(ASU Hillel) Why Hillel…

More than 85 percent of all American college-age Jews attend an institution of higher education, and Arizona State University has an estimated 3,500 Jewish students. The university is gaining national recognition and attracting more top caliber local and out-of-state students.

As these students navigate college, filled with new jobs, new responsibilities, and new knowledge, Hillel is here for the ups and downs of each individual journey. Hillel inspires students to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life by facilitating opportunities where students can gain the confidence, knowledge and skills to take ownership over their own adult Jewish experiences.

With increased resources, we can and will do more: impact more students, create more initiatives, forge new connections.

As the university has gained in diversity of offerings, resources, and stature, so too should Hillel at ASU. Our Jewish future depends on it.

  • Hillel is a venue for acceptance and connectivity. 

We open our doors in an inclusive fashion to bring students together – many of whom are away from home for the first time- in a comfortable and nurturing environment. Open 9am-7pm or later each day, Hillel makes the largest university in the country manageable by offering regular social events and serving as a place for students to gather.

  • Hillel teaches Jewish living skills.

As students lead Shabbat services and dinner table ritual, Passover Seders, and education classes for their friends, they experiment with the way they will incorporate Jewish knowledge and ritual into their adult lives. Hillel is pluralistic. We don’t simply welcome students of all backgrounds; we ensure that our facility, staff and student leaders allow for in depth idea exchanges and for different Jewish practices to occur concurrently.

  • Hillel fosters students’ relationship with the Jewish homeland.

Birthright Israel trips and ongoing Israel education allow students to explore Israel and figure out what it means to them. Hillel works with many national organizations to bring in top speakers and creative ideas to our community.

  • Hillel connects students to internships and jobs throughout the Phoenix area. 

Networking events and Hillel’s online job board ensure that Hillel can be a resource to community members seeking employees and interns, and students obtain valuable professional experience right here in town.

  • Hillel builds the future leaders of our Jewish community.

Our Montefiore Leadership class, student executive board, internship program, networking and mentoring events and leadership retreats give students the tools and resources to lead their peers now and to become leaders right here in Phoenix upon graduation.

  • Hillel introduces students to Jewish life beyond ASU.  

Weekly lunches co-sponsored by different local organizations expose students to all the resources right here in the valley, and graduating seniors are introduced to organizations that can be their “next steps” in Jewish life.

  • Hillel hosts warm, welcoming and meaningful Shabbat and holiday celebrations.

On Friday nights, students gather for student-led Reform and Conservative Shabbat services, followed by FREE dinner. Hillel regularly hosts late-night Friday and Shabbat day programming, as well as Passover Seders, Hanukkah candle lightings, and Sukkot events in our sukkah on campus.

  • Hillel reaches out to Jewish teens BEFORE they go to college, offering programs in leadership development, Israel education, and education about Jewish life in college. 

Partnerships with BBYO, NFTY, Hebrew High, and Congregation Beth Israel’s Ma’ayan program give teens preparation they need to arrive on college campuses ready to get involved in Jewish and Israel organizations, wherever they end up.

  • Hillel advises university administration about Jewish holidays, kosher dining, Jewish culture and advocates for students and for Jewish interests at ASU.

University administrators seek support from Hillel when developing and implementing holiday excused absence policies, bringing kosher dining to campus, and ensuring that Jewish students feel safe when anti-Israel activity comes to campus.

This article was originally posted on ASU Hillel.

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