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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 (12.7%*) 6,391 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
700 Jewish Students (6.6%*) 10,624 Students
*Percent of population
Anti-Israel Student Government or BDS Resolution
None
Anti-Israel Encampment, Spring 2024
No
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.
We are both Hillel directors and parents: Joyce’s son is starting college this fall, while Betsy’s daughter graduated in May. Our experiences give us insight into the worries parents have about whether their children will connect and thrive as Jewish students in the coming year.
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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