Spring 2021 Frequently Asked Questions
ASU Hillel's work is informed by the following values:
Health and Safety
Everything we do is in service of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of our community. We care about each individual’s health and safety, and create opportunities for connection that elevate wellness. Click here to see COVID-19 response.
Adaptation
Jewish life at ASU will only grow through our ability to understand and integrate new relationships and new initiatives. We seek to grow with the world around us, from changing student needs to changing world events.
Pluralism
ASU Hillel celebrates and encourages students’ respect of and learning from each other’s differences including religious, racial, political, ability, and socio-economic diversity. We work hard to meet the needs of each of our students so that they have access to the most meaningful Jewish experiences for them. This includes access to Jewish learning opportunities from many different perspectives, different ways to engage with Israel, and opportunities to celebrate and learn about the diversity of Jewish ethnicities and cultures.
We are ready to spring into 2021!
We look forward to kicking off the rest of the year with new and returning Jewish students, whether you are returning to campus or plan to learn online for now. ASU Hillel staff and student leaders are working together to create amazing programs to take place remotely and/or in-person. While this semester will still look a little different, we remain committed to creating vibrant, meaningful, and fun Jewish experiences for all! Stay Current: Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date on the Hillel happenings. We also provide ongoing updates on our Facebook page and Instagram handle. |
What’s not changing this spring?
ASU Hillel’s commitment to serving the Jewish community at ASU is unchanged. While policy, procedures, and programming may look different, our core values and many of our initiatives remain the same.
What precautions will be in place to ensure our health and safety?
All Hillel engagements will follow CDC and ASU protocol. We ask that you wear a face covering, keep 6 feet distance from others, and please, do not come if you are feeling ill. We appreciate your understanding as we all work together to keep our community healthy and safe. Please email us if you are sick so that we can see how we can help!
Will ASU Hillel offer in person and virtual programming?
Yes, we will have a variety of options for meeting other students and getting involved with Jewish life at ASU.
I’m a new student (or a returning student who hasn’t yet connected with the Jewish community), and I’m concerned about feeling isolated on campus with social distancing in place. How do I connect to Hillel programming and other communal opportunities? How do I know what’s right for me?
Our professionals and student leaders will help you find your people and your place. If you’re not sure where to start, connect (virtually or in-person) with a professional or student leader by emailing Kira Singer, and we’ll help you navigate Jewish life on campus. Our welcome series of opportunities is just for first years and new students, and will also help you feel connected.
Can Hillel help direct me to campus support services?
Yes. ASU Hillel is committed to being responsive to student wellness needs and to ensuring that students have trusted adults to support them. Students can reach out to any Hillel professional with concerns and will be connected with the appropriate campus (or off-campus) resource(s). A great place to start is emailing Rabbi Suzy. You can also email deanofstudents@asu.edu directly if you are sick or need additional support throughout the semester.
I am not going to be on or near campus. What will be available to me?
Much of what we offer this semester will be virtual, even for students who are on campus, so all students, regardless of where you are, will be welcome to participate. We hope to share information about virtual programs and cohort-based fellowships soon.
What if I or someone I know tests positive for COVID-19?
If you are sick or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, let us know so we can see how we can help. Please do not come to the Hillel building or programs. COVID-19 testing is available for all students through ASU – click here to find out more. If you become sick after you have interacted with others through a Hillel event, please let us know. While we will protect your privacy, we will also aim to work with you to notify others who may have been exposed.
How many Jewish students are at ASU?
Today, we estimate that there are 3,500 Jewish Students on ASU's 4 campuses!
Where is Hillel located? Will it be open in the spring?
Hillel is located at 1012 S. Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281. We are right across the street from the ASU Art Museum and our cross streets are 10th and Mill.
As of early January 2021, our plan is to keep our building closed to students. We can build relationships anywhere! We will be in touch via text and social media, and we will have events outside when we can safely social distance, as well online. We will evaluate this plan regularly and look forward to being able to safely open our building again soon.
As of early January 2021, our plan is to keep our building closed to students. We can build relationships anywhere! We will be in touch via text and social media, and we will have events outside when we can safely social distance, as well online. We will evaluate this plan regularly and look forward to being able to safely open our building again soon.
How do students get involved with Hillel? Are there membership fees?
There are no membership fees here - any student on campus is welcome to participate in Hillel events and opportunities! Hillel has multiple events each week and when the building is open, students are always welcome to just come by and hang out too! Students can also get involved by planning a program or activity. Almost every event at Hillel is FREE for all students. We offer a range of programs throughout the year, focused on religious observance, holiday celebrations, educational fellowships, lectures, and social programs.Support from generous parents, alumni, and the Jewish community make it all possible!
What's this I hear about a free 10 day trip to Israel?
It's true! Hillel offers Birthright Israel trips every winter and summer break. While we are unsure if we will be able to offer a trip this upcoming summer 2021, we know you won't regret traveling to Israel with us just as soon as it's safe!
Birthright Israel is an innovative partnership between the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, Jewish communities around the world, North American Federations through the United Jewish Communities (UJC) and leading private philanthropists. The program provides a FREE 10 day trip to Israel for all eligible ASU students. Feel free to contact us for any questions you may have, and/or learn more about this FREE trip to Israel.
