College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, right? But if you’re Jewish and looking to stay connected to your roots while navigating dorm life, dining halls, and way too many philosophy classes, it can feel pretty overwhelming. Don’t worry – you’re not alone in this. Thousands of Jewish students figure out how to build meaningful community on campus every year, and you can too.
Why Jewish Community Matters in College
You might be thinking “We’ll just focus on studies and figure out the Jewish stuff later.” But here’s the thing – college is when most of us start choosing who we want to be, separate from our families and hometowns. Having a Jewish community during this time isn’t just about bagels and Hebrew prayers (though those are nice too).
Studies show that students with strong cultural communities perform better and report higher satisfaction with their college experience.
Plus, these connections often last way beyond graduation. Some of the best friendships, business partnerships, and even romantic relationships start through Jewish activities in college. Others discovered that their gap year experiences in Israel through programs like Masa had prepared them to be leaders in Jewish campus life, giving them stories and perspectives that drew other students to them.
7 Best Ways to Connect with Jewish Students on Campus
Join Your Campus Hillel Chapter
Most college Hillels are nothing like what you experienced growing up. Each campus has its own vibe – some are super laid-back and cultural, others are more traditional, and many offer everything from cooking classes to social justice programming.
The easiest way to test the waters? Show up to a Shabbat dinner. Most Hillels do free Friday night dinners, and it’s the lowest commitment way to meet people. You eat some decent food, meet other Jewish students, and if it’s weird, you never have to go back.
Pro tip: Don’t judge based on one event. Many students almost write off their campus Hillel after a particularly awkward icebreaker game, but end up loving their alternative break trips and discussion groups.
Explore Jewish Greek Life Organizations
If you’re even slightly interested in Greek life, Jewish fraternities and sororities can be amazing. Organizations like Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) for guys and Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) for women combine all the social aspects you want from Greek life with Jewish values and traditions.
The rush process is usually similar to other Greek organizations, but you’ll find people who get your background without explanation. They understand why you can’t eat the pepperoni pizza, why you disappear for Jewish holidays, and why your mom calls every Friday before Shabbat.
Even if you join a non-Jewish fraternity or sorority, many campuses have informal Jewish Greek groups that get together for holidays or cultural events.
Take Jewish Studies Courses
This one’s underrated, but taking Jewish Studies classes can connect you with some of the most interesting people on campus. Whether it’s Modern Hebrew, Jewish History, or Middle Eastern Politics, these courses attract students who are genuinely curious about Jewish culture and history.
Plus, Jewish Studies professors often become great mentors. They usually know about opportunities for fellowships, study abroad programs, and internships that you wouldn’t hear about otherwise.
Taking a class on Jewish Literature can lead to study groups that turn into real friendships. There’s something different about bonding over Kafka and Roth compared to just meeting at a party.
Connect with Local Synagogues and Jewish Centers
Most college towns have local Jewish communities that love having students around. Young people bring energy, and many synagogues have specific programming for college students.
Whether you grew up Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, or somewhere in between, there’s probably a local synagogue that fits your comfort level. Many offer free or cheap High Holiday tickets for students, Friday night dinners, and social events.
Local Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) often run young adult programs too. These can be great for meeting Jewish professionals in the area and getting involved in community service projects.
Join Jewish Student Organizations Beyond Hillel
Hillel isn’t the only game in town. Many campuses have Chabad houses, which tend to be more traditional but super welcoming. Even if you’re not Orthodox, Chabad usually has great programming and some of the best Jewish food on campus.
Look for other Jewish cultural organizations, Israel advocacy groups, or even Jewish professional societies if you’re in business, pre-med, or other specific fields. These smaller groups often have tighter communities and focus on specific interests.
Participate in Jewish Service and Social Justice Groups
If social justice is your thing, Jewish service organizations can be perfect. Many campuses have groups focused on tikkun olam – repairing the world – through a Jewish lens. These might focus on environmental issues, poverty, racial justice, or other causes.
Alternative break trips through Jewish organizations are also incredible. You get to do meaningful service work while traveling with other Jewish students. It’s a mini-retreat that builds real friendships.
Leverage Study Abroad and Gap Year Connections
Here’s something that gives certain students a huge advantage – if you spent time in Israel through gap year or study abroad programs, you’re sitting on a goldmine of connections you might not even realize you have.
Students who did programs like Masa Israel Journey often arrive on campus with a completely different confidence level about their Jewish identity. They’ve lived Judaism as a daily reality – shopping in Hebrew, celebrating Shabbat in Jerusalem, working alongside Israelis – rather than just experiencing it on weekends or holidays.
But here’s the cool part: Masa alumni end up at colleges all across America, and when you find each other, there’s this instant connection. You both know what it’s like to navigate the shuk in Jerusalem, survive your first Israeli bureaucracy experience, or feel that moment when Hebrew suddenly clicks. These shared experiences create friendships that feel deeper from day one.
Masa alumni often become the core organizers of Jewish life on their campuses. They come back with stories, confidence, and a network of friends doing similar things at schools nationwide. They’re the ones starting new traditions, organizing alternative break trips to Israel, and helping other students think about their own Jewish journeys.
What to Do If Your Campus Has Limited Jewish Options
Not every school has a thriving Jewish community, and that’s fine. If you’re at a smaller school or in a rural area, you might need to get creative.
