Our Vision

At MIT Hillel, we are, first and foremost, passionate about building a vibrant Jewish community where every student can connect, grow, and thrive. We motivate lifelong engagement with Jewish community and Judaism as we:

• Forge deep friendships and relationships rooted in mutual respect, creating a welcoming space for all.
• Ignite a love for Jewish learning and wisdom, empowering students to form nuanced perspectives on issues that matter to our people.
• Inspire Jewish joy, encouraging students to explore diverse rituals, practices, and traditions and weave them into their daily life.

We celebrate the richness of our pluralistic community, embracing Jews from all backgrounds—all denominations, ethnicities, nationalities, and orientations.

Education is at the heart of what we do. We dive deep into Jewish texts. We encourage questioning and careful analysis. We embrace nuance and complexity, while welcoming diverse viewpoints. Our pluralistic approach to Judaism honors the diversity within our rich tradition. In our inclusive environment, respectful dialogue is the norm.

We also foster meaningful connections to Israel. For us, Zionism affirms the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in our historic homeland. We also affirm the democratic and humanistic values upon which the modern State of Israel was founded. We recognize the complexities facing our homeland today and celebrate its extraordinary accomplishments – including its cultural, technological, and artistic contributions to diasporic Jewish communities and the wider world. Given the interconnected nature of Israel and other Jewish communities around the world, we help students explore their own relationship with Israel, welcoming open conversations and differing opinions.

We stand firm against antisemitism, but we do not allow it to define us. Our goal is to inspire lifelong Jewish engagement, so that students leave MIT with an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and community. We collaborate and forge partnerships with students, faculty, the administration, and other campus communities as we advocate for and create a safe and supportive environment where all students can flourish. We respond to hate by promoting Jewish pride and unity, recognizing the strength of our peoplehood.

At MIT Hillel, we are committed to nurturing a dynamic and joyful Jewish life on campus. Let’s do this holy work together!

Written Fall 2024