Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to go directly to the answer.
How many Jewish students are in Milwaukee?
There are approximately 700 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students in Milwaukee.
How many members does Hillel have?
None! There is no such thing as "membership" at Hillel. Everyone is welcome to participate in any of our programs.
How many students are involved with Hillel?
This is a very difficult number to measure, since we have no "membership." At least 60 students who currently attend on a monthly basis and about 200 students participate in some Hillel activity over the course of the year. We have programs designed for small groups as well as programs that attract over 50 people.
What does Hillel offer besides programming?
You name it! Hillel's building is open to all students who want to hang out, watch TV, play pool or wii, or study. Stop by any time to meet old friends, make new ones, and grab a snack!
Is Hillel only for Jewish students?
No! Everyone is welcome at Hillel. Please feel free to bring your non-Jewish friends. We're always glad to answer questions for anyone who is curious about Jewish life. Our friendly environment allows all students to feel comfortable.
Is there a rabbi on campus?
Hillel does not have a rabbi on campus, but we have excellent working relationships with many rabbis in town. If you would like to get into contact with a local rabbi (any denomination), please contact us.
What colleges and universities does Hillel serve?
Hillel Milwaukee is a "citywide" Hillel. This means that we are open to students from every campus in Milwaukee, Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch, Carroll University, Concordia University, Marquette, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Is Hillel kosher?
Yes. All food served at Hillel is kosher. Food is either prepared in Hillel's kosher kitchen, or brought in from the Kosher Meat Klub, Cafe Osher, Jewel Osco, etc. Everything brought into Hillel is certified kosher. Hillel also provides kosher food for Shabbat, and holidays throughout the year. After Yom Kippur, Hillel holds a Break-the-Fast. During Passover, Hillel also provides Kosher for Passover lunches available to students and the community.
How does Hillel celebrate Shabbat?
Twice a month, the Hillel community gathers at the Hillel building at sundown for a Shabbat dinner. The joy of Shabbat is felt through singing, meeting new people, lighting the candles, quick announcements, and a D'var Torah (a piece of cool Jewish learning). A delicious kosher dinner is served. Often Shabbat dinners will be themed! Interested in attending Shabbat at Hillel? To RSVP and pay for an upcoming Shabbat dinner online, please click here. (Please RSVP no later than one day before dinner). Check out what's for dinner or see more information about Shabbat at Hillel!
How do you pay for all of those amazing programs?
Hillel is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Much of our funding comes from grants and donations from loyal supporters like you! Visit our Donate Now page to learn more about how you can help support Hillel.
What Jewish Studies programs are available in Milwaukee area colleges?
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee supports the UWM Center for Jewish Studies that was created in the spring of 2003. The center is an interdisciplinary curriculum with courses from a range of academic departments including English, Germanic Languages, History, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Slavic Languages and Literatures. As of spring 2007, the CJS offers an undergraduate major. The CJS also sponsors public lectures on campus throughout the academic year.
The Interim Director of the Center for Jewish Studies is Stacey J. Oliker.
Can I study Hebrew at UWM?
Yes! UWM currently offers 4 semesters of modern Hebrew. UWM also offers Biblical Hebrew. The first semester of each level is offered only during the Fall; the second semester of each level is offered only in the Spring. For more information, contact the Hebrew Studies Department.
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