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WELCOME PARENTS!
It's almost as hard being the parent of a college student, as it is to be the student.
For 18 years you raised your child, imparting values, worrying about school and late nights. Now, your child is away, and you worry about your child's friends and choices.
UD Hillel creates a Jewish community on campus to support your child. The majority of Jewish students attend our programs during their years at Delaware. But whether or not he comes to services, whether or not she takes the free trip to Israel, whether or not he comes to our educational programs, we are here. We advocate for Jewish students on campus and we create a community among Jewish students who become lifelong friends.
We want to officially welcome you, your family, and your student to the UD Hillel community! Congratulations on having a new Blue Hen in your family.
You and your student are now part of one of the most vibrant and dynamic Hillels in the country. Our staff of 10 is here to support your child and the more than 2,250 Jewish undergraduate students at UD and provide them with meaningful Jewish experiences throughout their four years here. At UD Hillel, we aim to enrich the lives of our Jewish students by creating a pluralistic and welcoming environment where students can grow personally, professionally and Jewish-ly.
We know it be can be either nerve-wracking or exhilarating to send your student off to college. We are here to support your student in any way we can. Our matzah ball soup hotline delivers home-made soup free of charge to more than 250 sick students each year. And we love getting to know students over a cup of coffee. Each month our staff treats more than 100 students to coffee so we can help them connect to opportunities and programs that align with their interests and passions. We also know it's hard when your student can't come home for the holidays so we offer opportunities for students to celebrate the Jewish holidays with their peers on campus.
All of the above is only possible with the generous support of Parents' Pride, our network of dedicated UD parents who want to ensure a transformative Jewish experience for their child and all of our Jewish students on campus.You can find out more information about how your gift makes a difference and how you can join today by clicking here.
We hope you'll peruse our website, like us on Facebook and stop by for a visit when you're in town. If you haven't already, help us stay connected by sharing your contact information with us at bit.ly/udhillel. You can also call Donna Schwartz, Executive Director, with any questions, comments or concerns at (302) 453-0479.
Welcome to UD Hillel!
Donna Schwartz, Executive Director
FAQ
HOW MANY JEWISH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE THERE ON CAMPUS? WHAT IS JEWISH LIFE LIKE HERE AT UD?
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.
WHERE IS HILLEL LOCATED?
The Abe and Pearl Kristol Center (Hillel) is located at 47 W Delaware Ave, across the street from the Trabant University Center parking garage.
HOW CONNECTED IS HILLEL TO THE REST OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY?
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.
WHAT KIND OF STUDENT PROGRAMS AND GROUPS DOES HILLEL SPONSOR ON CAMPUS?
There are a wide variety of student groups sponsored by UD 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.
WHAT'S THIS I HEAR ABOUT A FREE 10 DAY TRIP TO ISRAEL?
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, private philanthropists through the Birthright Israel Foundation and Jewish communities around the world (North American Jewish Federations, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel).” Check out our Taglit-Birthright Israel page!
DOES UD HILLEL OFFER ANY COMMUNITY SERVICE OR TZEDEK OPPORTUNITIES?
Yes, our largest community service programs are our Alternative Break trips. These programs take students across the country and internationally to practice tikkun olam.
WHAT KIND OF SHABBAT PROGRAMMING DO YOU PROVIDE?
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.
IS THERE A KOSHER MEAL PLAN ON CAMPUS?
We have kosher dining on campus! Check out our Kosher Dining page for more information.