Birthright Israel is an innovative partnership between the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, Jewish communities around the world, North American Federations through the United Jewish Communities (UJC) and leading private philanthropists. The program provides a FREE 10 day trip to Israel for all eligible ASU students. Feel free to contact us for any questions you may have, and/or learn more about this FREE trip to Israel.
Is there kosher dining on campus?
Check out Chick-In, the new kosher meat restaurant right by Hayden Mall. The Kosher Bistro at Hassyampa dining hall has meat and vegetarian options for kosher dining. The Pod convenient store in the Memorial Union sells kosher items and there are many vegan and vegetarian options in each of the dining halls and residences. Also, in Hillel you'll find a kosher kitchen that serves various meals throughout the semester.
What is Shabbat like at Hillel?
Shabbat may look a little different this year, we have an awesome spring rotation in store. Be on the lookout for our Shabbat schedule listed on our calendar.
And, here is our usual answer - what you can expect from us in the future: Come by Hillel any Friday for a great time! At 6:30 we begin with Shabbat services and FREE Shabbat dinner is served at 7:30. Come for services, dinner, or both! We provide a choice between two student-run services every Friday night in order to meet student preferences. Our Reform service takes place upstairs and our Conservative service takes place downstairs. Both of our services provide a great atmosphere, with spirited singing and lots of student participation. Afterwards, a free kosher dinner prepared by our very own Chef Mark is served upstairs.
And, here is our usual answer - what you can expect from us in the future: Come by Hillel any Friday for a great time! At 6:30 we begin with Shabbat services and FREE Shabbat dinner is served at 7:30. Come for services, dinner, or both! We provide a choice between two student-run services every Friday night in order to meet student preferences. Our Reform service takes place upstairs and our Conservative service takes place downstairs. Both of our services provide a great atmosphere, with spirited singing and lots of student participation. Afterwards, a free kosher dinner prepared by our very own Chef Mark is served upstairs.
What are holiday observances and celebrations like at Hillel?
While holidays are going to look a little different this year, we have some exciting safe in-person and virtual options for all.
Here is our usual answer outside of coronavirus times: Hillel runs a full program of services and meals for the High Holidays, Hanukkah, Passover, and other holidays. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, services are held at the Memorial Union. During Passover, there is a Seder on the first night. Other holidays are celebrated with programs, services, and dinners depending on where they fall during the academic calendar. Check out our calendar for a look at some of our upcoming events!
Here is our usual answer outside of coronavirus times: Hillel runs a full program of services and meals for the High Holidays, Hanukkah, Passover, and other holidays. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, services are held at the Memorial Union. During Passover, there is a Seder on the first night. Other holidays are celebrated with programs, services, and dinners depending on where they fall during the academic calendar. Check out our calendar for a look at some of our upcoming events!
Can prospective students visit Hillel and stay overnight with a Jewish student?
If you know you'll be touring campus, call to let us know you'll be stopping by! We'd love to meet you and invite you to any programs that may be happening around the time of your visit. If you need a place to stay, let us know - we don't have a formal hosting program but are always willing to do our best to help you!
Get directions to our building.
Get directions to our building.
How can I support Hillel at ASU?
Hillel relies on generous donors to support our on-going programming and special initiatives. We believe that one of the most important things the Jewish community can do is to invest in the future of our students, as they are the future Jewish community. You can make a donation today online or by calling us at (480) 967-7563. If you're a parent, check out Parents' Club!
My student doesn't go to Hillel. Why should I make an annual donation?
Your ongoing support ensures that Hillel is here for each and every student, whenever s/he is ready to get more involved with Jewish life on campus. Although your student might not actively seek out Hillel on campus, it is likely that Hillel has still played a role in his or her college education. Many programs on and off-campus are sponsored or co-sponsored by Hillel. Hillel has also played a role in many changes around the University, for example, providing kosher food options and ensuring that students can have an excused absence for attending religious services during class time.
I graduated and/or my son or daughter graduated. Why should I continue giving to Hillel?
It is important that Hillel continues to grow and expand in order to provide a Jewish environment for students in the years to come. Whether you were active in Hillel or only came to one program, it is critical that Jewish life at Arizona State continues to thrive. The generous support of our alumni and past parents is critical to our success. Your contribution is what allows Hillel to continue to grow, develop student leaders, and create a Jewish community on campus that will in turn enrich the Jewish people and the world.
I never had anything to do with ASU Hillel when I was a student 10/20/30/40 years ago, so why should I support it now?
Although Hillel might not have been an important part of your college education, it is becoming a destination for Jewish students on campus today. We are growing and expanding to accommodate the needs of the approximate 3,500 students that attend Arizona State. Support for Hillel is an investment in the future of American Jewish life, and one which we know will pay great dividends for all of us.
Calendar
Sorry the Calendar feed is currently unavailable. View full calendar directly.
hillelasu.org_dqfi8vmcp3b5si3bl97p9kef68@group.calendar.google.com
5