Savanna Hoffman
The University of Maryland, College Park, has a large Jewish student population. Estimates vary, with some sources claiming there are 5,800 Jewish undergraduate students, while others state there are 6,000 or even 6,500 Jewish students on campus overall. The Orthodox Jewish community at the university is one of the largest in the country, with over 500 students attending Modern or Centrist Orthodox day schools and 270-330 students spending a year in an Orthodox gap-year program in Israel. Jewish students make up around 19% of the undergraduate student body, and there are numerous Jewish societies and groups on campus, including Hillel, Chabad, and Jewish Greek life organizations. While there have been reports of antisemitism on campus, many Jewish students report feeling safe and supported by the administration, with some giving the university high grades for its handling of antisemitism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Jewish students | 5,800-6,500 |
| Percentage of Jewish students | 19% |
| Number of Jewish graduate students | 800 |
| Percentage of Jewish graduate students | 8% |
| Ranking in antisemitism | C-plus |
| Perception of antisemitism by Jewish students | Not prominent |
| Perception of safety by Jewish students | Safe |
| Perception of administration's response to antisemitism | Could be better |
| Perception of Jewish friendliness | Jewish-friendly |
| Orthodox Jewish community | One of the largest in the US |
| Number of students who attended Orthodox day schools | Over 500 |
| Number of students who spent a gap year in Israel | 270-330 |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Maryland has between 5,800 and 6,500 Jewish students
- The Jewish community makes up 19% of the undergraduate student body
- There are 800 Jewish graduate students, 8% of the graduate population
- The Orthodox Jewish community is one of the largest in the US
- Jewish students report a positive experience on campus
The University of Maryland has between 5,800 and 6,500 Jewish students
The University of Maryland is home to a large Jewish student community. Estimates place the number of Jewish students at the university at between 5,800 and 6,500. This large Jewish population is served by Maryland Hillel, one of the nation's premier Hillels, which engages 4,000 Jewish students annually out of the approximately 6,000 Jewish students at the university. The Hillel community offers a robust and entrepreneurial Jewish community, providing leadership training, Shabbat meals, trips to Israel, service-learning trips, lectures, classes, and personal identity development.
The Orthodox Jewish community at the University of Maryland is one of the largest collegiate communities in the US. There are over 500 students who attended Modern or Centrist Orthodox day schools, and 270-330 students who spent a year in an Orthodox gap-year program in Israel. The university accommodates these students by providing residence accommodations for Shabbat and holiday observance, as well as exam extensions and rescheduling. OU-JLIC at Hillel works closely with Kedma, the Orthodox student organization, to ensure a rich and accessible Orthodox life. They offer many programs and events, such as movie nights, BBQs, Chanukah Deep Fried Everything, Challah Baking, and the Women's Rosh Chodesh events.
The Jewish community at the University of Maryland is vibrant and diverse, with students from across the country and the world, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds, varied levels of Jewish experience, and a range of political, religious, and societal viewpoints. This diversity is reflected in the various student groups and activities on campus. For example, the university is home to two Jewish a cappella groups, and a student group that performs and teaches Israeli folk dance on campus and at Israeli Dance Festivals across the East Coast. The university also hosts an annual four-day weekend convention and basketball tournament, bringing together Jews from all backgrounds to foster unity and inspire active Jewish lives.
While the University of Maryland has a large and active Jewish student community, it is not immune to incidents of antisemitism. There have been reports of antisemitic chalking and graffiti, as well as hateful statements and messages targeting Jewish students. In response, the university has increased campus safety measures, created a Joint Presidential and University Senate Task Force to address antisemitism and Islamophobia, and reminded students of the online system to report hate-bias incidents. The university administration has also issued statements condemning acts of discrimination and ensuring the safety of Jewish students on campus.
