Jewish Life at IU

Our story

Jewish life has been an integral part of the Indiana University community for generations. Since the founding of IU Hillel in 1938, Jewish students have found opportunities to celebrate their heritage, build lifelong friendships, deepen their Jewish identities, and contribute to the vibrant life of the university. We welcome people of all backgrounds who wish to learn, connect and engage.

In 2026, Indiana University strengthened its commitment to Jewish students by establishing the first dedicated professional leadership position for the Jewish Culture Center within the Office of Student Life. The appointment of a dedicated director marks an important milestone, expanding the university's investment in Jewish student life across the IU campus in partnership with the Borns Jewish Studies Program, IU Chabad, and IU Hillel. The Jewish Culture Center works with more than 25 Jewish student organizations, clubs, fraternities & sororities and strives to elevate the programs and work of our partners. The Jewish Culture Center strives to support Jewish life, promote cultural awareness, and provide educational, social, and community-building opportunities rooted in Jewish values and traditions.

The JCC is located in the IU Hillel building and serves as a collaborative hub that celebrates Jewish community, culture, history, and traditions while creating opportunities for students to explore their identities, build community, develop leadership skills and engage with the broader campus.

What we do

We serve as a voice for Jewish students and community members. The JCC with our partners, offers a wide variety of programming that aims to educate others and help cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community where Jewish culture and history is visible, valued and shared. We serve as the link between Indiana University and our Jewish students across the Bloomington campus.

Our programs like the Jewish community, reflect a wide range of identities, practice, languages and histories that shape Jewish life today.

Our partners

We work in close partnership with a several local organizations to strengthen student life while creating opportunities for all members of the IU community to learn, connect, and engage.

• Borns Jewish Studies Program
  One of the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive programs of its kind, the Borns Jewish Studies Program is a premier hub for Jewish Studies. It fosters leadership skills, civic responsibility, and academic achievement through rigorous interdisciplinary study of Jews and Judaism.
• Chabad at IU
  Chabad at IU is a welcoming Jewish student organization that brings the love and spirit of Judaism to the IU community. Through Shabbat and holiday meals, Jewish learning, social events, leadership opportunities, and a warm environment, Chabad offers a place to connect, celebrate, and feel at home.
• IU Hillel
  The Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, commonly known as IU Hillel, is a home for students, offering community, meaningful Jewish experiences, and leadership opportunities on campus and beyond. IU Hillel is an affiliated member of Hillel International, the global network of Jewish campus organizations.