CURRENT STUDENTS
Welcome to University of Miami Hillel!
UM Hillel is the center of Jewish life on campus and your go-to spot for finding community, connection, and meaning. However you “do Jewish,” there’s space for you here. Whether that means holiday celebrations, late-night hangs, Shabbat dinners, or just grabbing coffee with a friendly face. Check out what we’re up to and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop!
Get Involved
Whether it’s your first year or your last, here are some easy ways to get involved with Jewish life on campus:
- Follow us on instagram to stay updated on future events!
- Grab coffee with a student leader or staff member (on Hillel)
- Join us for a Shabbat Dinner! We host Shabbat dinners every week during the school year.
Sign up to receive our weekly texts and stay up to date on all things UM Hillel!
Check out all of our awesome
programming and opportunities!
Jewish Learning
Jewish Learning
The Jewish Learning Fellowship is a 8-10 week program where we will come together weekly for dinner and an intriguing conversation about Judaism in our world today. We will be asking the big questions and exploring the old mixed with the new. This is a chance to engage with your Jewish identity, join in weekly meals, participate in meaningful conversations, build community, and receive a stipend upon the completion of the fellowship.
Individualized Jewish Learning
Whether it’s chatting about the weekly Torah portion or learning how to read Hebrew, Rabbi Jason Cook is available for individualized learning!
Shabbat & Holidays
Shabbat & Holidays
Shabbat + Services
If you’re looking for a community to sing, eat, and celebrate with, look no further! UM Hillel hosts Shabbat experiences every Friday night, with services starting at 6:00 PM and a glatt kosher meal served at 7:00 PM. We love to mix things up, so keep an eye out for fun Shabbat themes and food!
Holidays
We know how unique Miami is, and our holiday celebrations follow suit! We host traditional and alternative experiences throughout the year, from Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur to Purim and Pesach, and more! Follow us on Social Media to stay updated our Holiday celebrations!
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
Your well-being matters to us. At Hillel, we’re here to support you with student-led yoga and Pilates, DeStress Fest during finals, and an open-door space where you can always come by to talk with staff, take a breather, or grab a snack when you need it.
We also offer free therapy sessions with our on-site mental health counselor, available exclusively for Jewish students. It’s a confidential and supportive resource created just for you.
Volunteering
VOLUNTEERING
Get involved and give back with other UM students through hands-on service around Miami. Learn about local social justice issues while making a real impact. Past projects have included the Miami Day of Service, volunteering at Lotus House, beach cleanups, community gardening, and more. Join our Volunteering WhatsApp group to stay in the loop on upcoming opportunities!
Israel
Israel
Israel Travel
UM Hillel offers a range of Israel travel opportunities, including Taglit-Birthright Israel, follow-up programs, and internship initiatives like Masa Israel Journey and Onward Israel. Through these programs and additional partnerships, we help thousands of students travel to Israel each year and support their return visits.
Birthright Israel
Birthright Israel is a 10-day immersive trip giving UM students the chance to connect with their Judaism through the rich culture and history of Israel. Participants visit historical sites, hear from engaging speakers, and travel alongside 5–10 Israeli peers. Along the way, you’ll experience Israel’s amazing food, outdoor adventures, and nightlife.
Summer Birthright: May 10-20, 2026 – Application close at the end of January 2026
Contact zander@miamihillel.org with questions!
Onward Israel
Ready for a summer internship abroad? Join the Miami cohort of Onward Israel, where you’ll spend two months in Tel Aviv gaining professional experience, learning, and fully immersing yourself in Israeli culture.
Contact zander@miamihillel.org with questions!
MTF Perspectives
This unique Israel travel program is designed for both Jewish and non-Jewish student leaders. Participants travel to Israel to explore the complexities of the conflict firsthand. Students will engage in meaningful discussions, ask tough questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and challenges.
The next Perspectives trip is planned for Winter Break 2025. Applications open this Fall.
Contact rabbicook@miamihillel.org if you’re interested in applying!
Israel Programs & Speakers
Engage with Israel on campus – no passport required!
Miami Hillel brings Israel to life year-round through powerful programs, speakers, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking to learn more, celebrate, or engage in meaningful conversation—there’s something for everyone.
Past & Upcoming Programs Include:
• Expert speaker panels and Q&As
• Celebrating Israeli holidays like Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut
• Israel Week: A full week of cultural, educational, and fun campus events
• Israeli food nights, film screenings, and cultural workshops
• Café Ivrit with Rotem – casual, fun weekly Hebrew lessons open to all levels
Want to help plan Israel events? Contact zander@miamihillel.org
Travel With UM Hillel
Travel with UM Hillel
Hillels of Florida Poland Trip
Join students from Hillels across Florida for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Poland to bear witness to the history of the Holocaust. Explore the thriving modern Polish Jewish community while diving deep into Poland’s past on this meaningful trip. Connect with peers from universities all over Florida and strengthen your Jewish identity.
