The Hillel Foundation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the many B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations which exist on college campuses across the country. Hillel Foundations are most often under the direction of the larger national Jewish organization, B'nai B'rith. In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel established the first Hillel at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He subsequently formed the University of Wisconsin, Madison Hillel Foundation in 1924.
The aims of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hillel as expressed in its statement of purpose are “...to further knowledge and appreciation of the Jewish religion and culture; to provide Jewish students with facilities for expression of their common interests; to establish an all-inclusive Jewish community framework for students of varying opinion and beliefs; to cooperate with other campus groups in the enrichment of student life and the betterment of our community.” Hillel activities include weekly and special holiday religious services, lectures and forums concerning a wide range of religious and current-interest topics, and courses in Jewish studies. Social activities such as films, concerts, and dances are also provided.
The Hillel Foundation was initially housed in rented quarters on State Street. New facilities were built in the early 1950s at 611 Langdon Street.
Madison Hillel leaders include: Rabbi Solomon Landman serving from 1924 to 1931; Rabbi Max Kadushin serving from 1931 to 1942; Rabbi Theodore Gordon serving from 1942 to 1948; Rabbi Max D. Ticktin serving from 1948 to 1964; Rabbi Richard A. Winograd serving from 1964 to 1972; and Rabbi Alan Lettofsky serving from 1972 to 1982.
