Explore Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis
The mission of Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis is to be a catalyst for Jewish life among college students in St. Louis. We connect students with one another and with Jewish culture and traditions through service and social justice, Israel, religious life, and social and leadership programs. Our vision is for every Jewish college student in St. Louis to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.
Hillel at Washington University 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. Our Hillel currently serves approximately 1,800 Jewish undergraduates who attend Washington University, and serves as a convener of the Jewish Student Associations and Hillel groups at Maryville University, Webster University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and other local colleges and universities. We are the only address for Jewish pluralism on campus.
Hillel at Washington University facilitates traditional and innovative programming around the High Holidays and Shabbat. We offer student-led services and meals in our beautifully renovated home on Forsyth and around the Washington University campus, as well as the popular Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah In-a-Box and Do Your Own Seder initiatives, which allow students to create their own enduring Shabbat and holiday traditions in their dorms, fraternity houses, and apartments with friends.
In 2014, Hillel at Washington University fostered 1,350 student experiences during the High Holidays, Passover Seders for 500 students, over 200 student programs, Shabbat lunches and dinners for hundreds, Israel programming through 3 campus Israel organizations and 2 Birthright Israel trips, and connections with 10,000+ students, faculty, staff and community members throughSukkah City STL, a national design competition and exhibit presented by Hillel and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts.
Our Birthright Israel trips are open to all undergraduate college students in St. Louis ages 18-22 and are coordinated by Israel Outdoors.
Hillel at Washington University is a beneficiary agency 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, please contact us!
Undergraduate Enrollment
7,713 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
8,939 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Rabbi/Jewish Educator on Campus Yes
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation No
- Alt Break Participation No
- 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
- Israel Fellow No
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
We offer weekly conservative and orthodox Shabbat evening and morning services, and reform evening services once a month. We also offer high holiday services.
Frequency: Friday and Saturday
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Private/Public Private
- Acceptance Rate 14%
- U.S. Region Plains
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $59,420
- Tuition Out-of-State $59,420
- Out-of-State/Int’l 89% / 7%
- 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].