Jewish Student Life at the College of Charleston

Hillel is the home for Jewish students at College of Charleston and around the Charleston area. Encouraging exploration of students’ Jewish identity, creating a vibrant Jewish community, and inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders is at the heart and soul of what we do. Serving over 500 Jewish students from Charleston, Hillel is where Jewish students meet new friends, explore their interests, grab a cup of coffee, celebrate Jewish holidays, and kick back and take a break between classes.

All Kinds of Jewish

Students celebrating Havdala.
Students at Meet-to-Eat smiling and making a heart with their fingers/
Students visiting Boone Hall.
Students lighting Shabbat candles.
Students collecting litter around the Pineapple Fountain .
 
 

Hillel was, is, and always will be a safe space for Jewish students, a place where you can feel both welcome and included. We know that the expression of Jewish identity and identity in general comes in many forms, and just like no two people are the same, no two Jewish journeys are alike.

Visit the Hillel Website

What Does Hillel Offer?

Hillel offers a range of student-run programs, clubs, meals and more. There is something Jewish going on at the Sylvia Vlosky Yaschik Jewish Studies Center (JSC) almost every night of the week, so you can pick and choose your Jewish campus experience. Want to stop by on a campus tour to check out what we offer? Email Jordan Kodner at kodnerj@cofc.edu.
  • First Year Students of Hillel

    First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) is your personalized way into the Jewish community on campus. You will meet other Jewish freshman and partner with an upperclassman active in Hillel. They can give you advice on anything from which professors to take to the best campus lunch.  

    Visit the Hillel Website
  • Student Led Events

    Most of the weekly events hosted by Hillel are created by a team of Hillel students. These events include talent shows, movie nights, sushi making, painting classes and more. Hillel puts the power to create what Jewish student life on campus looks like in your hands. Have something you are interested in bringing to campus? Email Sophie Baron.

     Two students on stage in Arnold Hall.

  • Hillel Meals

    Twice a week, we offer completely free meals open to anyone involved in Hillel. On Tuesdays before class, join us for Meet to Eat: Bagel Tuesday. Stop by the Hillel offices for bagels, lox and schmoozing. Then, on most Fridays, join us for Shabbat dinner. Low commitment, good food and better company!

    Visit the Hillel Website
  • Birthright Trips

    Once a year, 10 –15 students will travel to Israel over the summer with Birthright. Our trips connect you to your Jewish journey and identity, to Israel as a homeland, and, upon return, to your Jewish community. This trip provides a variety of meaningful Jewish experiences for students from all Jewish backgrounds. On this trip, you will explore Jewish history, Israeli history and current Israeli life through tours, hikes and unique activities.

    Learn More
  • Jewish Learning Fellowship

    Hillel’s Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 10-week seminar for college students looking to explore Judaism on their own terms. As the largest, most inclusive educational provider for Jewish students on North American campuses, JLF has created a community-building experience, not a content-delivery mechanism. Participants walk away with: 

    • A love for Torah study 
    • A strong Jewish social network and commitment to Jewish peoplehood 
    • A Jewish mentor who anchors their Jewish communal participation  
    • A deep appreciation for the rhythms of the Jewish calendar 
    • $180 just for participating

    Jewish Learning Fellowship
  • Student Wellness

    The college experience today is more stressful than ever. Take a break from the pressure and the grind and join us for stress-relieving activities like yoga, arts and crafts, kickboxing and more.

    More Hillel Events
  • Shabbat & Jewish Holidays

    One of the cornerstones of Hillel is our holiday programming. Nothing can replace a Passover Seder with 100 of your closest friends. Find out more about what we do for each holiday below. 

    • Join us every week classes are in session for Shabbat services. Gather with fellow students in Arnold Hall, where we will come together to usher in Shabbat with Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum. Services are followed by Shabbat dinner at Marty'e Place.
    • Every Rosh Hashana we have a student dinner at the Jewish Studies Center (JSC). Then, go to any of the five local synagogues (for free) that best fits your Jewish practice. Two synagogues are in walking distance of campus, and we cover your Uber to any of the others. 
    • For Yom Kippur you can attend services at any of the local synagogues, again for free. Then join Hillel at JSC for a break fast with all your friends. 
    • Hanukkah with Hillel is a celebration. We host the biggest party of the Hillel calendar with our annual Hillel Hanukkah Formal.  
    • Kfar Keshet (KiKi), our Jewish LGBTQ+ club, hosts the annual Purim Drag Show featuring Patti O’ Furniture and other local drag performers.  
    • Next on the Jewish calendar is Passover: We host the first seder and provide options for the second-night seder throughout the community. We also have kosher for Passover food available at the Jewish Studies Center. 

    Visit the Hillel Website
  • Clubs

    Student-run clubs give you the opportunity to create your own experience on campus. Any student is welcome to create a club to focus on their Jewish passion. 
    • Holocaust, Education, Awareness, and Remembrance (H.E.A.R.) strives to guide the Charleston community in learning how future generations can effectively educate the public about the Holocaust long after the last survivor is gone. 
    • One of our strongest core values is Inclusivity. Kfar Keshet (KiKi) works for the full equality of all LGBTQ+ Jewish students in Charleston. Our students must have the freedom to be their full selves, pursue their dreams, and live with dignity — no exceptions. 

    Visit the Hillel Website
Students eating at Marty's Place. Accent Image

Marty's Place

Marty's Place serves made-to-order kosher vegan and vegetarian dishes under the supervision of the Kosher Commission of Charleston (KCC, Orthodox). It accepts meal swipes, dining dollars, cash and credit cards.

Marty's Place
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Hillel House

Hillel is partnering with the College of Charleston to offer fully furnished historic housing for our students. The house is conveniently located right next to Marty's Place and our Jewish Studies Center and is steps away from King Street. The house will feature multiple bedrooms for one, two or three students, a common room and a kosher kitchen. 

Preferences will be given to students who keep kosher. All students involved in Hillel are encouraged to apply. Email Jordan Kodner for more information.