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JEWISH LIFE AT WESLEYAN

The Jewish community at Wesleyan, like the Wesleyan community, is a diverse group of students from a wide variety of backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the range religious, educational, cultural, political, and social activities offered by the various Jewish Student organizations and by Rabbi David, the Jewish Chaplain. Individuals choose to what extent and in what ways they will be involved in Jewish life and those who do participate are under no pressure to conform to any particular style of Jewish expression. The input and creativity of all members of the community are always welcomed by the various Jewish student organizations.

The Havurah

Often referred to as the "umbrella" Jewish student organization, the Havurah is responsible for coordinating a variety of social, cultural, and educational programs, and for publicizing Jewish events and matters of interest to all students who have identified themselves as members of the Jewish community. Every semester a group of committed students works hard to fulfill these responsibilities, and two or three contact people are available to answer questions and listen to concerns or ideas.

Shabbat

The Bayit provides a comfortable space for a number of Jewish activities, including some that occur weekly. Every Friday evening, a Shabbat program provides opportunities for prayer, discussion, singing, dinner, and socializing. Services of various styles, which begin at 6:15 p.m., always include a stimulating discussion on a relevant topic, and services are followed by a homemade kosher dinner (beginning at around 7:30), which ends with lively singing. Students are encouraged to participate in the conceptualizing and leading of these services which also occur with every Jewish holiday. If you are interested in leading services, contact Rabbi David Leipziger Teva., the Jewish Chaplain at x2278. Traditional Shabbat morning services are held at 9:30 am. at Congregation Adath Israel (Church & Broad Street). The Havdalah group meets weekly in student dorms/homes to end Shabbat

The Bayit

Centrally located at 157 Church Street, the Bayit is Wesleyan’s Jewish ethno-cultural house. Home to 22 students, the Bayit opens its doors to any member of the community wishing to use its kosher kitchen or library, hold a Jewish group meeting or event, or just hang out. In addition to these events, the Bayit houses regular meetings of the Havurah and of other Jewish student organizations. 

The New Renovated Kosher Kitchen

Located in the Dining room basement of "Butterfield A" dormitory, kosher meals are served for lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday (Friday lunch only; dinner is prepared in the Bayit following Shabbat services by the student Co-Op). Wesleyan students can use their student meal card for meals and/or points; guest can pay cash per meal. No reservations needed. Anyone interested in kosher meals on the weekend is welcome to use the kosher facilities located in the Bayit (157 Church Street).

Starting in the Fall of 2007, please look for the new Jewish Student Life Dining Facility in the new Usdan Lemberg Campus Center.

Jewish Cooking/Shabbat Co-op

 On Friday afternoons, students cook meals to be served at Shabbat dinner (both meat and vegetarian options). There is a togetherness in cooking and it's lot of fun to cook for the enjoyment of the whole community. Students take turns volunteering for the Co-op. Don't worry if you are not Julia Child. To sign up contact Rachel Berger at rberger@wesleyan.edu

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To sign up contact Rachel Berger at rberger@wesleyan.edu

Hebrew Conversation Group

Come to Shulchan Ivri, the Hebrew speaking conversation group. It meets every Friday from 12-1 in the Kosher Kitchen (Butterfield A-Basement).

The Jewish Chaplain

More information about any group or program can be obtained from the Jewish Chaplain, Rabbi David Leipziger Teva.. You may contact him at: dleipziger@wesleyan.edu, or at 860-685-2278. Or just stop by 169 High Street, University’s Chaplain’s Office, Second Floor, Room 208.

Rabbi David is also available for individualized study and counseling.

The Email List

If you would like to be get info and updates on Jewish events on campus, or receive our weekly email contact Rabbi David Leipziger Teva. at dleipziger@wesleyan.edu or 860-685-2278.