Savanna Hoffman
While I cannot find the exact number of Jewish students at American University, there are several student groups and campus activities that support Jewish student life. Hillel International ranked American University 12th for the highest Jewish student population, with 1,780 Jewish students or 25% of the undergraduate population. However, this ranking differs from statistics gathered from freshmen at AU, with only 12% identifying as Jewish on a survey. The average number of Jewish students at four-year institutions is 5.6%. AU Hillel is the center of Jewish student life on campus and seeks to engage all Jewish students through numerous entry points to Jewish life, including internships, volunteer leadership roles, mentorship programs, and fraternities and sororities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hillel ranking | 12th most Jewish private college in the nation |
| Number of Jewish students (Hillel estimate) | 1,780 |
| Percentage of Jewish students (Hillel estimate) | 25% |
| Number of Jewish students (Freshman Census survey) | 12% |
| AU's campus culture | Politically active |
| Jewish community | Strong |
| Jewish fraternities and sororities | Several |
| Jewish Student Association | Student-led, non-denominational group |
| AU Hillel | Center of Jewish student life on campus |
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What You'll Learn
Hillel ranks AU 12th for Jewish students
Hillel ranks American University (AU) 12th for Jewish students among colleges in the US. Hillel is a Jewish organisation that ranks colleges based on their Jewish student population. Hillel's rankings also take into account the Jewish resources available at each college.
AU Hillel is the centre of Jewish student life on campus. It engages Jewish students with varying backgrounds, helping them explore and express their Jewish identities in personally meaningful ways. Hillel hosts hundreds of programs each year, supporting the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students. These include the First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) peer mentorship program, the annual Fall Retreat, and weekly Shabbat services and dinners during the semester.
AU has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, such as Alpha Epsilon Phi. The Jewish Student Association is a student-led, non-denominational group devoted to social, religious, and cultural enrichment. It organises events and programs that focus on the social aspects of Jewish campus life, including an annual Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show.
AU's Jewish population is estimated to be between 12 and 25%, with some students feeling that the number of students who participate in Jewish activities is lower than the percentage portrayed. The campus Jewish community is a major draw for prospective Jewish students, with AU offering a strong Jewish Studies program and a unique centre for Israel Studies.
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25% of AU's undergrads are Jewish
While there are no recent figures, a 2011 article in The Eagle reported that 25% of American University's (AU) undergraduate population was Jewish. This placed AU 12th in the Hillel College Guide Magazine's ranking of the top private colleges in the US with the highest Jewish student populations.
The 25% estimate was calculated before Jason Beckendorf, director of AU Hillel, joined the university. Beckendorf could not explain how this figure was determined. The estimate differs from statistics gathered from freshmen at AU, with only 12% identifying as Jewish on a survey. However, over 36% of freshmen did not identify any religion on the survey, and not all freshmen filled it out. Beckendorf commented that it was clear that some of the 36% were Jewish, and that the discrepancy between the total number of Jewish students and those who routinely participate in Jewish activities is common across many schools.
AU Hillel is the center of Jewish student life on campus. It seeks to engage all Jewish students, regardless of their background, and help them explore and express their Jewish identities in meaningful ways. AU Hillel supports the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students through hundreds of programs each year, including mentorship programs, retreats, and activities. AU also has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, as well as a student-led Jewish Student Association.
The campus culture at AU has been described as cultivating the interests of many Jewish students, with its politically active environment and proximity to Jewish resources in Washington, D.C.
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AU freshman survey shows 12% are Jewish
The percentage of Jewish students at American University (AU) in Washington, DC, has been a topic of discussion and survey over the years. While the exact number may be difficult to pinpoint, a 2011 article in The Eagle reported on a discrepancy between different calculations of the Jewish student population at AU.
According to the article, Hillel, an organization that provides opportunities and support for Jewish students on campus, ranked AU as the 12th most Jewish private college in the nation. Hillel's ranking estimated that there were 1,780 Jewish students at AU, representing 25% of the undergraduate population. However, this estimate was questioned by some students who felt that the percentage of Jewish students who actively participated in Jewish activities might be lower.
On the other hand, a survey of AU freshmen, known as the Higher Education Research Institute Freshman Census, yielded different results. In this survey, only 12% of respondents identified as Jewish. It's important to note that over 36% of freshmen did not indicate any religious affiliation on the survey, and not all freshmen completed the survey. The director of AU Hillel, Jason Beckendorf, acknowledged that some of the students who did not indicate a religion were likely Jewish.
