Hillel Wellness Grants Send “Ripples of Resilience” Across College Campuses
Hillel’s work has always been about more than just welcoming students — it’s about nurturing communities of belonging that help Jewish students flourish. On campuses worldwide, Hillel empowers staff and students alike to lead with care rooted in Jewish wisdom.
That’s the spirit behind the “Ripples of Resilience,” a wellness grant initiative that supports Hillels in creating experiences that reflect the depth, care, and richness of Jewish life. These initiatives center student well-being and help students feel proud to show up in Jewish communities, especially in the face of rising antisemitism and broader campus stressors.
These Hillel experiences celebrate what’s possible when Jewish wisdom, modern well-being, and intentional design come together. From cozy communal spaces to Hillel-cooked comfort foods, the impact has been extraordinary. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Hillel International is proud to share that these efforts reached nearly 18,000 students across 65 campuses — and every single grantee (100%!) reported that their project helped students feel that Hillel is a place that supports their well-being.
Here’s a glimpse of how these “ripples” are transforming campus life.
Creating Space to Breathe
When things feel tough, having a safe space to relax and regroup can make all the difference for students looking to regain a sense of calm. At Virginia Tech, Hillel transformed a space in the Malcolm Rosenberg Center into a dedicated wellness lounge, stocked with sensory tools and calming activities. On the anniversary of October 7, three students arrived feeling overwhelmed and anxious. They stayed for hours — coloring, resting, and resetting. “I couldn’t have gotten through today without [this space],” one student shared.
Hillel leaders at the University at Albany Hillel created a tranquil oasis within the bustling student center. “Students were amazed by how the room had been completely transformed,” said Executive Director Rabbi Nomi Manon. “Even those with no prior connection to Hillel felt like the space was ‘for them’ and wanted to be a part of it. Time and again, we heard how much people appreciated the calm it offered in the midst of a chaotic day.”
Nourishing Connection through Jewish Comfort Food
Jewish food is more than delicious; it offers rituals of memory and meaning. On campus, it also serves as a powerful tool for care and connection. This year, Hillel at Baruch College hosted 78 students for a community “Pink Challah Bake,” in partnership with Sharsheret, that brought together students from diverse backgrounds and fostered a sense of connection and belonging.
“This was my first time making challah, and my mom loved it,” said one of the participants. “When I told her about its meaning, she said we could start making it together regularly. This may have been my first time, but it won’t be my last!”
On the West Coast, Jewish students at San Diego State University Hillel, found comfort in the form of matzo ball soup. As cold and flu season swept through campus, students cooked up large batches for their peers to order, whether as a remedy, a pick-me-up, or just a taste of home.
“Whenever I was home sick, my mom would make me matzo ball soup, and it was all I could think about when I came down from a cold here,” said one student. “Ordering it from Hillel brought me more than just warmth and nourishment; it gave me a taste of home and made me realize I had found a community here in San Diego.”
Expressing Jewish Identity with Creativity and Pride
Students aren’t just looking for safety, they’re seeking places where they can shape their Jewish identities with creativity and confidence. Across campuses, Hillel empowers students to explore and express their Judaism in ways that feel personal and full of pride.
At Hillel at UCLA, students made their own mezuzot, the small boxes containing parchment scrolls with verses of Torah, traditionally affixed to the right doorposts in Jewish spaces.
“One of our students had always kept a tiny, unassuming mezuzah on her dorm doorway — the smallest one she could find on Amazon,” said Hillel at UCLA Director of Philanthropic Partnerships Rachael Petru. “Now, her mezuzah is bright, colorful, and impossible to miss. Her non-Jewish roommate’s enthusiastic support for this symbol of Jewish identity made it even more meaningful.”
Across the border at Hillel Ontario, which supports Jewish programming at nine universities in the area, Sukkot offered a time for gathering and community, with 173 students (including 34 first-time participants!) coming together in the sukkah at the University of Toronto.
“Our Sukkat Shalom programming featured gourd painting, mindfulness journaling, and crafting besamim (spices) for havdalah using etrogs, cloves, and herbs,” said Jenn Ferman, senior campus director at the University of Toronto. “The sukkah became a vibrant hub for community building and outreach.”
These stories highlight that our Hillels cultivate more than moments — they create ripples: intentional acts that offer lasting care and support. Rooted in Jewish tradition, their impact is felt long after the programs are finished. As campuses continue to face complex realities, we’re proud to invest in students’ resilience.
Learn more about Hillel’s wellness and well-being work!