about hillel
Our Mission
The mission of Brown/RISD Hillel is to provide an open, warm, and
pluralistic environment in which students can shape their college
experience by connecting socially, culturally, and spiritually to
their Judaism.
Hillel aims to foster students' personal development and creativity by facilitating work in the arts, cultural events, spiritual practices, and educational opportunities. Through self-reflection and expression, students at Hillel can find connection and identity with their Jewishness, taking part in the colorful, unfolding narrative of the Jewish people.
Hillel also serves as a nexus for Brown and RISD students' relationship with the larger Jewish community. As a religious home, a community gathering place, and a bridge between Providence and the State of Israel, Hillel connects Jewish students to each other, as well as Jews and Jewish stories from around the world.
Ultimately, the goal of Brown/RISD Hillel is to prepare students for their entry into the wider world with a strong, deeply rooted Jewish identity. Through social justice work, interfaith dialogue, and civic engagement, Hillel promotes the core values of hesed, tzedakah, and tikkun olam, strengthening the bonds of lovingkindness and social responsibility as the foundation for a fully Jewish life.
About Us
Hillel, the center for Jewish life on campus, is one of the largest, most exciting, and versatile organizations at Brown. Hillel is an integral part of campus social, cultural, educational, political and religious life.
The Jewish community at Brown prides itself on being pluralist and fluid; its different communities and interest groups overlap and enrich each other. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, both ideologically and in their Jewish experience. Some students had little connection with Jewish life before entering Brown; others made it a central part of their lives.
Hillel is not just a religious organization. It also acts as a place for social events, community service events, lectures, discussions, and a place to hang out with your friends on campus. We are constantly encouraging new people to become involved at every level of Hillel programming on campus.