For 101 years, Hillel has been a cornerstone of the UW-Madison community. What began in 1924 with just 300 Jewish students has grown to a vibrant and thriving community of over 5,000 today. Hillel has played a key role in making Madison a welcoming and supportive place for Jewish students, and the presence of Hillel on campus is a major factor for many Jewish students in choosing UW. We’re proud to partner once again with the WFAA on Day of the Badger, where your generous donations will help ensure that Hillel continues to provide a home-away-from-home for Jewish students from all walks of life.
Hillel offers a diverse range of programs that cater to the academic, social, and spiritual needs of students, including:
- Holiday and cultural celebrations
- Career networking and mentorship
- Jewish identity and culture education
- Fun, friendship-building events
- Civic Engagement programs
- On-campus student jobs
- A welcoming space to study, relax, meet, and connect
- Daily Wellness programming at the Sinaiko Family Wellness Center, including yoga, meditation, mat Pilates, core strength, and Krav Maga designed to support students’ physical health, resilience, and overall well-being throughout the semester.
Each year, Hillel hosts more than 400 programs and engages over 4,000 students. The Barbara Hochberg Center for Jewish Student Life at 611 Langdon is a state-of-the-art facility that includes:
- Madison’s only kosher catering kitchen (where we host free Shabbat dinners for all students every Friday)
- A cozy café for students to study and relax
- Spacious meeting rooms for student groups and quiet areas for unwinding
- A rooftop basketball court, which is regularly enjoyed by students
- A dedicated, friendly staff that’s always available to support students
Hillel also partners with local fraternities and sororities to further their philanthropic missions and provide them with the space to organize and gather. Our building is open to the entire student body and serves as a lively, inclusive hub of activity all year long.
By supporting Hillel on Day of the Badger, you’re helping to secure its place as an essential part of the UW-Madison experience for Jewish students.