Just as everyone at Milken celebrates and practices Judaism differently so do students on college campuses across the country. College admission offices may have only limited information to offer concerning Jewish life on campus. Therefore it is recommended that you contact the Hillel chapter or Jewish student union at each college and university that you are considering. Most college campuses offer at least some resources that will enable you to build on the foundation of your Milken experience in developing and celebrating your Judaism.
To find the appropriate environment for you, ask the following questions:
On Academics
Are Jewish Studies courses available?
Will I be able to major/minor in Jewish Studies?
Are provisions made for students who are unable to attend classes or take tests for religious and
high holiday observance?
Are there opportunities to study Hebrew?
On the Jewish Population
What is the overall Jewish population on campus?
Is the Jewish population pluralistic?
Is there a Hillel or Jewish student union?
On the Availability of Kosher Food
Are kosher options available in the dining hall?
Are there residence halls with kosher kitchens?
Are there stores near campus where I can buy kosher products?
On Residence Life
Are dorm rules strict or lenient?
Is single-sex housing available?
Is there a substance free dorm?
Are there restrictions on candle use for religious purposes in dorms?
Is there a bayit (off campus Jewish thematic housing)?
On Study Abroad in Israel
Can I defer my admission if I decide on a gap year in Israel before I go to college?
Is there an instituionally-sponsored opportunity to study abroad in Israel during my junior year?
On Worship and Religious Practice
Is there an opportunity for daily prayer on or near campus?
Do Shabbat services take place on Friday nights? On Saturdays?
Is there a synagogue near campus? (Is it within walking distance?)
Do local synagogues welcome students for holidays?
On Social Life...
Do students gather for a Shabbat meal on Friday night?
What types of programming are available through the Hillel or Jewish student union?
On Campus Interactions
Have there been recent incidences of anti-Semitism or discrimination on your campus?
Are there opportuniites for multicultural and ecumenical interaction?
On Tikkun Olam
What types of service and social action opportunities are available through the Hillel or Jewish
student union?
What types of service and social action opportunities are available through other organizations
on campus?
What types of service and social action opportunities are available in the community/city/town?
USEFUL RESOURCES ON JEWISH LIFE AT COLLEGE
Websites
Hillel Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Los Angeles Hillel Council
Kesher: Connecting Reform Jews on Campus
Reform Judaism Magazine Fall 2007 College Issue
KOACH: Your Center for Conservative Judaism on Campus
BBYO's College Website
Kedma International Student Organization for the Orthodox Movement
Guidebooks
The Jewish Student's Guide to American Colleges by Dr. Lee and Lana Goldberg
Jewish U: A Contemporary Guide for the Jewish College Student by Scott Aaron
Choosing a College: A Guide for Observant Students by Rabbi Joseph Polak