Q: How many Jewish undergraduate students are there on campus? What is Jewish life like here at UD?
A: There are approximately 2000 Jewish students at UD, about 10% of the undergraduate population. Jewish students are an active, dynamic part of both Hillel and the campus community. Jewish student are involved in leadership roles in many of UD's student organizations. There exist many opportunities for a student to become active in Jewish life-from culture to Israel advocacy to social justice to religious life-and students are always encouraged to pursue their own innovations and ideas.
Q: Where is Hillel located?
A: The Abe and Pearl Kristol Center (Hillel) is located at 47 W Delaware Ave, across the street from the Trabant University Center parking garage.
Q: How connected is Hillel to the rest of the University community?
A: In the past 4 years Hillel has developed an excellent relationship with the University and its administration. From the offices of student life, admissions and many University professors to dynamic programming, co-sponsorship of events, and the involvement of active students in many other University areas, Hillel has grown within UD.
Q: What kind of student programs and groups does Hillel sponsor on campus?
A: There are a wide variety of student groups sponsored by the KC Hillel. Students are encouraged to pursue their ideas, take the initiative, as well as get involved with existing projects and groups. Visit the Student Groups page on this site for more information about each group.
Q: What's this I hear about a free 10 day trip to Israel?
A: It's true, UD Hillel participates in the Taglit-birthright israel: Hillel trip. Taglit-birthright israel is an innovative partnership between the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, Jewish communities around the world, North American Federations through the United Jewish Communities (UJC) and leading private philanthropists. The program provides a FREE 10 day trip to Israel for all eligible UD Students.
Q: Does UD Hillel offer and community service, or tzedek, opportunities?
A: Yes, our largest community service programs are our Alternative Winter and Spring breaks. These programs take students to the Gulf Coast to do Katrina Relief work or as far as Uruguay to build homes in impoverished sections of the country. Of course there are local community service opportunities as well.
Q: What kind of Shabbat programming do you provide?
A: There are two regular Friday night services in the Reform and Conservative traditions, all student led. Services are followed by a free dinner at Hillel which this semester have seen nearly 70 students each week. New to Hillel are frequent themed Shabbats - no reason to make Shabbat the same old baked chicken and prayers.
Q: Is there a Kosher Meal Plan on campus?
A: No. UD does not currently offer a Kosher dining plan. For those students who keep kosher, University dining services offers rethermalized meals at many of its dining halls.