Frequently Asked Questions

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• How many Jewish students go to the University of Arizona?

  
  

  There are approximately 3500 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students at UA, which is about 10% of the campus student population. The breakdown is estimated at 3000 Jewish undergrads and 500 Jewish grad students.

• How many members does the UA Hillel have?

  
  

  None! There is no such thing as “membership” at the UA Hillel.  Everyone is welcome to be a participant in any of the programs that we offer.

• How many students are involved with Hillel at the UA?

  
  

  This is a very difficult number to measure, since we have no “membership.” We have more than 2500 Jewish students on our listserv. There are several hundred students in the building on a weekly basis and about 1000 students participate in some UA Hillel activity over the course of a year. We have programs designed for small groups as well as programs that attract over 500 people. Our biggest regular program is Shabbat services and dinner with an average attendance of 100. The UA Hillel hosts Shabbat every two weeks or so, depending on the calendar. To find out when our next Shabbat service is, or how you can join us for dinner, please check out the event calendar.

• What does the UA Hillel offer besides programming?

  
  

  You name it! We are well-known and involved in many aspects of the campus. We work closely with the UA Center for Judaic Studies. Our staff works closely with faculty and administration on many projects, and we offer resources and support of all kinds for our students. Our professional staff is always available for students. The UA Hillel building is open to students who want to hang out, eat at the café, use our computers or study.  Our building also has high-speed wireless internet.

• How connected is Hillel to the University community?

  
  

  Hillel is integrated into the University community through its dynamic programs, co-sponsorship of events, and the involvement of active students in many other University groups. The University is very supportive of Hillel and its role on campus and works hard to provide a welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students, faculty, and families.

• Is Hillel only for Jewish students?

  
  

  No! Everyone is welcome at the UA Hillel.  Please feel free to bring your non-Jewish friends. We’re always glad to answer questions for anyone who is curious about Jewish life. Our non-judgmental environment allows all students to feel comfortable.

• What kind of student programs does the UA Hillel sponsor on campus?

  
  

  The UA Hillel is home to the FACE (Fellowship for Advancing Campus Engagement) Fellows, a small group of students dedicated to engaging as many Jewish students as possible in Jewish life. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests and take the initiative, as well as get involved with existing projects.

• Is there a rabbi on campus?

  
  

  While we do not have an on-campus rabbi, UA Hillel staff is in close contact with Reform, Conservative and Orthodox rabbis who are always willing to help out. If you need to speak with a rabbi, please contact the Hillel staff.

• Is there a Judaic Studies department at the University of Arizona?

  
  

  Yes. The Judaic studies department is called The University of Arizona Center for Judaic Studies.  They are located on the fourth floor of  the Louise Falkow Marshall Building on Park Avenue. The Director is  Professor Ed Wright.   

   

   

   

   

   

• Can I study Hebrew at the University of Arizona?

  
  

  Yes! The Hebrew Program at the University of Arizona is one of the largest in the country. They offer personalized instruction with three years of Modern Hebrew and two years of Biblical Hebrew. For more information, visit The University of Arizona Center for Judaic Studies. 

• Are there kosher meals at the UA Hillel?

  
  

  Yes. The UA Hillel provides kosher dinners after our Shabbat services. In addition, we serve or co-sponsor meals on certain holidays (Rosh Hashanah dinner, Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast, Passover Seder, kosher for Passover lunches and dinners) and often as part of other programs. The Oy Vey Café is located inside our building and provides kosher breakfasts and lunches five days a week.

• How does the UA Hillel do Shabbat?

  
  

  Shabbat services are held at the UA Hillel every other Friday evening (depending on the calendar) when school is in session. For a complete list of service times and dates, please check our events calendar.

   

  The joy of Shabbat is felt through singing, meeting new people and lighting the candles followed by services. There are three student-led services to choose from: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. A delicious kosher dinner follows services. Shabbat Shalom!

   

  Students who are interested in leading a service or organizing an additional service should contact the staff.

   

  Interested in attending Shabbat at UA Hillel? Follow the links on our events calendar to RSVP.

• Can I reserve a room at the UA Hillel?

  
  The UA Hillel can provide meeting and program spaces for our neighbors in the campus and Tucson communities when possible. We have a lounge, café and classroom on the main floor and a large open programming space on the lower level. If you would like to hold a meeting, program, or event at the UA Hillel, please contact our Operations Manager, Charae Stewart , with your request. Be sure to include date, time, duration, a brief description of the program and your contact information.

• How do you pay for all those amazing programs?

  
  

  The UA Hillel is its own non-profit corporation and is responsible for raising its own funds. Over 60% of our funds come from individual donors like you - parents, alumni, students and other community members who care about Jewish life on campus and believe that infusing young people with positive Jewish identities is something important. Visit our Donate Now  page to learn more about how you can help the UA Hillel.

  We receive generous support from the  Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona as well as receiving grants from  International Hillel.