American University's Jewish Student Population: How Many?

American University in Washington, D.C., is home to a vibrant Jewish community. The university has a higher Jewish population than the average college, with Hillel—a national Jewish campus organization—ranking it as the 12th most Jewish private college in the nation. AU Hillel, the centre of Jewish student life on campus, provides a host of opportunities for Jewish students to explore and express their Jewish identities, including student-led Shabbat services and dinners every Friday night, as well as High Holiday services and Passover Seders. The university also offers several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, as well as other Jewish student groups such as the Jewish Student Association, catering to the diverse interests of its Jewish students.

Hillel ranks AU 12th for Jewish students

Hillel, a national Jewish campus organisation, has ranked American University (AU) 12th for Jewish students among private colleges in the US. With 1,780 Jewish students, or 25% of the undergraduate population, AU has one of the largest Jewish populations of any private school in the country.

AU Hillel is the centre of Jewish student life on campus. It provides numerous entry points to Jewish life and facilitates hundreds of programs each year, supporting the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students. AU Hillel's focus areas include the First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) peer mentorship program, the annual Fall Retreat, and diverse activities throughout the year to help students make Jewish friends. They also host weekly Shabbat services and dinners, as well as holiday celebrations throughout the year, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover Seders.

AU Hillel also has a full-time Israel Fellow who engages students in programs about Israel and supports several Israel-focused student organisations. Over 65+ students travel to Israel each year on Hillel's Birthright Israel trips. In addition, Hillel facilitates on- and off-campus volunteer projects and offers opportunities for students to explore social justice issues through a Jewish lens, including an annual spring break service trip.

AU also has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, such as Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. The Jewish Student Association is another student-led, non-denominational group devoted to social, religious, and cultural enrichment, with events such as a Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show.

AU's vibrant Jewish community has gained recognition beyond the Hillel rankings, also appearing on ReformJudaismMag.org’s Top 60 Schools Jews Choose list. This reputation is due in part to AU's commitment to supporting each student's pursuit of their beliefs, with an interfaith chapel on campus housing chaplains from two dozen faith groups.

AU's Jewish community

The Jewish community at AU is centred around AU Hillel, which seeks to engage all Jewish students, regardless of their background. Hillel offers hundreds of programs each year to support the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students. This includes weekly Shabbat services and dinners, holiday celebrations, educational programs such as text study groups, and Israel-focused initiatives, with over 65 students travelling to Israel annually on Birthright trips. Hillel also facilitates volunteer projects and provides opportunities for students to explore social justice issues through a Jewish lens, including a Spring Service Experience abroad.

In addition to Hillel, AU has several other Jewish student groups, including the Jewish Student Association, a non-denominational group focused on the social, religious, and cultural enrichment of Jewish students. There are also fraternities and sororities with Jewish affiliations, such as Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau.

AU's commitment to supporting each student's pursuit of their beliefs extends beyond the Jewish community. The university's interfaith chapel houses chaplains from two dozen faith groups, fostering an inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Jewish Student Association

The Jewish Student Association (JSA) is a student-led, non-denominational group at American University, Washington, DC, devoted to social, religious, and cultural enrichment. The JSA is focused on the social aspects of Jewish campus life and seeks to build a strong sense of community among AU's Jewish student population.

The JSA organises a range of events and programs to foster a sense of community, including annual Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show. These events provide opportunities for Jewish students to connect with each other and develop their own Jewish "home away from home".

In addition to the JSA, there are several other Jewish student groups at AU, including AU Hillel, which is the centre of Jewish student life on campus. Hillel seeks to engage all Jewish students, regardless of their background, and help them explore and express their Jewish identities in meaningful ways. Hillel hosts weekly Shabbat services and dinners, as well as holiday celebrations throughout the year. It also offers mentorship programs, Israel engagement programs, volunteer projects, and leadership development opportunities.

AU also has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau. These organisations provide additional opportunities for social connection and community building for Jewish students.

Overall, American University is recognised as one of the top choices for Jewish students, offering a vibrant and well-rounded Jewish community that supports the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of its members.

Jewish student enrolment

Hillel

AU Hillel, the centre of Jewish student life on campus, seeks to engage all Jewish students, regardless of their background. Hillel offers hundreds of programs each year to support the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students. This includes the First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) peer mentorship program, the annual Fall Retreat, weekly Shabbat services and dinners, holiday celebrations, educational programs such as a text study group, and LGBTQ Jewish discussion groups. Hillel also facilitates volunteer projects and provides opportunities for students to explore social justice issues through a Jewish lens. In addition, Hillel offers internships, volunteer leadership roles, and mentorship opportunities to prepare students for leadership roles within and beyond the Jewish community.

Jewish Student Association (JSA)

The JSA is a student-led, non-denominational group dedicated to the social, religious, and cultural enrichment of Jewish students at AU. The JSA organises events and programs that focus on the social aspects of Jewish campus life and aim to build a strong sense of community. Annual events include a Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show.

AU Students for Israel (AUSFI)

AUSFI is a student group dedicated to increasing awareness of Israel on campus and in the greater DC area. AUSFI educates the campus community about Israel and promotes a positive image of the country through its culture, history, and global significance. The group also advocates for Israel and organises opportunities for political involvement. AUSFI events include concerts, film screenings, and panel discussions that appeal to the diverse AU student body.

Other Jewish Student Groups

In addition to Hillel, JSA, and AUSFI, there are several other Jewish student groups at AU, including the Jewish Law Student Association, ReJEWvenate (LGBTQ Jews), Mishelanu (Hebrew Speakers), Russian Speaking Jews, and Ten Li Tunes (an a cappella group).

Jewish-Affiliated Fraternities and Sororities

AU also has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities: Alpha Epsilon Phi (sorority), Alpha Epsilon Pi (fraternity), Sigma Delta Tau (sorority), and Zeta Beta Tau (fraternity).

Jewish identity and culture

History and Traditions

Jewish identity is steeped in history and traditions, both religious and secular. Observing spiritual and ritual tenets of Judaism, such as weekly Shabbat services and dinners, holiday celebrations like Passover Seders, and following religious customs like dietary laws, play a significant role in shaping Jewish identity. Additionally, shared memories of historical events and heroes, as narrated in sacred books like the Hebrew Bible, contribute to a collective Jewish identity.

Community and Connection

Jewish identity is closely tied to the Jewish community and a sense of belonging. This includes connections with other Jews, both locally and globally, as well as a sense of solidarity and responsibility towards fellow Jews. Jewish community organizations, such as fraternities, sororities, and student associations, play a vital role in fostering these connections and providing a "home away from home" for Jewish students.

Culture and Expression

Jewish culture encompasses a rich tapestry of customs, daily rituals, popular culture, intellectual life, historical preservation, and the arts. Film festivals, klezmer concerts, fiction, and theatre are all examples of how Jewish culture is expressed and experienced. Additionally, synagogues themselves are considered great centres of Jewish culture, where traditions and rituals intersect with community and spirituality.

Personal Interpretation

Jewish identity can vary from person to person. For some, it may be primarily religious, while for others, it may be more cultural or ethnic. Individuals may choose to express their Jewish identity through participation in religious rituals, engagement in Jewish culture, involvement in the Jewish community, or a combination of these aspects.

Influence of Antisemitism

According to social psychologists and religious leaders, antisemitism also plays a role in shaping Jewish identity. Right-wing antisemitism, often rooted in white supremacy, and left-wing antisemitism, which views Jews as part of the white race, both contribute to a sense of otherness and exclusion that can influence how Jews perceive themselves and their place in society.

Frequently asked questions