What is JSU?
What is Hillel?
What is Chabad?
What is the Jewish community like on campus?
How big is it?
What happens on Friday night and Shabbat?
I’m not Orthodox. What are my options for Shabbat?
How can I get involved in Jewish programs on campus?
What’s the Israel community like on campus?
Is there anti-Israel sentiment on campus?
Is kosher food available on and off campus?
Are professors accommodating in terms of holiday
observances?
Are there nearby synagogues?
Can I teach Hebrew School/Sunday School at nearby
synagogues or temples?
What are the Jewish learning opportunities on campus?
Both Rabbi Avi Orlow from Hillel and Rabbi Hershey Novack from Chabad organize several informal, optional, weekly Jewish “classes” on different topics. All are welcome. You are encouraged to suggest a topic to either rabbi and help create your own small group study or a one-on-one instruction.
Last semester the following were offered through Hillel (avi@stlouishillel.org):
Parsha with Eitan Hochster (student: ehochster@wustl.edu)
Weekly Torah Parsha with Michelle Palmer and Yael Shuchatowitz (students:
mcpalmer@wustl.edu; ylshucha@wustl.edu)
The Big “C”: Conservative Judaism and Contemporary Issues
Avot with Avi
The Meaning of Prayer
On Law and Lore: Intro to Talmud
Jammin’ with Jeremiah
Get your Bar/Bat Mitzvah on with Reform Chaverah
Last semester these were organized by Chabad (rabbi@chabadoncampus.org):
Jewish Medical Ethics
Contemporary Jewish Law
Fra-Torah (Torah for Greek students)
Brunch and Learn
Chasidic Philosophy
The Rabbi is in (Ask-the-rabbi)
Biblical Women through Modern Eyes: a Deeper Perspective (with Chana
Novack)
Got Talmud?
Again, you are encouraged to approach Rabbi Avi Orlow and/or Rabbi Hershey Novack about customizing a class.
A few students learn Talmud at the St. Louis Kollel (10 minute drive) during the week. Contact Jordy Whisler (student: 847-757-6531).
IF YOU WANT A COMPREHENSIVE “INTRO TO JUDAISM” CLASS, learn about the Maimonides Leaders Fellowship (www.leadersfellowship.com). There is a stipend for participants. Contact Alex Sigal (student: asigal@wustl.edu).
Of course you can learn with a friend on your own time. Both Hillel and the Olin Library (bottom floor) contain a lot of excellent Jewish books and sfarim.