How many Jewish students are there at Penn State?

When Hillel was established in 1935, there were only 400 Jewish students at Penn State. Today, there are approximately 6,000!

Back to Questions

What kind of student programs does Penn State Hillel offer?

Penn State Hillel runs a wide array of programs designed to meet the needs of diverse student interests. Our programs include social, cultural, educational, and religious activities, as well as weekly Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. We also engage students in programs dealing with social justice and community service. While we have a hard-working student board that plans many of our programs, all students are welcome and encouraged to pursue their ideas and take on a leadership role in Hillel. If you have an idea for a program, we can work together to make it happen.

Back to Questions

How do students get involved with Hillel? Are there membership fees?

Any student on campus is welcome to participate in Hillel sponsored events. There are no membership fees and students are encouraged to attend as many or as few programs and activities as they would like. Programs are supported by donations from parents, alumni, and the Jewish community. Students can also get involved by planning a program or activity.

Back to Questions

Is there kosher dining on campus?

Penn State is making great strides in providing kosher options on campus. Pollock commons offers a wide selection of kosher food products. Penn State has a new kosher for Passover program in Waring Dining Commons in West Halls throughout the entire holiday. In addition, all of Penn State Hillel's Shabbat meals are kosher and our prepared by our student cooking team in our very own kosher kitchen. Also, Penn State is working on developing a kosher cafe on campus.

Back to Questions

What is Shabbat like at Penn State?

Every week students come together at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center for student-led Reform and Conservative Shabbat services followed by a free kosher dinner prepared by our very own student “cooking team.” Students often come up with unique themes for services while still enjoying the traditional spirit of Shabbat. While some students come to both services and meals, others may attend only services, or just come to enjoy a home-cooked dinner with friends.

Back to Questions

What are holiday observances and celebrations like at Penn State?

Penn State Hillel runs a full program of services and meals for the High Holidays, Passover, and other festivals and holidays. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, services are held at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. During Passover, there is a Seder on the first and second night. Other holidays are celebrated with programs, services, and dinners depending on where they fall during the academic calendar.

Back to Questions

Can prospective students visit Penn State and stay overnight with a Jewish student?

Absolutely! The best way to know if Penn State is right for you is to visit our campus. Current students are always eager to show their love for Penn State and Hillel to prospective students. The University Office of Admissions at Penn State can arrange for prospective students to tour the campus, observe classes, and eat in the dining halls. Prospective students interested in Jewish life on campus should contact our staff.

Back to Questions

What social justice and community service opportunities does Hillel have?

Penn State Hillel is committed to pursuing “tzedek” (social justice) and “tikkun olam” (repairing the world). One recent program entitled “Talk to Me” was a campus-wide, week-long event inspiring conversation among students dealing with diversity on campus. Also, Hillel is consistently a top money-raiser for Penn State’s Dance MaraTHON, the largest student run philanthropy in the world. Hillel also offers Alternative Spring Breaks where students have the opportunity to do community service in different communities.

Back to Questions

How can I support Penn State Hillel?

Penn State Hillel relies on generous donors to support our on-going programming and special initiatives. We believe that one of the most important things we can do is invest in our students, as they are the future leaders of the Jewish community. Please click here to learn more about giving opportunities to Penn State Hillel.

Back to Questions

I received a letter/phone call asking me to make a gift. Where does Penn State Hillel get its funding, and how does my contribution make a difference?

Penn State Hillel raises 65% of its annual budget from individual gifts. Your contribution goes a long way towrd helping us meet our annual fundraising goals, which support our programming, engagement, and special initiatives.  We literally could not do what we do without your help!

Back to Questions

My student doesn't go to Penn State Hillel. Why should I make an annual gift?

Although your student might not actively seek out Penn State Hillel activities on campus, it is likely that we have still played a role in your child’s college experience. Many programs on and off-campus are sponsored or co-sponsored by Penn State Hillel. In addition, Penn Sate Hillel is responsible for many Jewish life initiatives around the University, for example providing kosher food options. As a major organization on campus, it is quite possible that your student has been affected by Penn State Hillel at some point without even knowing it. Finally, an investment in Penn State Hillel is an investment in a thriving, growing organization, as well as an investment in the Jewish community. 

Back to Questions

I and/or my son/daughter graduated. Why should I continue giving to Penn State Hillel?

It is important that Penn State Hillel continues to grow and expand in order to provide Jewish life on campus in the years to come. Whether you were active in Penn State Hillel or only came to one program, it is critical that Jewish life at Penn State continues to thrive. The generous support of our alumni, parents, and friends is critical to our success. Your contribution is what allows Penn State Hillel to continue to grow, develop student leaders, and create a Jewish community on campus that will in turn enhance the Jewish people and the world.

Back to Questions

How is Penn State Hillel connected to the University community?

Although Penn State Hillel is a nonprofit organization and is fully accredited by Hillel International, 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, and Penn State Hillel has a role in other campus initiatives. For example, Penn State Hillel has a fundraising team to support Penn State’s Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. In turn, Penn State is very supportive of Penn State Hillel and our mission to provide a welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Back to Questions

I never had anything to do with the Penn State Hillel when I was a student, so why should I support it now?

Although Penn State Hillel might not have been an important part of your college experience, it is becoming a destination for Jewish students on campus today. We are growing and expanding to accommodate the needs of the approximately 6,000 Jewish students that attend Penn State. Support for Penn State Hillel is an investment in the future of American Jewish life, one which will continue to pay great dividends for all of us.