Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to go directly to the answer.
How many Jewish students go to UCLA?
How many members does Hillel at UCLA have?
How many students are involved with Hillel at UCLA?
What does the Hillel at UCLA offer besides programming?
How connected is the Hillel to the University community?
Is Hillel only for Jewish students?
What kind of student programs and organizations does Hillel at UCLA sponsor on campus?
Is there a rabbi on campus?
Is there a Center for Jewish Studies at the Hillel at UCLA?
Can I study Hebrew at UCLA?
Are there kosher meals at the Hillel at UCLA?
How does Hillel at UCLA do Shabbat?
Can I reserve a room at Hillel at UCLA?
How do you pay for all those amazing programs?________________________________________________________________
How many Jewish students go to UCLA?
There are approximately 4000 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students at UCLA, which is about 10% of the campus student population. The breakdown is estimated at 3500 Jewish undergrads and 500 Jewish grad students.
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How many members does Hillel at UCLA Hillel?
None! There is no such thing as "membership" at the Hillel at UCLA. Everyone is welcome to be a participant in any of the programs that we offer.
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How many students are involved with Hillel at UCLA?
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 a few hundred students in the building on a weekly basis and about 1000 students participate in some Hillel at UCLA activity over the course of a semester. 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. Our Residential Hall SCUBA program attracts over 50 students weekly.
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What does the Hillel at UCLA offer besides programming?
You name it! We are well-known and involved in many aspects of the campus. We work closely with the UCLA Center for Jewish 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 Hillel at UCLA building is open to students who want to hang out, eat at the café, use our computers or study. Our building even has high-speed wireless internet.
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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. We are a member of the University Religious Conference.
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Is Hillel only for Jewish students?
No! Everyone is welcome at Hillel at UCLA. 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.
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What kind of student programs and organizations does the UA Hillel sponsor on campus?
Hillel at UCLA is home to more than 15 independent student organizations reflecting the gamut of Jewish life at Hillel at UCLA. Students are encouraged to pursue their ideas and take the initiative, as well as get involved with existing projects and groups. Visit the Student Life page for more information about each group.
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Is there a rabbi on campus?
Yes. Our Executive Director is Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller who is celebrating more than 25 years at Hillel at UCLA. His doors are always open to students. And Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, through our Jewish Learning Initiative, holds weekly group and individual study sessions and is also available to guide and mentor students in their Jewish journey. We are also pleased to welcome our Rabbinic Intern Scott Perlo, better known as "Reb" Scott - Straight to the Soul.
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Is there a Jewish Studies department at UCLA?
While UCLA does not have a Jewish Studies Department, we are pleased to have The Center for Jewish Studies sponsoring more than forty courses a year as well as 30-40 lectures, symposia, and conferences on far-reaching topics in the field of Jewish studies.
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Can I study Hebrew at UCLA?
Yes! A wide array of Hebrew classes are offered at UCLA including: Elementary Hebrew; Modern Hebrew, Poetry, and Prose; and History of Hebrew Language. For more information visit The Center for Jewish Studies.
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Are there kosher meals at Hillel at UCLA?
Yes. The Hillel at UCLA provides many opportunities for students to enjoy kosher food. 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. We provide kosher dinners weekly in the Residential Halls through our SCUBA program. And our full-service Coffee House & Tea Lounge is located inside our building and delicious bagels, pastries ,sandwiches, coffees, and teas five days a week.
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How does the Hillel at UCLA do Shabbat?
Shabbat services are held at Hillel at UCLA every Friday evening when school is in session.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: Liberal (Reform), Traditional (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 our Shabbat Chair, Melissa Hoffman.
Interested in attending Shabbat at Hillel at UCLA? RSVP by the day before.
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Can I reserve a room at Hillel at UCLA?
Hillel at UCLA is also open to suitable rental requests from the general public - particularly families, businesses and service organizations in the neighboring Westwood, West Los Angeles, Bel Air and Beverly Hills communities.
The Grade A, multi-use building has a dedicated staff and state-of-the-art amenities (such as Wi-Fi access, a full-service/kosher-certified kitchen and a large Coffee Bar & Lounge). We can comfortably accommodate functions of diverse size and style - such as a weekly book club for 12, dinner and dancing for 190 or a public lecture and cocktail reception for 350. Please check out our rental venues - and give us a call!
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How do you pay for all those amazing programs?
Hillel at UCLA is sponsored by the Los Angeles Hillel Council (LAHC), a charitable organization. We are also a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Over 75% 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 Hillel at UCLA.
We also receive grants and support from Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.
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