• How do I get involved with HMD?

    Welcome to Hillel of Metro Detroit! It is extremely easy to get involved with HMD. Whether you want to join us for a campus-based event or attend one of our community-wide programs or even if you just want to stop by our office on the WSU campus, you are welcome. We invite you to become a part of any our diverse student groups to plan events, promote social change or just hang out with other college students.

  • What are HMD's office hours at Wayne State University?

    Throughout the year, the Hillel of Metro Detroit (HMD) office at Wayne State University is open:
    Monday – Thursday: 9am – 6:00pm*
    Friday: 9am – 2:30pm
    Please contact the HMD office for more details.

    *During Summer session the office closes at 4:30pm Monday – Thursday.

  • What does HMD have for me?

    HMD provides a wide range of programs for college students and young adults, from social to social action, Jewish education to politics, Israel trips to Shabbat dinners. Some programs are held on campus and others at central community locations. You can meet other Jews, make friends, take advantage of leadership opportunities, or just hang out. You make HMD what it is – so get involved today!

  • How many Jews are there on each of the campuses HMD serves?

    Because of federal privacy laws, schools do not release this information.  However, you can find our best approximation of Jewish student numbers, along with other information at Hillel’s College Guide.

  • Can I make a donation to HMD?

    Of course!  Over half of HMD’s operating budget comes from the generosity of our community members.  Please click here  for more information and the opportunity to donate on-line now.

  • How do I get in touch with the folks at HMD?

    Below is our contact information. Check out the STAFF and INTERNS at HMD today!

    Hillel of Metro Detroit
    5221 Gullen Mall
    Student Center Building, Suite 667
    Wayne State University
    Detroit, MI  48202

    313-577-3459  • Fax:  313-577-3461

    Office Hours:
    Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
    Friday | 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

  • Where is HMD located?

    While HMD has a presence on the 6 campuses we serve, our main office is located on the Wayne State University campus. We are located on the 6th floor of the Student Center Building. Students can be found hanging out in our lounge with a big screen TV or in the library on one of our computers. Feel free to stop by!

  • Is there a membership fee?

    Everyone belongs at HMD! There are no membership fees or annual dues. Some of our events charge minimal fees to cover costs; others are free. Events are open to college students and young adults.

  • What is the mission of HMD?

    HMD’s Mission Statement:

    Hillel of Metro Detroit (HMD) is the community’s foremost organization for engaging local Jewish college-age students (18-29). HMD enriches Jewish identity, furthers Jewish journeys and inspires involvement in the community.

  • What schools does HMD Serve?

    HMD has a visible and active presence on 6 campuses around metro Detroit.

  • How do I find an internship at a Jewish organization?

    Each year, Jewish college students are eligible to gain paid summer work experience in the metro Detroit Jewish community through JOIN (Jeanette & Oscar Cook Jewish Occupational Intern Program). Students work closely with professionals in human services, marketing, program planning, research and other key areas of one of the participating organizations. Contact join@jvsdet.org.

  • How do I get a scholarship to go to Israel?

    If you are Jewish, 18-26 years old, and have not been on an organized peer trip to Israel, contact our HMD office about a FREE 10-day Birthright Israel experience.

    Ask any young person who’s been to Israel: the experience can be transforming. With the goal to add incentive for more young people to go to or return to Israel, and to help defray the cost of travel, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit has established Get There! Federation’s Teen & Young Adult Travel Fund, with generous gifts from the Samuel & Jean Frankel Heritage Foundation Israel Youth Travel Fund, and the Ben Teitel Israel & Overseas Teen Travel Fund.

    To be eligible for grants, applicants must be Jewish residents of metro Detroit between 13 and 28 years old and participating in a program for 12 months or less. Please note applicant and program eligibility criteria in the guidelines. Some restrictions apply. Check it out!

  • How can I get a loan for tuition or to start a business?

    Jewish Educational Loan Services (JELS) is a source of interest free loans for Jewish students in metro Detroit who attend undergraduate, technical or graduate schools full-time. Contact Marvin Berman .

    Hebrew Free Loan has partnered with Wayne State University’s TechTown, a business incubator offering new and existing businesses tools to grow and succeed.

    • Applicant businesses enroll in TechTown’s SmartStart program
    • SmartStart provides a myriad of consultants for mentoring, product development, business plan development, marketing, basic business operations, office space, etc.
    • Hebrew Free Loan provides up to $25,000 in loan capital; TechTown identifies additional sources for funding, if needed.

    Contact: Steve Bessonny @ 313-483-1137 or steve@techtownwsu.org.

  • What kinds of scholarships are available for Jewish students?

    Hillel of Metro Detroit offers the Direnfeld Family Scholarship each year. This $500 scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in a metropolitan Detroit university on the basis of academic strength, need, service to the community, and HMD involvement. Contact our staff  for details on this year’s deadline.

    In addition, some schools and programs offer special scholarships for Jewish students. Contact your school to see if one is available.

  • How do I find out more about Judaism?

    There are many resources to find out more about Judaism, offering a wide range of perspectives. Feel free to contact our staff for guidance, or one of the rabbis at synagogues in the Detroit community.  Click here.

  • I am applying to one of your schools - Can I visit HMD?

    We would love to meet with you! If you are applying to Wayne State University, our office is room 667 in the Student Center Building, and we are open 9 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 2:30 pm on Fridays. Feel free to drop in, although it is better if you call (313.577.3459) and make an appointment, so we can make sure our program staff is available. While we spend time on our other campuses, the hours and locations are flexible, so it is best if you call us to schedule a time to meet.

  • My professor is giving an exam on a Jewish holiday - what can I do?

    Each university we serve has a different protocol to address this situation. All of them suggest starting with speaking to the professor. If that does not help, go to the department chair, Dean, or University Ombudsman. But you don’t need to do this without our support. Contact the HMD staff  and we will assist you.