Our Story
The UW Hillel Foundation provides a home for more than 4,000 Jewish students attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hillel is a pluralistic organization supporting all of the Jewish movements as authentic expressions of Jewish Life.
Hillel engages students, cultivates a Jewish community, develops leaders, complements the classroom, and embodies Jewish values.
Hillel is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 that partners with the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Continue scrolling to get to know UW Hillel better.
To learn more about the UW Hillel Jewish Experience, watch the video below.
Our Impact
Last school year we...
-
Shared nearly 3,000 shabbat dinners
-
Talked over nearly 680 cups of coffee
-
Helped over 160 students travel to Israel
-
Studied Jewish texts with over 150 students
-
Provided over 10 students with resources to attend conferences
-
Hosted 30 internships
-
Welcomed 1,100 visitors a week
-
Provided High Holidays for over 250 people
-
Served 650 Passover meals
Our Structure
UW Hillel reflects over ninety years of committed service to Jewish life at the UW as represented by the varied interests and experiences of the Jewish students, the faculty and staff of the University of Wisconsin and the ideals that make the university, the city of Madison, and State of Wisconsin an important and great place. While we are part of the larger international Hillel system, we are independent, have always been, and will continue to be so. We hold our mission, our independence, and our self-governance to be sacrosanct.
We recognize our unique role with our many Jewish communal partners, including but not limited to, the Jewish Federation of Madison, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Hillel International.
UW Hillel sets its own policies based on our values, our community, and its traditions. In doing so, we take the history, culture and teachings of our community to heart. As we do, we also affirm our role and commitment to Jewish life and Judaism, in its totality, and to the idea of life in the Academy of higher learning as guideposts for our work.
Our commitment to our mission and independent governance holds true as we take to heart the inclusive message of our namesake and the deep commitments to intellectual discourse at the university, perhaps most recognized by the Wisconsin Tradition of “Sifting and Winnowing” and the Jewish concept sheilot v tshuvot or “questions and answers.”
Our commitment to Jewish student life is deep and strong. Our concern for students and the development of their identity, intellect, and spirit are held at the highest regard.
Our Programs
Our programs, classes, immersive experiences, and other initiatives are the building blocks of every UW Hillel experience.
From Shabbat celebrations and weekly Challah baking to deep conversations, text study, and classes we offer, Hillel works to bring program ideas from diverse Jewish backgrounds to life.
So whether your Hillel experience is Matzah Ball soup, Jewish Learning Fellowships, or working to build connections and make our community a better place UW Hillel has something for everyone! You’re invited to join us to discuss life's big questions, share a cup of coffee or tea, and join us to shape an exciting chapter in your Jewish story.