Who Are We?
We are the foundation for Jewish campus life at Penn State. With approximately 6,000 Jewish students at the University, we recognize that Jewish students have a wide array of interests. Our calendar includes social, cultural, religious and educational activities, taking advantage of all that the Penn State campus has to offer-- residence halls, theatre, athletics, classrooms, museums, etc.
We are students, staff, and lay leaders dedicated to providing a welcoming, pluralistic, and inclusive atmosphere on campus. Pluralism is always at the core of what we do, and we recognize that there is not just one way to “be Jewish.” Students come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to explore their Judaism in a way that is meaningful to them.
We are encouraging students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially. We help students find a balance in being “distinctively Jewish” and “universally human” by encouraging them to pursue tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world), Jewish learning, and to support Israel and global Jewish peoplehood.
We are an integral part of the larger Penn State Community. Our dynamic programs reach many students, not just from the Jewish community. In fact, we often co-sponsor events with other campus groups. Our students are frequently active in other campus organizations. In turn, Penn State is very supportive of Hillel and our mission to provide a welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.
