Welcome to Hillel Staten Island, your home for Jewish student life, leadership, and community engagement. At Hillel, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students at Staten Island through meaningful experiences that foster a strong sense of community, identity, and purpose. Our mission is to support Jewish students in their personal, spiritual, and academic journeys by offering opportunities for growth, involvement, and leadership. Whether you are a freshman just starting your college experience or a graduate looking to connect with other alumni, Hillel Staten Island offers a welcoming and vibrant community where you can engage with others, learn, and thrive.
Fostering Jewish Campus Life
At Hillel Staten Island, we understand the importance of creating a campus environment that respects and celebrates Jewish traditions while also embracing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of all students. Our programs are designed to integrate Jewish learning, spirituality, and social activities to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore and deepen their Jewish identity.
We provide a wide range of services and activities, including Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and community service projects, which bring students together and create a warm, supportive environment where Jewish students can feel at home. Our events are open to everyone, regardless of religious observance or background, and offer a great way to get to know others, make new friends, and celebrate Jewish culture.
Shaping Future Jewish Leaders
One of the core missions of Hillel Staten Island is to develop and nurture Jewish leaders who will go on to make a positive impact on their communities, both locally and globally. We offer leadership development opportunities for students to cultivate their leadership skills, engage with Jewish values, and take on active roles within the Hillel community.
Through programs such as the Leadership Development Initiative, Hillel Staten Island empowers students to take charge of their own Jewish journeys while also contributing to the growth of the organization and the community at large. Whether it’s planning events, leading discussions, or participating in social justice initiatives, our students are encouraged to become leaders in the Jewish community and beyond.
Our leadership programs are designed to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills, all while cultivating a strong sense of Jewish identity. By engaging with a variety of leadership roles, students learn how to advocate for themselves and others, and how to positively influence the communities they belong to.
Celebrating Jewish Holidays & Traditions
Jewish holidays and traditions are central to the mission of Hillel Staten Island, providing students with a chance to come together, reflect, and celebrate Jewish heritage. We host a variety of programs throughout the year to celebrate these important occasions, including High Holy Day services, Hanukkah parties, Passover Seders, and more.
Each event is designed to be inclusive and accessible, providing students with a space to connect with their spirituality and deepen their understanding of Jewish customs. From lighting the menorah together on Hanukkah to gathering for a community Seder on Passover, our holiday celebrations create lasting memories and foster a sense of unity among Jewish students.
Our Shabbat Dinners are one of the most popular and cherished traditions at Hillel. Every week, students gather to share a meal, recite blessings, and enjoy each other’s company. These dinners are not just an opportunity for religious observance, but also a chance to build connections, celebrate the joy of Shabbat, and experience the warmth of Jewish community.
Community Engagement & Tikkun Olam
At Hillel Staten Island, we believe in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. This principle encourages students to take action to make a positive difference in society, whether by volunteering, advocating for social justice, or supporting causes that align with Jewish values. Our community engagement programs provide students with the chance to give back to the local community and beyond.
We organize various service projects, including food drives, fundraising events, and partnerships with local organizations, to support those in need. Students also have the opportunity to participate in alternative break trips, which focus on community service and social justice issues while connecting participants to their Jewish heritage and values.
Through these initiatives, Hillel Staten Island aims to instill a sense of responsibility in students to contribute to the greater good. Our community service programs are designed to empower students to become active citizens who are committed to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
Building Connections Beyond the Campus
While Hillel Staten Island is dedicated to creating a meaningful experience for students on campus, we also understand the importance of maintaining connections after graduation. As students transition from college to professional life, it is important to stay connected to the Jewish community and continue to build upon the leadership and personal growth they have experienced at Hillel.
Our Alumni Network provides opportunities for former students to stay engaged with Hillel and each other, fostering a sense of belonging and community that extends beyond the university years. Through events, reunions, and networking opportunities, alumni can continue to contribute to the growth of the Hillel community and support current students in their journeys.
Additionally, Hillel Staten Island helps students develop connections to the broader Jewish community, including professional organizations, Jewish organizations, and other Hillel chapters across the country. These connections provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, jobs, and professional networking, while also reinforcing the idea of community and support that transcends geographical boundaries.
Join the Hillel Staten Island Community
If you’re looking for a place where you can connect with your Jewish roots, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded peers, Hillel Staten Island is the place for you. Whether you’re interested in attending a Shabbat dinner, participating in a leadership training program, or simply exploring your Jewish identity, our doors are always open.
We encourage you to get involved and be part of the vibrant and dynamic community that is Hillel Staten Island. Join us for our upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and programs, and discover how you can make a difference while celebrating your Jewish heritage.
Hillel Staten Island is here to support you every step of the way. We are more than just a campus organization—we are a community that cares about you and your growth, both as a student and as a member of the Jewish community. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Jewish future.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved. We look forward to welcoming you to Hillel Staten Island—your home away from home.