Jewish Student Presence At Auburn University: How Many?

Auburn University is home to a small but vibrant Jewish community, with Hillel, the Jewish student group on campus, estimating around 100-125 Jewish students out of a total undergraduate population of 25,732 (or 0.4%). Hillel at Auburn University serves as a social group, bringing together graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and the wider Auburn/Opelika Jewish community. The group meets once or twice a month at the Student Union for discussions, videos, and socialising, and also celebrates Jewish holidays and important cultural events together, such as Rosh Hashanah dinner and a community Seder.

Auburn University's Jewish student group Hillel estimates there are 125 Jewish students at the university

Auburn University's Jewish student group, Hillel, estimates that there are 125 Jewish students at the university. This includes both undergraduate and graduate students, several of whom have family in Israel. Hillel is a student-driven organisation that aims to foster Jewish culture at Auburn University. The group meets at the Student Union once or twice a month for discussions, videos, and socialising. Hillel at Auburn University functions predominantly as a social group, giving students a means to meet others in the Auburn area and become part of the Auburn/Opelika Jewish community.

Hillel at Auburn University is part of the Auburn Multicultural Centre and partners with other student organisations to host social events. The group also celebrates Jewish holidays, from Rosh Hashanah dinner to a community Seder. Students are welcome to participate in discussion groups and adult education classes conducted by the local rabbi.

The Jewish community at Auburn University is relatively small, but it is important that the community stands behind Jewish people, especially during challenging times such as the Israel-Hamas conflict. Members of the Auburn Jewish community have expressed concern over some pro-Palestinian protests, fearing that they sometimes appeared to support the acts of terror committed by Hamas rather than showing support for Israel.

Liana Shapiro, a junior in economics and president of Hillel at Auburn University, emphasised that the conflict is not between Israel and Palestine, but between Israel and Hamas. She noted that Hamas has put innocent Palestinians at risk and that Israel is willing to help Palestinian civilians if Hamas releases its hostages. Shapiro also highlighted the issue of misinformation about the war, citing examples of false narratives spread on social media. She expressed her desire for the Auburn community to be educated on the subject and urged people to avoid spreading misinformation.

In conclusion, Auburn University's Jewish student group, Hillel, plays an important role in fostering Jewish culture and community at the university. The group provides a space for Jewish students to connect, socialise, and celebrate their culture. With an estimated 125 Jewish students at Auburn University, Hillel works to ensure that Jewish students feel supported and included on campus.

The Hillel group meets at the Student Union once or twice a month

Auburn University's Hillel group, also known as Hillel at Auburn or Auburn Hillel, meets at the Student Union once or twice a month. This student-driven organisation fosters Jewish culture at Auburn University and is supported by the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence. Hillel at Auburn is a participating member of the Auburn Multicultural Centre and also partners with other student organisations to host social events.

The Hillel group meetings at the Student Union are a chance for students to come together for discussions, watch videos, and socialise. The group is open to all Jewish students at Auburn University, of which there are around 100 to 125, making up approximately 0.4% of the student population. The Hillel group also welcomes Auburn University faculty and staff, members of Congregation Beth Shalom, and the wider Auburn community.

The Hillel group is just one way in which Jewish students at Auburn University can connect with their culture and each other. The group celebrates Jewish holidays together, such as Rosh Hashanah dinner and a community Seder. Students can also participate in discussion groups and adult education classes conducted by the local rabbi.

In addition to social events and holiday celebrations, Hillel at Auburn also functions as a support system for Jewish students. For example, in the wake of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, Hillel provided a space for Jewish students, some of whom had family in Israel, to share their thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the future.

Auburn University's Jewish community celebrates Jewish Holy Days

Auburn University's Jewish community, comprising around 100 students, or 0.4% of the student population, celebrates Jewish holidays together. The Jewish Student Organization/Hillel meets once or twice a month for discussions, videos, and socialising. They also celebrate holidays together, from Rosh Hashanah dinner to a community Seder.

