Hillel Student Board at Berkeley
By Religion·Community Service/Nonprofit·Health/Wellness·Education·Environmental/Sustainability·Political Advocacy Groups
Berkeley Hillel is the heart of Jewish life at UC Berkeley, serving over 3,000 Jewish students. Day-to-day, members can attend a weekly glatt-kosher BBQ on Wednesdays, Shabbat dinner every Friday, holiday celebrations, and small-cohort learning fellowships covering topics from Zionism to climate change. Students can also join the Student Board, lead social action through programs like Challah for Hunger, or participate in a free Birthright trip to Israel. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or level of observance.
3,000
Jewish graduate and undergraduate students served (more than 3,000)
10
Max free one-on-one wellness therapy sessions per student
$150
Max event funding available per event
100
Years active (nearly 100 years and counting)
40%
Reduction in overall meat purchased since 2019
50%
Increase in plant-based meal options since 2019
Events They Host
Weekly Kosher BBQ
Every Wednesday during the regular semester, 6:00-7:00 p.m. All food is glatt-kosher and cooked by student kitchen interns. Open to the Hillel community.
Weekly Shabbat Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Every Friday. Candle lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. followed by Kiddush, motzi, and a home-cooked Shabbat dinner at 7:15 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah Services and Festive Meals
Traditional and Reform services offered across Erev Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, and Day 2, with festive Yom Tov dinners and kiddush lunches.
Yom Kippur Services and Break-Fast
Traditional and Reform morning services, afternoon and Neilah services, and a community break-fast.
Sukkot Celebration
Hillel builds a sukkah on its deck for eating, singing, and learning throughout the week of Sukkot.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Latke Nights
Nightly candle lighting in the Hillel lobby with singing. Latkes served throughout the holiday.
Purim Megillah Reading and Celebration
Student volunteers read from the megillah; community comes in costume for a festive night. Includes the four mitzvot of Purim.
Passover Seders
Five annual seders each offering a different experience: traditional, social justice-oriented, Hebrew-language, and others. Hot kosher-for-Pesach meals served throughout the week.
Tu Bishvat Seder
Mystical seder with new fruits and spiritual reflections for the New Year of the Trees.
Challah for Hunger Weekly Bake
Every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Students braid and bake challah with thematic flavors; challah sold to benefit food pantries and shelters fighting hunger.
Torah on Tap for Grads
Three evenings of Jewish learning over drinks at Free House (2700 Bancroft Way), 7:30-9 p.m. The first ten to arrive get a free drink.
GBO Affinity Space Block (Cal Welcome Week)
Hillel partners with Cal for the Golden Bear Orientation affinity block; current student leaders share their experiences and answer questions from incoming students.
Mezuzah Making and Kosher Dinner (Welcome Week)
New students make mezuzot, learn about the Jewish tradition, and share a kosher dinner together.
Bagels and Jewish Life Showcase (Welcome Week)
Open to all new students; weekly programs and partnership organizations are showcased.
Hummusiya
Every Monday, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Students make homemade hummus together, then eat and engage with rotating content on Israeli culture.
Bagels on the Glade
Every Monday from 11:30-1. Students gather on the glade to take a quick break between classes to enjoy a Biochik bagel!
Member Experiences
Freshmen Retreat
Overnight retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains for incoming first-year students.
Birthright Israel Trip
Free 10-day trip to Israel with approximately 40 other Berkeley students. Covers Jerusalem, the Negev, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and more. Contact Israel Fellow Elena at evitanov@berkeleyhillel.org for information.
Yosemite Camping Trip (Welcome Week)
Overnight camping in Yosemite Valley, August 23-24. Includes the Mist Trail hike, swimming at the Merced River, campfire dinner, s'mores, and stargazing.
San Francisco Bay Cruise (Welcome Week)
Evening cruise on the San Francisco Bay, meeting at Hillel at 4:30 p.m. and returning by 7:15 p.m.
Bob Ross Paint Night and Ice Cream Social (Welcome Week)
Paint-along event combined with build-your-own ice cream sundaes for incoming freshmen.
Weekly Dov Den Tuesday Beverages
Every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Dov Den lounge. A casual, recurring community hangout.
Student Board Weekly Meeting
Closed weekly meeting for Hillel Student Board members. Questions can be directed to Jess at jnevins@berkeleyhillel.org.
Dov Alumni Club Gatherings
Periodic gatherings throughout the year for Berkeley Hillel alumni to meet, reunite, and celebrate.
Shabbat Afternoon Hangout and Games
Held twice a month on Saturday afternoons. Specific dates posted on the events calendar.