Explore Jewish Life at Duke

Jewish Life at Duke, in the simplest of terms, serves as home away from home for students; we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming community for students to explore their identity, celebrate their culture, and engage with Judaism in a real and tangible way. With a strong population of driven and devoted students, Jewish Life at Duke offers an ever-expanding breadth of opportunities for students both on campus, and off. We are a tight-knit, diverse and inclusive community who benefit from the shared and learned experiences of one another. An accredited Hillel as well as a department within Duke University's Division of Student Affairs, Jewish Life at Duke is guided by a mission to empower Jewish students to learn and grow intellectually and spiritually; to inspire and nurture personal paths to Jewish identity; and to cultivate community and friendship. Comprising the Freeman Center for Jewish Life and the Rubenstein-Silvers Hillel, JLD takes a pluralistic approach to Judaism to ensure that all Jewish students, regardless of affiliation, are welcome and included.

Undergraduate Enrollment

810 Jewish Students (12.3%*)
6,570 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

700 Jewish Students (6.2%*)
11,384 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience

Kosher Dining

Kosher dining is on the university meal plan. Dinner is available on Monday through Thursday with Shabbat dinner provided free of charge at the Heyman Dining Hall in the Freeman Center for Jewish Life. Grab-n-go kosher options are available on campus throughout the week. Special home-style kosher holiday meals are available during the High Holidays and kosher for Passover breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served throughout the Passover holiday.

Religious Services

One egalitarian service incorporating a variety of melodies and customs, followed by a free, kosher Shabbat dinner.

Frequency: Friday night only

Additional Campus Information

  • Private/Public Private
  • Acceptance Rate 8%
  • U.S. Region South
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $60,435
  • Tuition Out-of-State $60,435
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 87% / 10%
  • Greek Life Yes

The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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