Applications open in October. The trip takes place during the first week of Winter Break.
Hear from past participant, Alana Cowan, about her experience in Poland from Hillel International’s Blog.
Student Conferences
We’re proud to support our students’ passions by connecting them with opportunities nationwide. Each year, UM Hillel sends students to a variety of conferences—including the Content Creators Summit, Student Leadership Gatherings, and more—as well as Israel-focused events like Israel Summits and Israel Day at the Capitol.
Interested in attending a conference? Email jordan@miamihillel.org for more info!
Student Leadership
Student Leadership
Leadership Positions
Student Executive Board
Being on the Hillel Student Executive Board gives you a real chance to shape UM Hillel and represent your fellow students. There are different roles where you can develop skills like organizing events, managing communications, handling finances, and leading the student community. It’s a great way to build your leadership while making a difference on campus.
Applications open in November 2025, and positions run from January 2026 through December 2026.
Freshmen Programmers
Be one of the upperclassmen to help plan and run events for freshmen, creating welcoming and engaging programs to help new students connect with Hillel and each other.
Contact: jordan@miamihillel.org
FreshFest Volunteer
Assist with FreshFest, our pre-orientation program, by helping welcome new students and making sure they have a great introduction to the UM Jewish community.
Contact: jordan@miamihillel.org
Shabbat Services Leaders
Learn to lead services or be part of our High Holiday choir—great opportunities to build leadership skills and deepen your connection to Jewish community life.
Contact: rabbicook@miamihillel.org
Internships
Internships
UM Hillel offers a handful of internships that provide hands-on experience and valuable skills. These roles are great for students who want to get involved and take on a leadership role within our community. If you’re interested and ready to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!
Israel Interns
If you’re passionate about Israel, this internship offers the chance to develop professional skills by creating programs like speaker series and cultural events. You’ll also work closely with our IACT Coordinator to recruit students for Birthright and other travel opportunities.
Contact: zander@miamihillel.org
Social Media/Graphic Design Intern
Help manage Hillel’s Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts while designing visuals that showcase our work. Ideal candidates have experience with social media and tools like Adobe Suite or Canva.
Contact: shayna@miamihillel.org
Service Engagement Interns
In partnership with Repair the World and Hillel International, this internship equips you to lead service projects and engage peers in social change. You’ll also be part of a small cohort of interns working together throughout the year.
Contact: rotem@miamihillel.org
Education Interns
Work alongside Rabbi Cook to lead Jewish learning programs and make Jewish education more accessible and engaging for students.
Contact: rabbicook@miamihillel.org
Job Opportunities
Front Desk Receptionists
Be the first face that visitors and students see when they enter our building! You’ll help welcome everyone into the building, buzz in visitors, give building tours, and more! Front Desk Receptionists will sign up for shifts throughout the week based on their availability.
Contact gabi@miamihillel.org with any questions!
Social Events
Social Events
Hillel hosts fun and meaningful social events all year long to help build a strong Jewish community on campus. From BBQs and 21+ events, craft nights, sporting events and more, there’s always something going on and a place for you to connect, relax and make new friends. Whether you’re looking for laid-back vibes or lively celebrations, we’ve got something for everyone!
Student groups
Student Groups
Hillel Run Club
Do you like to run? Join other Jewish students who are also passionate about running as we go for weekly runs around campus. Last semester, students even signed up for a 5k and brought the Hillel Run club into the real world!
CANepac
Cane PAC was born from a group of students’ personal ties to the state of Israel and their belief in the power of peace. Their mission is to ensure a global pro-Israel stance. This diverse group of student leaders hosts meetings, speakers and events throughout the year and sends an annual delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference. No Israel knowledge or political experience necessary to join, everyone is welcome! Follow @umcanepac on Instagram to stay updated on future meetings and events!
Freshmen Leadership Council
Get connected with all things Hillel during your first semester on campus! FLC allows you to build a crew of first-year pals, plan events for your friends, and gain leadership experience you can add to your resume!
Senior Seminar
During second semester, seniors meet as a cohort with our Executive Director, Briana, for honest and meaningful conversations about life after college. Together, they explore what it looks like to build Jewish community post-grad, navigate the ups and downs of this big transition, and process all the feelings that come with graduating. It’s a space to reflect, connect, and support one another during this important time.
Questions? We're here to help
For Parents
Rabbi Jason Cook, our Campus Rabbi and parent liaison, is happy to answer any questions about Jewish life on campus and how your student can get involved at Miami Hillel.
rabbicook@miamihillel.org
For Students
Jordan Feinberg, our Engagement Manager, is your go-to for anything related to student life and getting connected.
jordan@miamihillel.org