The discrepancy between the Hillel ranking and the freshman survey highlights the challenges in accurately determining the religious demographics of a student population. Factors such as participation rates in religious activities and the appeal of a campus's cultural environment can also influence how students perceive the representation of their religious groups.
AU has a variety of resources and organizations that cater to Jewish students and promote Jewish life on campus. AU Hillel, for instance, offers mentorship programs, social events, and religious services to engage Jewish students and help them explore their identities. The Jewish Student Association, a student-led group, also contributes to the vibrant Jewish community at AU by organizing social, religious, and cultural events throughout the year. These resources and organizations make AU an attractive choice for prospective Jewish students seeking a supportive and enriching campus environment.
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AU has a strong Jewish Studies program
American University in Washington, DC, has a strong Jewish Studies program with a variety of courses exploring different aspects of Jewish life and culture. The program is led by Dr. Pamela Nadell, who also created "Understanding Antisemitism: A Guide for the AU Community". The guide was written with the support of AU faculty, students, and staff, and covers various topics related to antisemitism, including its history, its impact on the image and self-image of America's Jews, and strategies to combat it, especially on extremist social media platforms.
The Jewish Studies Program at AU brings a diverse range of speakers to campus, including renowned scholars and artists, to deepen the understanding of Jewish culture and address contemporary issues. For instance, the series "Acts of Remembrance: Shaping Holocaust Memory in the 21st Century" featured speakers such as Ruth Franklin and Rebecca Frankel, offering different perspectives on Holocaust remembrance. The program also includes internships at world-class institutions like the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and various Jewish communal agencies in the nation's capital, providing students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of Jewish history and the challenges faced by the community.
AU's Jewish Studies curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including antisemitism, the Holocaust and its film and literature, Jewish comedy, politics (American, Jewish, and Israeli), the Bible, Jesus, and even learning Hebrew. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, with courses taught by a prize-winning faculty, including Dr. Michael Brenner and Dr. Julie Keresztes, who bring their expertise to enrich the understanding of Jewish civilizations.
The university also has a vibrant Jewish student community, with approximately 1,400 Jewish undergraduates, accounting for over 20% of the undergraduate population. AU Hillel plays a crucial role in fostering Jewish student life on campus, offering mentorship programs, social events, and spiritual development opportunities. The Jewish Student Association further enhances the social, religious, and cultural aspects of Jewish life on campus, organizing annual events like the Tu B'Shevat seder and Chanukah parties, fostering a sense of community among Jewish students.
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AU has Jewish fraternities and sororities
American University in Washington, DC, has approximately 1,400 Jewish undergraduates, making up over 20% of the undergraduate population. The centre of Jewish student life on campus is AU Hillel, which seeks to engage all Jewish students, regardless of their background, and help them explore and express their Jewish identities in meaningful ways.
AU has several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Epsilon Phi. The Jewish Student Association (JSA) is a student-led, non-denominational group devoted to social, religious, and cultural enrichment. It focuses on the social aspects of Jewish campus life and aims to build a strong sense of community among AU's Jewish students. The JSA organises annual events such as a Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show.
In addition to social events, Hillel provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities for students. The First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) peer mentorship programme and the annual Fall Retreat help Jewish students make friends and develop a sense of community within the university. Hillel also hosts weekly Shabbat services and dinners during the semester, as well as holiday celebrations throughout the year.
Through internships, volunteer leadership roles, and one-on-one mentorship, Hillel prepares students to be effective leaders within and beyond the Jewish community. AU Hillel supports the social, intellectual, and spiritual development of Jewish students, enriching their lives and enabling them to contribute positively to the Jewish people and the world.
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Frequently asked questions
According to Hillel, there are 1,780 Jewish students at American University, representing 25% of the undergraduate population. However, this ranking differs from statistics gathered from freshmen at AU, with only 12% identifying as Jewish.
Hillel International is an organization that seeks to engage all Jewish students and help them explore and express their Jewish identities. They publish an annual list of the top colleges with the highest Jewish student populations.
American University has a well-regarded Hillel chapter and a strong Jewish Studies program. There are also several Jewish-affiliated fraternities and sororities, as well as a student-led Jewish Student Association. The campus is politically active, which aligns with the interests of many Jewish students.
Hillel provides meaningful opportunities for Jewish students to connect with their culture and community. They offer internships, volunteer leadership roles, mentorship programs, and hundreds of social and cultural programs each year.
Yes, the Jewish Student Association (JSA) is a student-led, non-denominational group at American University. They focus on the social, religious, and cultural enrichment of Jewish students on campus and organize events such as a Tu B'Shevat seder, Chanukah and Purim parties, and a Beit Cafe talent show.
