What is Hillel?
Hillel is the Foundation for Jewish Life, which supports Jewish community and engagement on hundreds of college campuses around the world.
How many Jewish students are enrolled at UMBC? What is Jewish life like here at UMBC?
Jewish life is thriving at UMBC and UMBC Hillel serves as a resource that enriches the campus community and connects our students to the greater Baltimore Jewish community. We estimate that there are approximately 1,000 students who identify as Jewish that attend classes at UMBC. UMBC Hillel is in contact with more than 500 Jewish students on campus each year through a myriad of program offerings including weekly Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Jewish Learning Fellowships, and much more.
Follow us on Instagram (@umbchillel) for more info!
How connected is UMBC Hillel to the rest of the UMBC community?
Through progressive programming, co-sponsorship of events, and the active involvement of students in a variety of other clubs and organizations on campus, UMBC Hillel has grown within the university. The UMBC administration has always been very supportive of Hillel and its role on campus and has worked hard to provide a welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students, faculty, staff, and friends.
Where is UMBC Hillel located on campus?
Everywhere! UMBC Hillel works to engage students in meaningful one-on-one conversations, educational programming, and a wide variety of Jewish cultural experiences throughout campus.
If you are looking to find the UMBC Hillel professionals, you can often find them in their office located in the Interfaith Center (IFC). The IFC is conveniently located in the auxiliary trailers between the Susquehanna and Chesapeake residence halls. It is less than a five minute walk from The Commons, the AOK Library and True Grits Dining Hall.
Is there a Kosher meal plan offered at UMBC?
Yes! Fresh kosher sandwiches and wraps are available in The Commons and True Grit’s dining hall serves hot kosher meals for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday in the Kosher Corner under Star-K supervision.
For more information about kosher options at UMBC please visit the dining services website here: Kosher Dining at UMBC
What kind of Shabbat programming do you provide?
UMBC Hillel offers a Shabbat program every Friday night during the semester. All program information can be found on our Facebook page as well as through the myUMBC portal.
Please visit the UMBC Hillel Shabbat Page for more updated information.
Is there a daily Minyan (prayer group)?
Recently there has been an Orthodox-style minyan that has met for mincha (afternoon services) during most of the year. UMBC Hillel is happy to coordinate these services based on need. For more information about mincha minyan, email rabbijeremy@umbc.edu
Are there Judaic studies classes at UMBC?
There sure are! You can even minor in Judaic Studies. Click here for details.