From Basic Needs to Belonging: How Hillel Has Walked with Us Through Maslow’s Hierarchy

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how hillel is aligning with maslow's hierarchy of needs
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by: morgan pollov

Three years ago, I was a nervous freshman walking into Hillel for the first time. I didn’t have a strong sense of my Jewish identity, or really any clear understanding of myself. In middle and high school, I spent a lot of time ignoring the fact that I was Jewish, focusing instead on trying to be the person I thought everyone else wanted me to be. Even then, something always felt off, like a part of me was missing, though I could never quite figure out what it was. It wasn’t until my very first Hillel Shabbat that I started to find the answer.

Looking back now, my journey at Hillel mirrors the stages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which describes how people move through different levels of motivation, from basic needs to a full sense of self.

1. Physiological Needs
My very first semester of college was filled with the typical challenges most students face: homesickness, actual sickness, and trying to make friends in a completely new environment. During that time, Hillel quickly became a place I could count on for something as simple as a warm meal. Whether it was grabbing a bagel or sitting down for Shabbat dinner, having a space where I could eat and relax brought me more comfort than I expected. That basic sense of nourishment and routine was exactly what I needed in those early days.

2. Safety Needs
Beyond the food, Hillel became a safe and consistent presence in my life. It gave me a reason to leave my dorm room when I was overwhelmed and offered a warm, welcoming environment where I didn’t feel pressure to be anyone other than myself. The staff at Hillel became trusted mentors and role models who supported me through moments of uncertainty. When everything around me felt unfamiliar and chaotic, Hillel provided a sense of security and calm that helped me settle in.

3. Love and Belonging
What had been missing for so long in my life started to take shape once I found the Hillel community. I spent years ignoring my Jewish identity, trying hard to fit in with who I thought I was supposed to be. That left me feeling disconnected and unsure of who I really was. At Hillel, I met people who not only accepted me but helped me see the value of being exactly who I am. I formed close friendships and felt, for the first time in a long time, like I truly belonged. That sense of community filled a gap I didn’t even fully understand was there.

4. Esteem Needs
As I became more involved, I started to grow into a version of myself I had never known. I helped plan events, took on new responsibilities, and eventually started working as a development intern. For the first time, I saw myself as a leader. I began to gain confidence - not just in what I could do, but in who I was becoming. Hillel gave me opportunities to be seen, heard, and valued. It helped me build the kind of self-respect and pride I had been searching for.

5. Self-Actualization
Looking back now, I can clearly see that Hillel helped me become the person I always hoped to be. I have a much deeper understanding of my Jewish identity and how it shapes the way I move through the world. I’ve learned what it means to show up as myself, to lead with purpose, and to find meaning in community. Hillel at ASU’s motto, “Find yourself here,” couldn’t be more true. What started as a hesitant visit to Shabbat dinner turned into a journey of growth, belonging, and discovery. I didn’t just find a place to spend my Friday nights, I found a place to become myself.

It doesn't end here with my story - check out the pyramid below to hear others!
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