For nearly 80 years, Hillel at the University of Delaware has been at the heart of Jewish life on campus, providing a vibrant community where students can explore and celebrate their Jewish identity. Since its founding, Hillel has been a welcoming home away from home for Jewish students, offering religious, cultural, educational, and social programs that foster deep connections and personal growth.
In the early 1990s, Jewish life at the University of Delaware experienced remarkable growth, creating a need for a dedicated space to support the flourishing community. In response, the Kristol Center for Jewish Life was built to provide a central hub for Jewish students. This Center became the cornerstone of Jewish life on campus, hosting religious services, holiday celebrations, community service projects, and a wide range of cultural and educational events.
By the early 2000s, the Jewish population at the University of Delaware had grown significantly, and it became clear that the Kristol Center would need to evolve to meet the increasing demand for space and resources. The expanding student body, along with the rising interest in Jewish programming, required additional facilities and enhanced programming to continue providing the rich, meaningful experiences that students had come to expect from Hillel.
Hillel at the University of Delaware remains dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish students and ensuring that future generations have a vibrant and supportive community. Today, Hillel continues to serve as a vital resource, offering opportunities for spiritual connection, personal development, and leadership, all while nurturing the deep bonds that make Jewish life on campus truly special.
As the Jewish community at the University of Delaware continues to grow, the need for a new, larger facility has become increasingly urgent. The current Kristol Center, while once a perfect fit, is now too small to accommodate the thriving Jewish population on campus. A new building would provide expanded spaces for prayer, study, and social gatherings, allowing Hillel to offer even more programs and services to meet the needs of today's students. This new space would also enable Hillel to create innovative, flexible environments that reflect the evolving nature of student life, ensuring that future generations of Jewish students have a place to connect, grow, and lead. Investing in a new building is not just about addressing immediate needs—it's about securing the future of Jewish life at the University of Delaware for decades to come.
Our building is more than just a place; it is a home base where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to build meaningful connections and become leaders within a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community.
Donna Schwartz, Executive Director
I am thrilled to join the Hillel Community in anticipating a new community center for our Jewish student life. This building represents an incredible asset with the potential to grow community, celebrate Jewish identity and culture, and provide an anchor of support and engagement for our students.
José-Luis Riera, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life at UD
The new Hillel will feature over 18,000 square feet of flexible spaces designed for students to gather, build community, learn, and grow together. The building will feature
Make a lasting impression. All gifts are payable over a 5 year period.
Building Name
$5,000,000
Hillel Name
$3,500,000
Main Event Space
$1,500,000
Living Room
$1,000,000
Kitchen
$750,000
Courtyard
$750,000
Student Lounge
$750,000
Terrace
$750,000
Chapel / Beit Midrash
$500,000
Security Needs
$500,000
Front Garden
$360,000
X
Board Room
$360,000
Israel Program Suite
$360,000
Multi-Purpose Room
$360,000
Upstairs Kitchen
$250,000
X
Admin. Suite
$250,000
Reception
$200,000
Wellness Room
$180,000
Entry
$150,000
Conference Room
$150,000
X
Conference Room
$150,000
Stairway
$136,000
1st floor Office
$100,000
Stair Nook
$100,000
1st floor Study Lounge
$100,000
Office
$100,000
X
Office
$100,000
X
Office
$100,000
X
Office
$100,000
X
Phone Booth
$100,000
Phone Booth
$100,000
Admin. Conference Room
$100,000
Living Room - Coffee/Snack Bar
$100,000
1st floor WC - Women's
$100,000
1st floor WC - Men's
$100,000
2nd floor Coffee Bar
$75,000
Elevator
$75,000
Booths (3)
$75,000
2nd floor WC (4)
$75,000
Ark
$75,000
Beit Midrash Books
$72,000
Entry Mezzuzah
$54,000
Handwashing Station
$54,000
Eternal Light
$54,000
Firepit
$25,000
Mezzuzah (10)
$18,000
Ark Accesories (5)
$18,000
