Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

To achieve our mission and vision, our work focuses on core facets of Jewish life including Jewish learning, holiday and Shabbat celebration, arts and culture and building a meaningful, ongoing relationship with Israel. Hillel supports students’ spiritual growth and wellness, promotes leadership development and empowers students to make an impact on the broader community. Hillel builds relationships that promote understanding among diverse groups, advocates for Jewish students, and strives to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere on campus.

B’tzelem Elohim | In the Divine Image

We welcome every student as their whole self, honoring their unique Jewish journeys as we empower their growth as individuals and Jews.

Chavruta | Relationships

Authentic relationships grounded in respect and kindness are the foundation of Hillel’s work and the basis for facilitating growth, learning and community. Our primary relationship is with students, whom the organization is here to serve. We also value key relationships that advance our mission – with our professional colleagues, our university and organizational partners, and our supporters.

Kehillah | Community

Jewish life at its core is a collective experience, encompassing the multifaceted connections that bind us together as a Jewish people. We are committed to creating diverse, supportive, sustaining communities, in which students and professionals can celebrate, explore, learn, take risks and grow. Our commitment to pluralism is strengthened when these communities are given space for active expression in respectful encounter with one another. Our journeys are personal, distinctive, and unique, but they are not solitary. They do not begin and end with us.

Ahavat Am Yisrael/Ahavat HaBeriyot |

Love of the Jewish People/Love of All Humanity

Our work is informed both by our love of the Jewish people and a commitment to be engaged global citizens dedicated to amplifying the good and repairing the broken in the Jewish community and the world.

Torat Chayim | A Living Torah

Hillel is a learning organization. We ground our work in tradition and cultivate a vibrant Judaism attuned to the ever-changing experiences of students in college. The evolving nature of our work requires us to be self-reflective and to work with a spirit of agility and innovation.