Start by reaching out to whatever Jewish resources do exist, even if they seem small. Sometimes there are other Jewish students who just haven’t found each other yet. Consider starting your own informal group – even just a monthly dinner or study group can grow into something bigger.
Look into online Jewish communities specifically for college students. Organizations like BBYO have alumni networks that can help connect you with other Jewish students in your area.
Also, don’t forget about nearby schools. If there’s a larger university within driving distance, their Jewish community might welcome students from smaller colleges for events.
Tips for Different Types of Jewish Students
For Orthodox Students
Finding kosher food and a minyan can be challenging, but most schools are getting better at accommodating religious students. Contact the dining services early to discuss kosher meal plans, and connect with the campus rabbi or Chabad house about daily and Shabbat services.
Many Orthodox students find that being open about their needs helps them connect with others. Non-Jewish students are often curious and respectful when you explain your practices, and you might be surprised by how accommodating professors and administrators can be.
For Reform and Cultural Jews
If you’re more culturally Jewish than religiously observant, look for programming that focuses on Jewish history, culture, and values rather than religious services. Many Hillels have “culturally Jewish” programming that includes everything from Jewish comedy nights to discussions about Jewish identity in modern America.
Don’t feel like you have to be more religious to fit in with Jewish groups. Most college Jewish communities are pretty inclusive and meet you where you are.
For Interfaith Students and Converts
Navigating Jewish community when you’re interfaith or a convert can feel tricky, but most college Jewish communities are welcoming. Be upfront about your background – you’ll often find that other students have similar experiences or are curious to learn from yours.
Many campuses have specific programming for interfaith students or those exploring conversion. These smaller groups can provide the support and understanding you need while you figure out your place in the broader Jewish community.
Building Lasting Jewish Friendships in College
Here’s the real talk – showing up to events isn’t enough. You have to put yourself out there and be intentional about building relationships. That means following up with people you meet, suggesting coffee dates, and saying yes to invitations even when you’d rather stay in your dorm.
Jewish holidays are perfect friendship-building opportunities. Invite people over for Rosh Hashanah dinner, organize a group to go to Yom Kippur services, or host a Passover Seder in your dorm. These shared experiences create bonds that last way beyond college.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Being visibly Jewish on campus isn’t always easy. You might encounter ignorance, antisemitism, or just awkward questions about your beliefs and practices. Having a strong Jewish community gives you people who understand these challenges and can offer support.
Campus discussions about Israel and Palestine can be particularly intense. Having Jewish friends who you can process these conversations with is invaluable. You don’t all have to agree on everything, but having that shared cultural understanding makes difficult topics more manageable.
Looking Ahead: Resources for Jewish College Students
Organizations like Hillel International, BBYO, and AIPAC offer scholarships, internships, and leadership opportunities specifically for Jewish students. Many also have post-graduation programs that help you find Jewish community in whatever city you end up in after college.
If you’re interested in deepening your connection to Israel and Judaism, programs like Masa Israel Journey offer transformative experiences that often become turning points in students’ Jewish identity development. Whether it’s a summer internship, semester abroad, or gap year experience, many students find that time in Israel gives them the confidence and clarity to become Jewish leaders on their campuses when they return.
These aren’t just resume-builders – they’re life-changers. Students consistently report that their Israel experiences helped them understand what Jewish community means and gave them the tools to build it wherever they go.
Travel to Israel with Masa: Deepen Your Jewish Journey
If you’re reading this and thinking “We want that deeper Jewish identity and community,” but you’re not sure how to get there on your own campus, here’s something to consider: taking time for an immersive Jewish experience in Israel.
Masa Israel Journey offers programs specifically designed for college students and recent graduates aged 18-30. Whether you’re looking for a summer internship in Tel Aviv’s startup scene, a semester studying at Hebrew University, or a gap year volunteering with Israeli communities, there’s probably a program that fits your interests and timeline.
Here’s what makes Masa different: you’re not just visiting Israel as a tourist. You’re living there, working or studying alongside Israelis, and building relationships with other young Jewish adults from around the world. Students consistently tell us that their Masa experience gave them the confidence and clarity about their Jewish identity that made building community back on campus so much easier.
Plus, the network you build during a Masa program becomes a resource for life. Alumni often reconnect on college campuses, in graduate programs, and in cities around the world. It’s having an instant Jewish community wherever you go.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our programs at masaisrael.org. We have everything from 2-month summer programs to full academic years, with financial assistance available for most participants.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose to explore Judaism through campus activities, study abroad, or immersive programs like Masa, the important thing is taking that first step. Your future self – and your Jewish community – will thank you for it.
Finding Jewish community in college takes some effort, but it’s so worth it. You’ll graduate with friendships that last decades, a stronger sense of your own identity, and connections that help you both personally and professionally.
Don’t wait until junior year to get involved. Start exploring your options early, try different types of programming, and be open to communities that might look different from what you grew up with. Your college years are the perfect time to figure out what Jewish community means to you as an adult.
And remember – there’s no wrong way to be Jewish in college. Whether you find your community through religious services, cultural programming, social justice work, or just studying Hebrew together, the important thing is finding what feels authentic to you and building relationships that support your growth during these crucial years.
