Latest Posts

Recent Incidents Impacting Jewish Students

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on October 13th, 2024

Sunday, October 13, 2024 In conjunction with the first anniversary of the horrific October 7 attack, and through Yom Kippur, our campus experienced several aggressive anti-Israel demonstrations by students and community members, and a number of our Jewish students at Penn State experienced hateful, antisemitic incidents.  Criticism of the actions or policies of any country… read more

Message from Penn State Leadership

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on October 5th, 2023

October 3, 2023 Learning of the antisemitic harassment targeting Penn State Trustee Evan Myers and others in the borough over the weekend troubles us deeply, as we know it does you. We are equally concerned for our Jewish students and neighbors, who also are impacted by the presence of this irrational hate so close to… read more

Greek Shabbat – March 25th

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on March 21st, 2022

Join Hillel Greek Team for Shabbat Friday at the ZBT house! 321 Fraternity Row, State College, PA 16801 Dinner will be catered by Penn Kebab

IRA Charitable Distributions

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on December 14th, 2021

Have you used your IRA distribution for a charitable gift? You can give from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as Penn State Hillel and save the income taxes on the money. Making a gift from your IRA can be both simple and beneficial! The maximum amount per person is $105,000 for a… read more

Nazun Board Application

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on December 4th, 2020

Please apply below by November 27, 2022!

Sababa Box

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on November 11th, 2020

Wellness Shabbaton: November 13-14, 2020

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on November 2nd, 2020

Hillel is committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and encourage all to practice self-care methods. Hillel will be holding a Wellness Weekend Shabbaton filled with ways to help students destress. In these uncertain times, we must remember the Jewish values of B’rit (Health) and R’fuah (Healing). Register below! Schedule: Friday, November 13… read more

Israel Learning Fellowship (ILF)

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on October 6th, 2020

Kol Yisrael Spring 2022 While Israel, also known as the start up nation, is a modern, liberal, and diverse country that manages to survive and flourish with very difficult circumstances, the country also struggles with internal divisions, inequality, and a bloody relationship with its environment. In the Israel Learning Fellowship (ILF), we will work with Kol… read more

Everything Bagel Challah

Written by: Jenna Tsvayg on September 10th, 2020

Everything Bagel Challah combines two iconic Jewish foods- bagels and challah. Recipe and photos submitted by Leah Bodinger, Penn State Challah for Hunger’s secretary. She recommends pairing this challah flavor with cream cheese!                                   Ingredients (for one large loaf):… read more

Making a Difference From Across the Pond

Written by: Stefanie Tapper on August 12th, 2020

Press Release July 2020 MAKING A DIFFERENCE FROM ACROSS THE POND A few months ago, my mouth was practically watering thinking about the endless falafel and hummus I would be eating all summer long, as I planned my two-month trip to Tel Aviv. I was eager to return to the place that has grown to… read more

Cinnamon Roll Challah

Written by: Jenna Tsvayg on July 9th, 2020

Penn State Challah for Hunger’s recipe for Cinnamon Roll Challah This is an original PSU Challah for Hunger recipe, provided by Leah Bodinger, the PSU Challah for Hunger secretary Swirl mixture and dough- before spreading and after After being coated with swirl mixture, the dough is rolled and braided   Ingredients (for one large loaf):… read more

Student Stories

Written by: Rachel Jacobson on April 21st, 2020

Student Spotlight   Adam ’20 has been very involved in our alternative spring break trip to Roatan, Honduras over the past few years. This year he was one of our two student leaders for the trip. He took on a remarkable role organizing to take 12 students to Honduras over spring break, empowering other students… read more

Alternative Spring Break 2018 – Roatan, Honduras

Written by: Hannah Giterman on March 5th, 2018

Once again, dedicated students and staff have embarked on a journey to the town of La Colonia in Roatan, Honduras. This is the 3rd year that Penn State students will spend in Roatan. Why Roatan, Honduras? Eleven years ago, Scott Fried, motivational speaker, HIV/AIDS educator, activist, and author, traveled to the island of Honduras on a… read more

Official Statement on Menorah Incident

Written by: Hannah Giterman on November 10th, 2017

State College, PA – November 10, 2017 – We are deeply saddened to learn about the theft of the Penn State Chabad menorah that took place on October 27. The menorah was stolen from the Chabad house and transferred to the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity house resulting in significant damage. This crime was believed to… read more

Israel American Council | National Conference

Written by: Hannah Giterman on November 2nd, 2017

This weekend is the Israel American Council National Conference in Washington DC. We’re sending 4 students there to experience influential thought leaders, industry experts, senior political figures, diplomatic figures, community leaders, prominent journalists and more. This inspiring gathering will explore Israeli-American and Jewish identity, bring together the Israeli-American and Jewish communities for deep dive discussions, and… read more

Never Forget by Jamie Butler

Written by: Hannah Giterman on May 3rd, 2017

Jamie, senior hospitality management major, has been an active part of Jewish life on campus, as former student President and trusty Hillel chef, Jamie’s passion for and commitment to Jewish life is undeniable. When Jamie arrived on campus, she had her own mission – to bring Holocaust education and awareness to Penn State and State… read more

Tips and Tricks To Get You Through Finals:

Written by: Hannah Giterman on May 1st, 2017

1. Channel your inner Beyonce:  Exams have NOTHING on us.  2. Prepare a boatload of snacks Food is fuel. Food that is fuel is probably supposed to be healthier than what’s pictured above but lets be real…. its finals week and the only thing getting us through is that extra bag(s) of Doritos.  3. Craft… read more

Alternative Spring Break 2017 – Roatan, Honduras

Written by: Hannah Giterman on March 7th, 2017

14 students and 2 staff embarked on a journey to the town of La Colonia in Roatan, Honduras. This is the second year that Penn State students will spend in Roatan. Why Roatan, Honduras? Ten years ago, Scott Fried, motivational speaker, HIV/AIDS educator, activist, and author, traveled to the island of Honduras on a holiday cruise…. read more