At Hillel at the University of Minnesota we are dedicated to helping Jewish students create a positive sense of Jewish identity on their own terms. In addition to this, we serve as a community resource for Jewish cultural and educational programming to students of all faith backgrounds.We also enjoy long walks on the beach and hamentashen, but not the poppyseed ones. To learn more about Hillel, please read on, or feel free to contact one of our staff members at 612.379.4026. We love to hear from you!

Hillel at the University of Minnesota

Since 1923, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life has contributed to the success of the Jewish community by creating welcoming campus environments in which Jewish students can pursue the dream of higher education. Hillel has had a presence here at the University of Minnesota since 1940. Today, Hillel at the University of Minnesota is a member of the largest Jewish campus organization in the world.

What is Hillel’s Vision?

Hillel seeks to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.

What is Hillel’s mission?

Hillel’s mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

What are Hillel’s values?

Hillel pursues its mission by: Creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment; Fostering student growth and the balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human; Pursuing tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning; Supporting Israel and global Jewish peoplehood; A commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability and results.

Why is Hillel important to the Jewish community?

It is estimated that 85 percent of college-age Jews – approximately 350,000 individuals – attend some form of institution of higher education every year. The Jewish community believes that the college years offer the last opportunity to provide Jewish content to young people before they disperse to the working world. Most of these students know little of their Jewish heritage. Hillel provides Jewish content at a time when young people are searching for meaning in their lives.

Adapted from materials published by Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life