By Reporter staff
The Ithaca City Planning Board has given final site plan approval to the proposed new Grinspoon Hillel building on the Cornell campus. This would be the first stand-alone Hillel building on Cornell University campus. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. The three-story building will include educational and cultural spaces, worship areas, classrooms, student lounges, a café, a communal kitchen and staff offices. According to the Cornell Hillel Campaign website, www.cornellhillelcampaign.org, Hillel is attempting to raise $54 million by June 30, 2026, to pay for the building. 
A press release from Cornell Hillel noted, “This campaign to enhance the facilities available to the Jewish community at Cornell includes a leadership gift from Steven Grinspoon ‘83 and Winnie Sandler Grinspoon ‘83, who met at Cornell as undergraduates. In recognition of their gift, Cornell Hillel has been renamed The Steven K. and Winifred A. Grinspoon Hillel Center for Jewish Community at Cornell.”
“The generosity of our donors allows us to create a permanent and welcoming space for the Jewish community at Cornell and a beautiful addition to the Cornell campus,” said Rabbi Ari Weiss, CEO of Grinspoon Hillel. “The new Hillel building will be a place for Jewish students to gather, celebrate and explore their identity, and connect with each other. Most importantly, it will be a home and a space where they belong. I would especially like to thank Steven and Winnie Grinspoon for their deep philanthropic support. In addition to being proud Cornellians, Steven and Winnie are visionary Jewish leaders who have promoted Jewish literacy, community, and peoplehood for years.”