Programming and Community

General Programming

Beyond traditional religious experiences, Hillel at the University of Rochester is a place where students are encouraged to connect with each other as part of a vibrant Jewish social community. There are many opportunities for students to gather and hang-out, including at events like bagel brunches, apple picking, game nights, outings, and more. While some of Hillel’s programs are designed to bring together the whole Jewish community, many programs attract smaller groups of students with similar interests, igniting new friendships.

Students - check out the weekly e-blast for updates on upcoming events!

Coffee Chats

As much as we love gatherings, it's also great to meet with students 1:1 or in smaller groups. Staff and peer facilitated Coffee Chats give us an opportunity to get to know students better, to hear what they need and desire from their URochester Jewish community, and help make more personalized connections . Drink or snack of your choice on us!

Interested in a chat with a student leader or member of the Hillel staff team? Contact Michael Pollak to learn more!

Service Engagement

Tikun Olam, "repairing the world," is an important Jewish concept embraced by many of our students. Students and staff work together to design opportunities for us to give back to the community, locally and beyond. We offer about one service project a month, often involving an off-campus outing to contribute first-hand where our help is needed most.

Learning

Providing opportunities for students to learn about Jewish heritage and traditions is an important part of what we do. We strive to organically infuse opportunities for Jewish learning into ongoing Hillel life, and even our social media posts. Each semester we offer learning cohorts where a group of students commits to coming together over a few weeks to collaboratively explore Jewish texts and ideas in accessible and relevant ways. We also offer stand alone learning programs on select themes. We encourage students to join us!

Student Leadership

URochester Hillel is thankful for the great commitment and enthusiasm of our student leaders. These student leaders help plan programs, run weekly Shabbat services, cook Shabbat meals, participate in national Hillel fellowships, advocate for and educate about Jewish life on campus, help with marketing and outreach, and work to intentionally expand Hillel's reach so that we can warmly welcome as many Jewish students as possible.

There are many opportunities for students to get involved. We are always looking for new student leaders, and love partnering with students to craft the events they most desire. Interested in getting involved? Contact Michael Pollak to learn more.