Naming of Hillel Center Announced
The University of Hartford is pleased to announce that the new Zachs Hillel Center will open later this year in a renovated space in the University Commons building.
Read the storyEnriching the lives of Jewish students at UHart.
The Zachs Hillel Center offers Jewish college students an inclusive, pluralistic and egalitarian environment through which they connect to Jewish life, learning and Israel.
In a post-pandemic world, students are craving community, meaning, connections, and a place to deepen their sense of self. The Zachs Hillel Center's student engagement numbers are growing, and involved students and staff are seen as indispensable partners in all aspects of student life at the University. There is currently an opportunity to significantly grow Jewish community involvement on campus, elevate student wellness, and ensure that staff have the resources they need to support all students on their Jewish journey, now and in the future.
Coming Soon: The Zachs Hillel Center for Jewish Life
About the Center
Construction will begin soon on the Zachs Hillel Center for Jewish Life at the University of Hartford. Hillel will move to a renovated space in our University Commons building on the residential side of campus and will be double the size of its current location.
The new Center will be in the busiest and most accessible area on campus; in the heart of our first-year and second-year residences. A prime spot for attracting students and building community connections throughout the University, the expanded Zachs Hillel Center will allow for larger gatherings and increased foot traffic daily.
The Zachs Hillel Center Spaces & Features
Multipurpose Room
A large multipurpose space to be used for Shabbat dinners, health and wellness programming, meetings, social events, and community programming.
Kosher Kitchen
A Dairy/Pareve kitchen will be available for small gatherings, cooking demonstrations and events, holiday meal observations, and special events. It will include a stove, oven, stainless steel counters and sink, and a full-size refrigerator.
Lounge Space
A lounge area for students to congregate and spend time between classes or in their down time. The space will include seating for 10-15 students, a large TV with gaming systems and streaming options, and snack offerings.
Additional Features
A space for students to reserve and use for their academic studies.
Staff Offices
Two dedicated office spaces for our Zachs Hillel Center Director and Program & Engagement Manager.
Enhanced Security
The center will feature enhanced security features (cameras, panic buttons, card swipe access) that are essential to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.
Your Support Makes a Difference!
To learn more, contact:
Sean Meehan, Associate Vice President for Development
smeehan@hartford.edu or 860.768.2440
Lisa Langsner, Director of Jewish Life
langsner@hartford.edu or 860.768.7956
A successful Hillel center is welcoming and promotes inclusivity, growth, and flexibility. Establishing this new Zachs Hillel Center on campus allows us to achieve these goals in a broader and deeper way. The center will provide a space for our current students to enhance their connection to the Zachs Hillel Center, and the visibility of the location on the residential side of campus will attract new students to our programming.
Additionally, we are thrilled to be aligning our fundraising efforts in conjunction with Hillel’s Centennial, Promise of a New Generation Campaign—the first movement-wide campaign of its kind with a special focus on long-term sustainability for Hillels all over the world.
We welcome the chance to talk with you further about how your support can make a difference for our students and for UHart's Zachs Hillel Center.