Hillel seeks to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Hillel is committed to

• Creating a pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive environment

• Fostering student growth and the balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human

• Advancing social justice, Jewish learning, and spirituality

• Embracing Israel and global Jewish peoplehood

• Delivering excellence, innovation, accountability, and results

Hillel is not a membership based organization. More than 80% of our annual budget comes from parents, grandparents, friends and alumni. We’re very grateful for the support of Jewish Federations throughout Michigan, especially the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit for their ongoing investment in Jewish life on campus.

We estimate that there are over 2,700 Jewish students at Michigan State University. 

Very! Our programming is student led and driven. Hillel’s Jewish Student Union, with over 35 student leaders, helps to guide programming at Hillel. Events includes social, cultural, educational and religious activities. We sponsor a number of student groups and committees including: Spartans for Israel, Athletics, Jews in Greek Life, Jewish Business Association, First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH), Destination Lansing and more. 

Hillel sponsors religious services each Shabbat and special meals and programs for Jewish holidays, especially the High Holy Days. During Passover, Hillel provides Seders. All holiday meals and services are free to MSU students.  

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Shabbat dinners are often the highlight of the week. Free dinners follow student led services – and include homemade matzo ball soup and challah. Shabbat dinners are an opportunity to see old friends and meet new friends—it’s a great experience for students. Thanks to the generosity of members of the community, Shabbat dinners are offered free of charge to students. If you are interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring a Shabbat dinner (or Sunday brunch), please call 517-332-1916.

​Since October 7, 2023, campuses across the country - including Michigan State - have experienced heightened tensions surrounding Israel, antisemitism, and Jewish identity. While this has created new challenges for many Jewish students, MSU Hillel is well-equipped to help students navigate these moments and thrive on campus.

Our professional staff works closely with students every day, providing guidance, advocacy, and individualized support. We also offer free, confidential counseling with our full-time licensed social worker, ensuring students have access to mental health resources whenever they need them. Whether a student is looking for a safe place to process current events, needs help navigating a difficult classroom or campus situation, or simply wants a welcoming Jewish community, our team is here to help.

MSU Hillel maintains strong, collaborative relationships with university leadership and key campus partners. We regularly communicate with university administration to advocate for our students and to ensure that concerns are addressed thoughtfully and appropriately. We go to great lengths to support Jewish students, amplify their voices, and connect them with the resources they need to feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Despite the challenges facing campuses today, Michigan State remains a place where Jewish students can build meaningful friendships, celebrate their Jewish identity openly, and become active leaders in campus life. Through a vibrant Jewish community, strong institutional partnerships, and a dedicated team of professionals, MSU Hillel is committed to ensuring every Jewish student has the support they need to have a successful and rewarding college experience

No. While Hillel enjoys a very close working relationship with MSU offices, colleges and departments we are not a university office. In fact, we were recognized with the “Indispensable Campus Partner Award” from International Hillel for our various initiatives with Michigan State University.