Jewish holidays, or Yamim Tovim, are observed throughout the Hebrew calendar and include religious, cultural, and national elements. They are derived from biblical commandments, rabbinic mandates, the history of Judaism, and the State of Israel.

The High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are some of the most important celebrations in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated with a dinner, while Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a day of fasting and fervent prayer. Auburn University's Hillel group estimated that around 125 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students attend the university, and they come together to celebrate these important holidays.

Other significant Jewish holidays include Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the defeat of the occupying Syrian-Greek armies. There is also Passover, an eight-day festival that celebrates the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. During this holiday, Jews rid their homes of chametz (leavened food) and eat only unleavened items.

Shavuot is another important holiday, marking the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the end of the Counting of the Omer. It is traditional to eat dairy foods during Shavuot.

The Jewish community at Auburn University also celebrates Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, by having picnics, planting trees, and eating fruit. They commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, with memorials and dedications to those who perished.

While the Jewish community at Auburn University may seem small, it is an active and engaged group that comes together to celebrate Jewish holidays and support each other.

Auburn Hillel is a member of the Auburn Multicultural Center and partners with other student organisations to host social events

Auburn Hillel is a member of the Auburn Multicultural Center and works with other student organisations to host social events. The Jewish Student Organisation/Hillel meets at the Student Union once or twice a month for discussions, videos, and socialising. Students and faculty celebrate holidays together, such as Rosh Hashanah dinner and a community Seder. Students are also welcome to participate in discussion groups and adult education classes conducted by the local rabbi.

Auburn Hillel is a great place for Jewish students to connect with each other and celebrate their culture and religion. It is estimated that there are around 100 Jewish students out of 25,732 undergraduate students (0.4%) and 25 Jewish students out of 6,141 students (0.4%) at Auburn University. Auburn Hillel provides a sense of community and support for Jewish students on campus.

In addition to social events, Auburn Hillel also offers educational opportunities. The local rabbi leads discussion groups and adult education classes that are open to all students. This helps to create a well-rounded experience for Jewish students, combining social and academic aspects.

Auburn Hillel also works to address issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. They recognise the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. By partnering with other student organisations, Auburn Hillel contributes to a diverse and engaging campus community.

The organisation also plays an active role in celebrating Jewish holidays. For example, students come together to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and participate in a community Seder. These celebrations foster a sense of community and help students feel connected to their culture and traditions.

Overall, Auburn Hillel serves as a valuable resource for Jewish students at Auburn University. Through their partnership with the Auburn Multicultural Center and collaboration with other student organisations, they create a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the student experience. By offering social events, educational opportunities, and cultural celebrations, Auburn Hillel ensures that Jewish students feel represented and included on campus.

Auburn Hillel is supported by the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence

Auburn Hillel is an organisation that serves Auburn University. It is supported by the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence, which has a mission to work towards a more just and liberated world. The centre creates compassionate community spaces that foster identity development, critical consciousness, and collective innovation. Auburn Hillel enables students and faculty to celebrate Jewish holidays together, such as Rosh Hashanah dinner and a community Seder. Students can also participate in discussion groups and adult education classes conducted by the local rabbi. The Jewish Student Organisation/Hillel meets at the Student Union once or twice a month for discussions, videos, and socialising.

The Cross Cultural Center for Excellence guides its work using six values: Educational Excellence, Identity Exploration, Leadership Development, Black/African Diaspora, Volunteer Internship Program, and Compassionate Community Spaces. These values help to shape the work that the centre does in supporting Auburn Hillel.

Auburn Hillel is a valuable resource for Jewish students at Auburn University, providing them with a sense of community and a space to celebrate their culture and traditions. The organisation also contributes to the university's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It is essential for Jewish students to have a supportive environment where they can connect with their peers and continue their cultural and religious practices while on campus.

The Cross Cultural Center for Excellence's support for Auburn Hillel ensures that Jewish students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive during their time at Auburn University. This support includes providing spaces for students to gather, learn, and socialise, as well as fostering a sense of community and belonging. The centre's values of educational excellence, identity exploration, and leadership development align with the goals of Hillel, creating a collaborative and impactful environment for Jewish students on campus.

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