Welcome Prospective Students!
Our
Hillel
Located in the heart of the Evanston campus, Northwestern Hillel is the foundation for Jewish life at Northwestern University, one of the most vibrant Jewish campus communities in North America. Northwestern Hillel offers a wide array of opportunities for Jewish students of all backgrounds and interests to connect with Jewish life and their own Jewish story and journey, ranging from social events to social justice initiatives, culture to religious services, immersion experiences, and so much more.
Planning your Visit
When visiting Northwestern, a great place to start is the Admissions Office where you can arrange a tour of campus and learn about student and academic life at Northwestern. We also invite you to stop by Hillel for a tour and to learn about Jewish life on campus, and we are always excited to help prospective students connect with current students!
Click here to let us know if you’re planning to visit Northwestern and would like to take a tour of the Hillel building and meet with students and staff. We look forward to welcoming you on campus!
Have you already been admitted?
Have you already been admitted to Northwestern? Are you ready to become a Wildcat? Click here to learn more about the first year experience on campus and with Hillel!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Jewish students are there on campus?
A: Approximately 15-20% of undergraduate students are Jewish. This translates to between 1,200-1,600 students.
Q: Where is Northwestern Hillel located?
A: Hillel is in the middle of the Evanston campus, at 629 Foster St. It is no more than a 10 minute walk from anywhere on campus.
Q: Can I arrange a tour with a Hillel staff member or a student?
A: Absolutely! To talk to a staff member, call Hillel at (847) 467-4455 or e-mail hillel@u.northwestern.edu. To arrange a tour with a student, email Michael Simon (hillel@u.northwestern.edu).
Q: Can I arrange a stay for a weekend or Shabbat with a host student?
A: We love nothing more than having students over for Shabbat. Email Michael Simon (hillel@u.northwestern.edu) to arrange a visit.
Q: How does Shabbat work at Hillel?
A: On Friday nights, there are Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox services, followed by a delicious dinner in the Hillel building. Following dinner, there will often be a guest professor to speak about various Jewish topics.
Q: How does kosher food work on campus?
A: Northwestern University provides kosher dining on the student meal plan at the centrally-located Allison Dining Hall. In addition, kosher sandwiches and other "grab-and-go" items are available for purchase at other campus locations. Northwestern Hillel provides free kosher meals for students on Shabbat and Jewish holidays throughout the academic year.
Q: Does Hillel run a Taglit-Birthright trip?
A: Yes. Birthright is an organization that provides free 10-day trips to Israel. NU Hillel runs a trip each summer that dozens of students take advantage of every year. To learn more, visit Israel Outdoors.
Q: What kinds of activities happen at Hillel?
A: Hillel is the most dynamic and versatile group on campus in terms of the activities that it runs. Hillel programs are social, religious, cultural, political, and intellectual in nature, and they occur literally every day throughout the school year. During the accepted student days in the spring, there are programs designed to welcome accepted students to Hillel. To learn more about Hillel activities, feel free to check out Hillel's student groups or the Hillel calendar.
Q: Can I study abroad in Israel?
A: Yes. Hillel administers study abroad programs at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Ben Gurion University in Beersheva. These programs may be used for credit if Northwestern approves them in advance. Students can study abroad for a quarter or a full year.