History of Hillel
Founded in 1947 University of Florida Hillel is the foundation for Jewish campus life for students from The University of Florida and Sante Fe Community College. Serving an estimated 8,000-10,000 Jewish students, UF Hillel provides a nurturing environment where students can both explore and participate in the vibrant world of Jewish campus life. The University of Florida Hillel was reaccredited by Hillel International in June 2005.
The University of Florida Hillel is conveniently situated directly across from the Football stadium (the Swamp) and the Basketball stadium (The O’Connell Center), directly across the street from campus on University Avenue. Our beautiful and spacious 23,000 square foot Norman H. Lipoff Hall, opened in October 2004 and provides free wireless internet, a Sports Bar, daily kosher food service, a beautiful library and plenty of study space. With an active physical presence came a renewal of Jewish campus life and an enhanced vibrancy that had not existed in recent memory. Earlier decades saw dozens of involved students, whereas now, literally hundreds of students pass through our doors regularly each week.
Our mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. In pursuit of this mission, Hillel is committed to:
- Creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Fostering student growth and a balance between being “distinctively” Jewish and “universally” human.
- Tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning.
- Israel and global Jewish life.
- Excellence, innovation, accountability and results
Based on the premise that college life involves much more than attending classes, UF Hillel provides the environment and tools that empower students to help shape their future as Jewish young adults. Our student-designed and student-led programs challenge them to learn and grow, choosing from an array of religious, cultural, political and social options based on individual interests.
By engaging and empowering students to help create their own center for Jewish life on campus, UF Hillel serves as a training ground for future Jewish leaders and committed members of the community. We provide leadership training workshops that assist students in developing and sharpening their leadership skills.
As you’ll see throughout our site, we approach our work very creatively! Our own leadership board Manoah (Hebrew for Engine) and the UF Jewish Student Union take ownership of our programs by identifying and implementing many of our events. Together with our excellent board of governors, board of directors, parents, alumni and the Greater Gainesville Jewish community, UF Hillel strives to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.