Q: How many Jewish students are at Amherst?
A: There are approximately 200 Jewish students at Amherst, which is 10% of the overall student population.
Q: I'm not very religious, is there a place for me at Hillel?
A: Hillel is the main Jewish organization on campus, and we welcome everybody, including non-Jewish students.
Q: I come from a very observant Jewish background, is there a place for me at Hillel?
A: Hillel is the main Jewish organization on campus, and we welcome everybody. Observant students also attend the Modern Orthodox community at UMass Hillel (OU-JLIC) or Chabad which are a short walk from campus.
Students are welcome at local synagogues in Amherst and Northampton (reachable on the B43 Pvta bus.
Q: Is there kosher food on campus?
A: Amherst Dining provides a Kosher for Passover meal plan and Kosher High Holiday meals and can order Kosher meals for students upon request. As of Spring 2023 plans, the soon-to-be-constructed Student Center and Dining Commons will have Kosher Dining opening in 2026. We are very excited for the changes this will bring to Jewish life at Amherst.
Q: How can I get involved in Hillel?
A: We host weekly Shabbat dinners, which everyone on campus is invited to attend. Additionally, you can speak with members of the Hillel E-board and our chaplain to learn more about other programming we have and more ways to get involved in the community.
Q: What is Shabbat like at Amherst?
A: Each week, we host a Shabbat dinner with food from local restaurants. We begin the meal by saying blessings on grape juice, candles and in a unique Amherst tradition, we all join together to say the hamotzi. Some weeks, Havdalah is held on campus. Starting in Spring 2023, we join students and young professionals for services and dinner the first Friday of the month at the Jewish Community of Amherst (a synagogue located a twenty minute walk from campus).
Q: What are other holiday observances and celebrations like at Amherst?
A: We host high holiday services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and build a Sukkah on the First-Year Quad. We also have a special Chanukah celebration. For Purim, we host an annual Latke vs. Hamentaschen debate, with Amherst College professors making arguments on both sides. On Passover, we host two seders and have Kosher for Passover food set up in Val (the dining hall). If you have any questions specific to any holiday, email our chaplain or one of the E-Board members.
Q: Can prospective students visit Amherst and stay overnight with a Jewish student?
A: Prospective students wishing to spend a night at Amherst and attend some of Hillel's programs can email our chaplain to make arrangements. (Note: This has been suspended indefinately due to Covid regulations)
Q: Is there a rabbi on campus?
A: Yes! We have a Jewish Chaplain and Hillel Director. You can make an appointment, visit during office hours, or send an email to learn more about Jewish life at Amherst.
Q: What is the policy regarding religious holidays and missing classes?
A: Each semester Religious and Spiritual Life creates an email about religious holidays that impact the life of the college (such as the High Holidays when students might miss classes or Passover accomodations at events serving food) which is sent to all students, faculty, and staff. The Student Handbook includes a “Policy on Observance of Religious Holidays” that says the following: "Amherst College respects the rights of all members of the community to observe religious holidays. It is expected that everyone will cooperate in making this right a real one. Students and faculty, in particular, should seek ways of achieving this goal, while at the same time minimizing interruptions of the academic work of the College." More information can be found on the Religious and Spiritual Life holiday page. Students should contact our chaplain with any issues.
Q: Where can I find more information about the surrounding Jewish community?
A: Through the Five College Kupah we are a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Here is a list of newrby Jewish institutions
Q: Where can I find Hillel on social media?
A: Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram Current students are also connected through GroupMe. Contact the Hillel E-Board for more information.