Our Mission, Vision, and values
At Iowa Hillel House, our mission is to connect Jewish students at the University of Iowa and inspire them to enrich the world through meaningful engagement, community, and purpose. Iowa Hillel envisions a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive community where students feel a sense of belonging. We empower students to live lives rooted in Jewish values, regardless of their background or connection to Judaism.
Core Values
Responsibility - Achruayut: Guided by Jewish values, we are responsible stewards of our resources and the people we serve. We uphold the highest integrity through transparency and ethical action, remaining accountable to our mission, our students, and the pursuit of Tikkun Olam.
Student Success - Kalul: Students are our heart. We foster an inclusive, pluralistic community where students are empowered to grow and lead. Through student-staff collaboration, we nurture a supportive environment rooted in connection and belonging.
Education - Yada: We embrace curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning for our entire community. By encouraging intellectual growth and diverse perspectives, we nurture a journey of discovery and transformation.
Empathy - Imach: We lead with respect, kindness, and fairness, honoring diverse experiences to build trust and compassion. Guided by the Golden and Platinum Rules, we treat others as we—and they—wish to be treated.
Intentionality -Kavanah: We pursue our mission with purpose, blending data-driven innovation with the courage to ask hard questions. By remaining flexible, resilient, and sincere, we adapt to new challenges while upholding our commitment to diversity and integrity.
“Hillel has become a second home for me. A place where I can come during the day and relax and be with like-minded people. ”
University Presence
Hillel has been serving University of Iowa students almost as long as Jewish students have been at the university. Over the years, Hillel students have sought to build the Jewish community on campus and raise the university and Iowa City communities’ awareness of issues related to culture, ethnicity, and basic human rights. Today, Hillel works with other student organizations to serve as an impetus for the development of understanding and friendship with other cultural, ethnic, and religious groups within the University and throughout Iowa.