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The Jewish community makes up 19% of the undergraduate student body
The University of Maryland is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with Jewish students making up a significant proportion of the undergraduate student body. With approximately 5,800 Jewish undergraduates, the Jewish community represents around 19% of the total undergraduate population at the university. This large and diverse Jewish population contributes to a rich cultural environment on campus.
The University of Maryland's Hillel chapter, known as Maryland Hillel, plays a crucial role in fostering Jewish life on campus. Maryland Hillel engages with around 4,000 Jewish students annually, offering a range of services and programs designed to strengthen their Jewish identity. These include leadership training, Shabbat meals, trips to Israel, service-learning trips, lectures, and classes. Maryland Hillel also provides a free roommate matching service and works closely with Kedma, the Orthodox student organization, to ensure that Orthodox life is accessible and enriching.
The Orthodox Jewish community at the University of Maryland is one of the largest in the United States. With over 500 students from Modern or Centrist Orthodox backgrounds and 270-330 students who participated in an Orthodox gap year program in Israel, the Orthodox community is highly active and influential on campus. The university accommodates religious practices by providing residence adjustments for Shabbat and holiday observances, as well as exam rescheduling.
Jewish students at the University of Maryland have reported a generally positive experience regarding antisemitism. While there have been incidents of antisemitic graffiti and pamphlets, the university has taken steps to address these issues. The administration has increased campus safety measures, implemented policies to confront antisemitism, and provided an online system for reporting hate-bias incidents. Jewish students feel safe expressing their identity, with many openly wearing Jewish symbols and kippahs on campus.
The Jewish community at the University of Maryland is an integral part of the undergraduate student body, contributing to a diverse and culturally rich campus environment. With a significant Jewish population and active Jewish organizations, the university fosters a sense of community and support for Jewish students, creating a space where they can celebrate and explore their Jewish identity.
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There are 800 Jewish graduate students, 8% of the graduate population
The University of Maryland is home to a vibrant Jewish community, with a significant number of Jewish students on campus. Out of the graduate student population, Jewish students comprise a notable proportion, accounting for 8% of graduate students, which equates to 800 individuals. This representation of Jewish graduate students at the University of Maryland is a testament to the university's diversity and inclusivity.
The University of Maryland, College Park, is known for its thriving Jewish community, which includes approximately 800 Jewish graduate students. This number represents 8% of the graduate student population, indicating a substantial presence of Jewish students pursuing graduate studies at the university. The university's diverse student body fosters a rich cultural exchange and promotes an inclusive environment.
The presence of 800 Jewish graduate students at the University of Maryland highlights the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. This significant number of Jewish graduate students accounts for 8% of the graduate student population, contributing to the cultural richness and diversity of the campus. The university's efforts to accommodate and support Jewish students are evident through various initiatives and organizations.
The University of Maryland's Jewish community is a vibrant and integral part of campus life, with 800 Jewish students pursuing graduate studies. This number represents 8% of the graduate student population, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment. The university offers a range of resources and organizations specifically catering to the needs and interests of Jewish students.
The University of Maryland is known for its diverse and inclusive campus, which includes a substantial Jewish community. With 800 Jewish students in graduate programs, comprising 8% of the graduate student body, the university fosters a multicultural and intellectually stimulating environment. The university recognizes the importance of accommodating different cultural and religious backgrounds and provides various resources to support Jewish students during their academic journey.
The University of Maryland is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment, and the presence of 800 Jewish graduate students, representing 8% of the graduate student population, is a testament to this effort. The university offers a range of resources and organizations to support Jewish students and promote cultural exchange. The vibrant Jewish community at the university contributes to a diverse and enriching educational experience for all students.
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The Orthodox Jewish community is one of the largest in the US
The University of Maryland has one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in the US, with over 5,000 Jews on campus. The Orthodox Jewish community makes up a significant proportion of the university's Jewish students, with over 500 students attending Modern or Centrist Orthodox day schools and 270-330 students participating in an Orthodox gap year program in Israel. The university accommodates religious practices, with residence accommodations for Shabbat and holiday observances, as well as exam rescheduling. Maryland Hillel, a Jewish campus organisation, provides kosher food and a free roommate matching service for Jewish students.
