UW Hillel Shabbat Sponsorships

Why sponsor Shabbat at Hillel?
The Hillel Shabbat Experience forms the cornerstone of what brings Jewish students together at the University of Wisconsin. Each week, Hillel sees as many as 150 students come together for services and dinner. We know from our experience that we can see as much as a 50% increase in student participation when we are able to offer Shabbat dinner free of charge. It is our goal this year to remove all barriers to students to join in this weekly celebration.  
Become a Shabbat Sponsor Now

A Hillel Shabbat is unique in the Jewish world today. Students lead each other in Kabbalat Shabbat services in three minyanim: Conservative, Reform and Traditional. They develop confidence in their leadership and learn from one another. Following these spirit-filled services, all the students come together for a kosher dinner prepared by Hillel's staff chef.

Students find that the Friday night meal at Hillel is a significant time to build campus community, make this sprawling campus more intimate, and find friendships that may last a lifetime.  Even students who don't come to campus looking to make Shabbat a regular event find that the camaraderie, meal and socializing of Hillel's Friday nights a great alternative to sitting in their dorm rooms on a Friday night!   Become a Shabbat Sponsor Now

In a given year it costs UW Hillel $21-25,000 to provide Shabbat Dinners each week.  To underwrite a Hillel Shabbat and make this experience attractive to even more students, we ask for a donation of $750.

Donor Recognition and Special Features of a Sponsored Shabbat
When you sponsor a Shabbat at Hillel, we will include your name in all promotion of the free Shabbat Dinner: on our website and weekly student email. We will announce the sponsorship to the students prior to dinner. You may choose to name the Shabbat in honor of or in memory of an individual. We also accept corporate sponsorships.
To become a Shabbat Sponsor now you can make an online gift today!

For more information on this or other sponsorship opportunities at UW Hillel call or email Executive Director Greg Steinberger or Development Director Micha Siegel at 608-256-8361.