiday meals, Israel engagement, Jewish learning, social events, religious services, our popular DIY opportunities (helping students gather among friends for a Shabbat or holiday meal on their own), and so much more, we are committed to helping students make lasting friendships, find community, and develop their own enduring Jewish traditions.
As a result of rising antisemitism and the ongoing mental health epidemic, we've learned to support students through all kinds of challenges.
Our Hillel currently serves approximately 1,750 Jewish undergraduates attending Washington University. Students from other universities throughout the St. Louis region enjoy our programming as well. During the 2026-2027 academic year, WashU Hillel engaged almost 1,600 students, including 900 Jewish undergraduates.
We've also taken hundreds of students to Israel and our trips are open to all undergraduates in or from the St. Louis area and their friends ages 18-22. Please continue to refer to our website for updated immersive experiences throughout the year.
WashU Hillel is a community partner of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is affiliated with Hillel International, connecting our organization to a vast network of Jewish college students throughout the world.
To learn more about our Hillel or for information on how you can get involved, visit our website or find WashU Hillel on Instagram (@washuhillel) or Facebook (fb.me/washuhillel).
This Hillel serves: Washington University in St. Louis; Fontbonne College
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,750 Jewish Students (22.3%*)
7,857 Students
*Percent of population
7,857 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
300 Jewish Students (3.7%*)
8,137 Students
*Percent of population
8,137 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 No
- 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 No
- Open Title VI Investigation No
- Anti-Israel Student Government or BDS Resolution Passed
Kosher Dining
Kosher hot food available in undergraduate dining hall for lunch and dinner daily, and kosher prepackaged meals are available all throughout campus. Additionally, Hillel offers many holiday meals.
Options: University meal plan-no extra cost;Kosher food available nearby
Religious Services
Daily morning minyan with mincha/maariv around campus; a weekly egalitarian Conservative Shabbat evening service at Hillel or on campus and bi-weekly Shabbat morning service; weekly Orthodox Shabbat morning service; Reform Shabbat evening service once per month. We also offer High Holiday services.
Frequency: Daily
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Jewish Studies Offered Yes
- Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major, Other
- Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program, University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
- Private/Public Private
- Acceptance Rate 12%
- U.S. Region Plains
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $68,240
- Tuition Out-of-State $68,240
- Out-of-State/Int’l 84% / 9%
- Greek Life Yes
Related News
Reflections from Hillel’s New Professionals Institute 2023
Hillel’s New Professionals Institute is held every year at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) for all new staff members in the Hillel movement. It is an opportunity for new professionals to connect with their peers from all over the world and to learn about the skills and values that make Hillel the largest and most inclusive Jewish campus organization in the world.
Events
Orientation Shabbat Dinner
Celebrate Shabbat with family, new friends, and WashU Chancellor Andrew Martin. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. CT and is free for first years and $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are encouraged: Please sign up…
Orientation Shabbat Services
Join us for Friday night services to usher in Shabbat at WashU. Please RSVP by Friday, August 7, with your option for Reform or Conservative services, available subject to interest.
Orientation Shabbat Minyan and Lunch
First-years and their families are invited to join Hillel for traditional services, kiddush, and lunch. Kiddush and lunch are free for first-years and $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are encouraged: Please sign up by…
Open House
Take a break from move-in or stop by during your afternoon walk to learn about Jewish life on campus. Meet other new students, families, and Hillel staff, and see our beautiful Hillel home from 3…
Seudah Shlishit
Come together to close out Shabbat at the OU-JLIC home at 7:15 p.m. CT with food, singing, and overall good vibes. Please RSVP by Sunday, August 9.
Sweet Treat O’Clock
Stop by Hillel any time 1 - 4 p.m. CT for a sweet treat, some coffee or tea, a chance to get to know Hillel staff and student leaders, or just to take a break!…
Bear Mitzvah: A Mixer for WashJews
Celebrate like it's your B-Mitzvah. Come to Risa Commons from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. CT for a DJ, photobooth, and desserts. You won't want to miss it. Text "mitzvah" to (314) 334-4080 to speed up…
First-Year Shabbat Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends at Hillel at 7 p.m. CT. A walking group will be meeting at the S40 Clocktower at 6:45 p.m. CT. Text "first year" to (314)…
Shabbat Morning Minyan and Lunch
Join us for a student-led morning minyan at 9:30 a.m. CT, followed by kiddush and lunch at 12 p.m. CT.
Seudah Shlishit
Come together to close out Shabbat at the OU-JLIC home at 7 p.m. CT. There will be food, singing, sharing of Torah, and plenty of good vibes.
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].