What they are doing part III

Hillel
hillel.org
The largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life provides opportunities for Jewish students at more than 500 colleges and universities to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity through its global network of regional centers, campus Foundations and Hillel student organizations. Hillel is working to provoke a renaissance of Jewish life.

They have some very sad statistics, however i feel their numbers are pretty close to the corresponding Catholic statistics characterized by the following: low student involvement, raising kids Jewish(Catholic) not important, many consider self culturally Jewish (Catholic), many are turned off by approach of Hillel (Newman Society, etc.) on campus, many think involvement is uncool or too religious.






Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Hillel student leaders, professionals and lay leaders are dedicated to creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish college students, where they are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. Hillel helps students find a balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human by encouraging them to pursue tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning, and to support Israel and global Jewish peoplehood. Hillel is committed to excellence, innovation, accountability and results.

“To enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish community and the world.”

life.”To make this vision a
reality we seek to “double the
number of Jewish students who are
involved in Jewish life and who have
Meaningful Jewish Experiences.”

To accomplish this, we will:
• emphasize the relevance of
Jewish life to today’s student for
exploring their Jewish identity,
advancing their personal and
professional development, and
enriching the world;
• recruit, develop and retain
outstanding campus
professionals and Jewish
educators;
• expand, diversify and decentralize
student leadership, and seed
student-led initiatives;
• prioritize and deepen
collaboration between national
and local Hillel boards and
professionals;
• position Hillel as the platform for
Jewish life on the campus
through partnerships and
alliances at both the local and
national level.

Hillel’s Strengths
• Brand and profile;
• Provision of valuable student
resources;
• Organization’s international
network;
• Organization’s pluralistic
approach;
• Dedication, creativity, and
enthusiasm of Hillel’s staff.

Hillel’sWeaknesses
• Low student involvement;
• Image as being “uncool,” “too
religious,” “exclusive,” “cliquey;”
• Inadequate funding, lack of
financial stability year-to-year,
limited human resources;
• Lack of multi-faceted approach to
campuses and appreciation of
campus differences;
• Employee burnout; lack of
professional opportunities.