Every subway line leads to Hunter Hillel — where Jewish life thrives in the heart of New York City.
Our Mission
& Vision
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To give students experience in and exposure to a community of friends and mentors in a Jewish culture that explores life, locates meaning, and develops a sense of purpose.
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Our vision is a world in which Jewish college students find supportive community, self-confidence, happiness, and a meaningful Jewish connection as a rite of passage.
Hunter Hillel is for every Jew, of every color, from every country, of every sexual orientation, speaking every language, and studying every subject. At Hunter Hillel students forge significant friendships, meet dedicated mentors, have the opportunity to celebrate the Jewish calendar and engage in Jewish learning. Time spent at Hunter Hillel gives students experiences and exposure to a community of friends and mentors. The culture of this environment provides our students the room they need to explore life, find meaning, and develop a sense of purpose.
Our Values
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Building lifelong friendships is at the heart of Hunter Hillel. Through conversations, shared experiences, and exploring what it means to be Jewish today, our students grow together in a community of support and belonging.
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College is a time for asking big questions. Who do we want to be? What is our purpose? At Hunter Hillel, students connect with mentors who help guide them through this journey—offering wisdom, guidance, and encouragement.
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We celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our students come from different backgrounds, but they come together to learn from one another, share experiences, and build a stronger, inclusive Jewish community where everyone feels they belong.
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Jewish history connects us to the past while guiding us forward. Here, students explore timeless traditions, cultural practices, and meaningful texts that shape who they are and help them navigate today’s challenges with a deeper sense of purpose.
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Our tradition calls us to lead with love and make an impact. At Hunter Hillel, students participate in service projects, advocacy initiatives, and leadership roles—turning values into action to create positive change in the Jewish and global community.
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The Jewish calendar shapes our shared experiences, marking holidays, milestones, and moments of reflection. At Hunter Hillel, we honor these traditions through meaningful rituals and gatherings, helping students connect to Jewish life in a personal way.
Honoring Rita Levine Rabin’s Legacy
In memory of Rita Levine Rabin, a proud Hunter College alumna and Jewish community leader, her daughter Cindy Golub has provided a transformative endowment gift to ensures today’s students can thrive in a vibrant, supportive Jewish community, where they can learn, grow, and connect. Rita’s legacy lives on through the students whose lives are shaped by the opportunities this gift makes possible.
The Unique Heart of Hunter Hillel
At Hunter Hillel, no two students share the same journey—but they all find a home here. Our community reflects the rich diversity of the Jewish world, with students representing Sephardi, Mizrachi, Russian-speaking, and modern Orthodox backgrounds. Many are first-generation college attendees or immigrants, balancing school, work, and family responsibilities as they commute across New York City.
Hunter Hillel stands apart because we understand these challenges. Our flexible programming meets students where they are—whether it’s between classes or after work. Through leadership development, wellness programs, and spiritual exploration, we create a space where students thrive, form lifelong friendships, and build a strong Jewish identity.
Here, being part of the Hunter Hillel community means belonging to a network of support that helps students succeed academically, personally, and spiritually.