Our Mission
Stony Brook Hillel is a home for Jewish students to explore their relationship with Judaism, Israel and each other.
We strive to create a dynamic space where students feel a sense of community, the desire to explore, the freedom to be authentic and are empowered to lead.
Create Community
Spark Exploration
Nurture Authenticity
Empower Leaders
Our History
Stony Brook Hillel debuted in 1966 with the name Friends of Hillel at Stony Brook. By 1967, B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation established the Hillel Counselorship at Stony Brook and appointed Rabbi Elliot Spar of Temple Beth Sholom as the first Hillel Counselor. Come 1982, Rabbi Joseph Topek took over as Hillel director and served in the role until 2019. During Rabbi Joe’s time with Stony Brook Hillel, Jewish students were welcomed with open arms on the Long Island campus.
Now, Stony Brook Hillel is one of the most diverse Jewish campuses in the northeast. We have created an amazing culture at Stony Brook, introducing Jewish students to different denominations and cultures like few universities can do. Over the years, Stony Brook Hillel has grown in size, affording students new opportunities year-in and year-out to expand their Jewish education. From sending students to Jewish conferences across the nation to Israel trips and more, Stony Brook Hillel is the place to be on Long Island.