Our Basics
Programs and Involvement
Observant Students
Prospective Students
Our Basics
How many Jewish Students attend Stony Brook University?
While it is hard to know the exact number of Jewish students enrolled in a public university, we estimate there to be a total of 1,700 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students at Stony Brook.
Where is the Hillel located?
Stony Brook Hillel is located on the lower level of the Student Union building in Suite L11. Our hallway consists of the other members of the Interfaith Center and our Interfaith Chapel. Students, families, and community members are always welcome to visit our space!
Are there membership fees for Hillel?
NO! All students are welcome to attend our programs and events. Our programs are supported through the generosity of our donors so that we may provide opportunities for students all year long at no cost!
Does Hillel affiliate with any one particular denomination of Judaism?
Stony Brook Hillel is proud to be pluralistic, a home for all Jewish students on campus regardless of background or affiliation. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and we strive to make all of them feel welcome in our space, at our programs, and our services.
I am Jewish, but I am not religious, and I don't know much about Judaism. Can I still be part of Hillel?
Of course! We welcome everyone at Hillel, regardless of religious background. If you'd like to learn more about Judaism we have many opportunities for Jewish Learning. In addition, we also have many exciting social and cultural programs as well.
Who works at Hillel?
The Stony Brook Hillel staff is composed of passionate and dedicated individuals committed to making Stony Brook Hillel the place to be! We come from various backgrounds and work to make sure that our students feel welcome and connected to Jewish life, Israel advocacy, and each other.
Do students stay at Stony Brook over the weekends? What does Hillel offer?
We find that students involved in clubs, events and activities stay on campus during the weekends. On weekends when Hillel or the student organizations host Shabbat programming, more students will stay on campus to celebrate with us. There are also always things to do on campus hosted by other organizations and departments.
Does Hillel offer scholarships?
Over 600 Jewish scholarships for college students in the United States and Canada are available on Hillel International's Jewish Scholarships Portal! The portal connects students and parents to applications for scholarships ranging from $500 to more than $60,000 - and even fully paid tuition.
Programs and Involvement
How do I get involved?
There are tons of opportunities to get involved with Jewish life on campus! Students are welcome to join any of the student organizations, become a leader, attend any of our programs or simply hang out in our office. For the most up to date information on programs check out The Platform or follow our Instagram page .
Do you offer jobs or internships?
Stony Brook Hillel employs students in a variety of internships, fellowships, and jobs. By partnering with Hillel International, and Pro-Israel organizations, we are able to provide a variety of opportunities to our students looking to create and grow community through identity and Jewish faith/religion, dive into Israeli culture and politics, and innovate ideas for their peers to explore.
If Judaism and Israel are not the types of opportunities you are looking for, we also hire work-study students through the Career Center for year-long, semester-long, and short-term projects.
For more information about any of the opportunities listed above, please contact Hillel directly at hillel@stonybrook.edu
What types of programs are offered by Hillel?
Students of all backgrounds are welcome to join us for Shabbat meals, learning cohorts, social programs, and so much more! Our student organizations host a variety of speakers and celebratory events all year long!
Religious Life
Is there an eruv on campus?
There is an eruv that surrounds the entire Stony Brook campus including the hospital and a large portion of the surrounding community. It is checked weekly and maintained by the Stony Brook Hebrew Congregation under the supervision of the congregation's Rabbi. For a current map of the eruv, click here.
Is there a specific place for observant students to live on campus?
There is no campus housing that is designated for any particular group. All of the buildings on campus have electronic card entry. Any student who is Shabbat observant should request a building that also has "Sabbath key access". This will allow you to check out a manual key for use on one designated door on Shabbat and other holidays. The entire campus is within an eruv.
Observant students should avoid requesting to live in Nobel Halls because they have sensors for temperature and other controls that cannot be overridden so we advise students not to live in those buildings. If you have any questions please contact the Division of Campus Residences.
I keep kosher. Will I be able to eat on campus?
Yes! The Delancey Street Restaurant is glatt kosher under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens. The restaurant is located in the Emporium within East Side . If you’re interested in regular Kosher food accessibility, please fill out this form. If you have any issues with meal plan enrollment please contact the Meal Plan Office at (631)632-6517 for assistance.
Prospective Students
I am looking at colleges, and I want to visit Stony Brook Hillel to see what Jewish life is like on campus. Can I meet with someone from your staff?
Of course you can! Stony Brook Hillel staff and students would love to meet you in our office, set up a video call, chat on the phone, or welcome you to join in on our programs! All we need to know from you is your availability! We are also happy to help connect prospective students with current students who share similar interests, whether academically, socially, or religiously. Please let us know if you are interested in being connected to one of our amazing students! Email us at Hillel@stonybrook.edu or call at 631.632.6565 to set up a time!
Can I join a program before I commit to Stony Brook?
For most programs, absolutely! If you see something that Hillel or one of our student groups is hosting, and you’d like to attend, reach out to us for more information. For students interested in joining us for Shabbat, we are unable to arrange for you to stay with a student on campus as per campus policies but we have a hotel right on campus!