97D9F9B1-DA27-59F2-E5671DC20EB2FA69
980C8FCF-BC9F-9B59-EB7650256C937616
We are excited that you are considering Hamilton College. Hamilton Hillel is home to a small, diverse and family-like Jewish community. If you are interested in meeting with a member of Hillel during your campus visit, or want to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about campus life and Hillel, email us at hillel@hamilton.edu. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 180-200 of the 1850 students are Jewish, most coming from Reform Judaism tradition, but we also have Conservative, Reconstructionist and quite a few who self-identify as culturally but not religiously Jewish. Around 30 students usually attend Shabbat Services and Dinner on Friday nights, and many more people for holiday celebrations and social events.

Every Friday we share a kosher style Shabbat dinner cooked by students. All dining options also have a vegetarian/vegan menu. During the Passover holiday, we have a large community kosher Seder for two nights. Kosher for Passover meals are available during the entire week of Passover.

Every Friday, Hillel holds Shabbat at the Azel Backus house or in Dwight Lounge for special occasions. We have student-led services every Friday night at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Hillel members usually cook Shabbat dinner, but on special occasions we order out from local restaurants, including a Middle Eastern Restaurant. All Shabbat food is kosher style.

We hold services on campus throughout both of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur led by a visiting Rabbi.

Hillel holds a variety of cultural events throughout the month. These events include bringing in speakers, tie-dye, movie nights, challah baking, Purim parties, Hamantaschen baking, Sukkah decorating, Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties, Chanukah parties with latke cooking, Israeli Independence party and many others.

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Make a Gift

Site Search

Menu