Our Facilities
Brandeis Hillel does not operate out of one building like many campus Hillels do. Because Brandeis is lucky to have such a large population of Jewish students, roughly 30% of the entire student body, Jewish life happens everywhere.
This page showcases some of the spaces where Jewish life and Hillel programming happens most.
The Hillel Suite (Usdan West, 2nd Floor)
Recently renovated in 2020, the Hillel Lounge is a warm and welcoming space where students can gather casually, or hold events. The lounge also has a conference room that students can reserve for quiet study, or other meetings. Conveniently located in the Usdan student center next to the library, and equidistant from the humanities and science quads, the lounge is a daily hang-out spot for Jewish students of all backgrounds.
Hillel’s staff offices are located on the 2nd floor of Usdan West, next door to the Hillel Lounge. Our professionals staff are here to support our students academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
The Berlin Chapel
Completed in 1955, the Berlin Chapel is at the heart of Jewish worship on campus; students gather in Berlin three times daily, seven days a week, and throughout the school year and the High Holiday season. The Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform prayer groups share this space and make use of it during different times of the year.
The Beit Midrash (House of Study) was founded in 1992 as a dedicated space for Jewish learning and text study on campus. With over 2000 books in its collection and multiple shiurim and chaburot (lessons and group learning) happening every week, the Beit Midrash is a core part of the Brandeis Jewish experience.
The Beit Midrash (Shapiro Residence Hall, Basement)
Pearlman Hall 113
Usually serving as a university classroom, Pearlman Hall Room 113 is used as a multi-purpose prayer space by the Brandeis Reform Chavurah. Its circular space creates a communal and inclusive environment for Tefillah services.
The International lounge is a multi-purpose space located in the Usdan Student Center. The space is transformed and Orthodox services are held in the International Lounge on Shabbat and Friday night every week. Hillel also uses the space for other events during the week.
International Lounge (Usdan East)
Sherman Function Hall is where we love to host over a hundred students for community Shabbat dinner every week, as well as on Holidays, and other fun events. The Lurias and Levine-Ross rooms in Hassenfeld host smaller events and gatherings.
Hassenfeld Conference Center
The OU-JLIC House
Located off campus and a stone’s throw away from Massell Quad and the Chapel, the OU-JLIC house is the residence of our JLIC educators. It serves as a warm and homey gathering space for JLIC educational and social events, as well as Shabbat and Holiday meals.
OU-JLIC is a partnership between the OU and Hillel.
Want to support Jewish life at Brandeis?
The support from our donors makes a vibrant and strong Jewish community possible at Brandeis.