Frequently Asked Questions about Jewish Life at Elon

What is the Jewish community like at Elon? How large is the Jewish population?

Approximately 350 Jewish students attend Elon University. The Jewish community is vibrant and growing. Students gather for regular functions and support each other in a family environment.  Elon Jewish students come from a wide range of backgrounds;  some come from families with one Jewish parent, some come from families with two Jewish parents; some come from homes that have made Judaism a vital part of family life and some come from families that don't practice Judaism at all. And all are welcome at Elon Hillel! There are also Jewish faculty and staff who are actively involved in Elon Hillel.

What kinds of activities does Hillel sponsor?

Elon Hillel offers social, cultural, educational, religious and community service events. The Hillel Board of 18 students offers at least one program each week in addition to a Kabbalat Shabbat program each Friday. The most popular activities are monthly bagel brunches, Hanukkah Party, Lunch 'n Learn programs, Jewish-Christian dialogues, Shabbat at Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill, Passover seder, building the sukkah, Purim and Shabbat dinners. All events are planned by students.

What’s it like to be Jewish at Elon?

Many Elon students either know a great deal about Judaism or want to know more. The university's connection to the UCC does not make the campus particularly Christian. In fact, the university's chaplains are among the greatest supporters of Elon Hillel and are very sensitive to Jewish students' needs. Are there people on campus ignorant of Jewish culture? Sure. But Elon is a campus focused on community, pluralism and learning from diversity. And Jewish students feel comfortable and supported here.

Is there Kosher food on campus?

There is no Kosher facility on campus. There are many vegetarians and vegans at Elon University, and Elon Dining Services provides excellent options for them. Our recent discussions on the future of Jewish life at Elon have included the need for a Hillel facility with a Kosher-style kitchen. During Passover, the main dining halls serve matzoh and one non-chametz main dish at every meal.

What’s it like to celebrate Jewish holidays on campus?

Hillel usually gathers for all major Jewish holidays. High Holy Day services are held on campus each year.   For Passover, we host two seders.  We also offer free Kosher-for-Passover meals every day for lunch and dinner.  We know it's hard to be away from home during the holidays, so we try to create that family feeling here on campus with our own traditions for Break the Fast, Sukkot, Tu B'Shvat, Hanukkah, Purim, Yom Hashoah and more. 

Is there a Hillel House at Elon?

Very preliminary planning is underway to convert an existing Elon building into a Hillel Center (House), with an opening date in 2013.  Elon Hillel activities occur throughout campus.