Have a question about Hillel at Syracuse University?  Here are some common answers, with links to help guide you to more information.

Q. How do I become a member of Hillel?
Q. What is Hillel’s mission?
Q. What type of programming does Hillel offer?
Q. What is the Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel Trip?
Q. What is Hillel's Alternative Break?
Q. What does Hillel do for Shabbat?
Q. What is FreshFest, and how can a perspective student become involved?
Q. What happens during Jewish holidays at SU?
Q. How many Jewish students are there at SU?
Q. What kosher dining options are available at SU?
Q. What Jewish studies options are available at SU?
Q. Can I learn Hebrew at SU?
Q. I’m a parent of a Jewish SU student, how can I learn more about what is going on?

Q. How do I become a member of Hillel?
A. Hillel is proud to provide Jewish programming and a variety of resources to Syracuse University students and the Syracuse community for absolutely free.  No membership is ever required.

Hillel is able to provide quality programming without membership obligations, fees, or dues thanks to the generous donations provided by parents, alumni, friends, and other supporters. Visit our Giving to Hillel page to learn how you can support Hillel.

Q. What is Hillel’s mission?
A. The mission for Hillel at Syracuse University is to create a diverse, dynamic, and welcoming Jewish community on the Syracuse University Campus.

Hillel strives to empower students by energizing and deepening their commitment to being Jewish. We also seek to engage students by developing multiple opportunities, or entry points, into Jewish life for unaffiliated Jewish students. To be successful, Hillel must create an environment of exciting programs that compel students to join the worldwide Jewish family.

You can read the complete Hillel mission, and learn more about the Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life's Global Mission at Hillel’s Mission Statement page.

Q. What type of programming does Hillel offer?
A. Hillel at Syracuse University offers a variety of programming. Hillel proudly promotes free Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel Trips, takes students on Alternative Spring Break trips to do social justice projects, brings a variety of speakers to campus, celebrates Shabbat and other holiday services, and much more. Check out our up-to-date Events Calendar page for a list of programs that are coming up. You can also visit our Get Involved page to learn more about our active groups and clubs.

Q. What is the Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel Trip?
A. If you are between the ages of 18-26, and identify as Jewish (or have one Jewish parent), and have never been on an organized trip to Israel, you are eligible for a free ten-day trip. Visit our Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel Trip page for more information.

Q. What is Hillel's Alternative Break?
A. Hillel's Alternative Break is an immersive experience in which a student travels to the Gulf Coast with a group of students from their campus community to participate in tzedek or social justice work. The trip is seven days long and includes five days of physical volunteer work, nightly programming, interactive discussions, and Shabbat observance. Beyond the daily physical work of painting, dry walling and installing flooring, students explore the larger issues that have contributed to the current status of the region. Visit Hillel's Alternative Break page for more information.

Q. What does Hillel do for Shabbat?
A. Hillel at Syracuse University offers both conservative and reform Shabbat services every Friday evening. Shabbat programming begins at 6:00 pm. All Shabbat services are at the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life and are led by student volunteers. A kosher Shabbat meal follows services at approximately 7:15pm.  Learn more on our Shabbat at Hillel page.

Q.  What is FreshFest, and how can a perspective student become involved?
A.  FreshFest is Hillel at Syracuse University's pre-orientation program.  The largest pre-orientation program on the Syracuse campus, FreshFest is a comprehensive way to get incoming students comfortable with their new surroundings.

Incoming students can get a general introduction to Hillel programming and the Syracuse University campus by attending FreshFest, a pre-orientation program organized by upper-class students.  Visit our FreshFest page to learn more about the program.

Q.  What happens during Jewish holidays at SU?
A.  Hillel at Syracuse University offers a variety of services for holidays. During the High Holy Days we offer holiday meals as well as conservative and reform services. We also have a Hanukkah party, a Purim Bash, two Passover Seders, and more. Visit our Services and Holidays page to learn more about our holiday programming.

Q. How many Jewish students are there at SU?
A. There are approximately 2,500 undergraduate Jewish undergraduate students and 500 graduate Jewish students on the Syracuse University campus. In some years Jewish students have represented as much as 20 percent of the total Syracuse University student population.

Q.  What kosher dining options are available at SU?
A.  Shaw Dining Hall has a kosher kitchen which offers kosher food at EVERY MEAL. The kitchen is operated by the Syracuse University Food Services staff.  Kosher Shabbat meals are offered at the Winnick Hillel Center every Friday evening following services. Hillel also offers kosher meals on special holidays and kosher for Passover meals on all eight days of Passover.  Check out our Campus Life page for more information.

Q. What Jewish studies options are available at SU?
A. Syracuse University offers a minor in Judaic studies. The focus of instruction is on the Hebrew Bible, Hebrew and Yiddish fiction, European and American literature, ethnic literary traditions, the arts, and modern Judaic thought and culture.  For more information, visit the Judaic Studies Department webpage

There are four Hebrew classes offered at Syracuse.  For more advanced Hebrew students, there are independent study options available.  For more information you can visit the Hebrew Language page on the Syracuse University website.

Q. I’m a parent of a Jewish SU student, how can I learn more about what is going on?
A. Continue to visit and explore our website, www.suhillel.org. We will make sure that programming information is up-to-date and available for you to read and learn about.  You can always contact our staff and ask questions. Visit our Contact Us page to get the contact information for each of the Hillel staff.