According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, Orthodox Jews make up about 10% of the estimated 5.3 million Jewish adults in the US. However, this percentage is likely to be growing due to their younger median age and larger families. The survey further breaks down Orthodox Jews into subgroups, with about 62% being Haredi or Ultra-Orthodox, and 31% identifying with the Modern Orthodox movement. These subgroups differ in their approach to integrating into modern society while adhering to traditional Jewish law.
The Orthodox Jewish community is actively involved in various campus activities at the University of Maryland. They have two Jewish a cappella groups, one of which is called Rak Shalom, and they host events such as dance marathons and basketball tournaments. The university has also taken steps to address antisemitism on campus, increasing safety measures and creating a task force to confront antisemitism and Islamophobia.
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Jewish students report a positive experience on campus
The University of Maryland is home to about 5,800 Jewish undergraduate students and 800 graduate students, making it the fourth-largest public university in terms of Jewish population. The Orthodox Jewish community at Maryland is one of the largest collegiate communities in the US, with over 500 students who attended Modern or Centrist Orthodox day schools and 270-300 students who spent a year in an Orthodox gap-year program in Israel.
Jewish students at the University of Maryland report a positive experience on campus. They talk of a vibrant Jewish community, support from the administration, and a positive environment. Sophomore Charlie Summers said he feels welcomed as a Jew on campus and doesn't feel in danger or uncomfortable. He said:
> "I think U-Md. is a very special case. I don’t think antisemitism is as prevalent here as it is on other campuses. On Shabbat, I wear my kippah pretty much all day to walk to and from meals and davening at Hillel. I don’t feel in danger or uncomfortable. There’s lots of students that do that every day, not just Shabbat."
Sophomore Brian Cooperman, who transferred to the university for the 2022-23 year, said:
> "I’ve had a very positive experience so far. I’m proud of my heritage, and the university has created an environment where I can show that. I’d give it an A-plus."
Junior Elaine Berger, who is double majoring in business management and Jewish studies, gave Maryland a B-plus, saying that it's "pretty Jewish-friendly" and that antisemitic incidents are rare. She added:
> "The student experience is still overall positive. Students feel safe expressing their Jewish identity. So many of us wear symbols, from Jewish stars to kippahs."
Student Body President Ayelette Halbfinger expressed a similar sentiment, acknowledging that while antisemitism is an issue, the administration is supportive of the Jewish community and their right to combat antisemitism. She said:
> "A significant percentage of our student body is Jewish. This puts us in a unique position, especially as a public state school. But that’s not to say antisemitism isn’t an issue. We had several incidents last year. It’s important to monitor the issue and continue to combat it, because one antisemitic incident is already too many. [...] The administration is supportive of the Jewish community and our right to combat antisemitism."
Maryland Hillel is one of the nation's premier Hillels, engaging 4,000 Jewish students annually out of the approximately 6,000 Jewish students at the University of Maryland. They offer a range of services and activities, including leadership training, Shabbat meals, trips to Israel, service-learning trips, lectures, classes, and personal identity development. They also offer kosher food at the Rosenbloom Hillel Center and a free roommate matching service for Jewish students.
The University of Maryland also has two Jewish a cappella groups, including Rak Shalom, and offers scholarships for Jewish students, such as the Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies (GIIS) scholarship for students pursuing a minor in Israel studies.
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Frequently asked questions
There are around 6,000 Jewish students at the University of Maryland, making up about 19% of the student body.
The University of Maryland has increased campus safety measures and created a Joint Presidential and University Senate Task Force to address antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus. The University has also reminded students of the online system to report hate-bias incidents.
Yes, there are several Jewish student organizations at the University of Maryland, including Hillel, Chabad, and Jewish Greek life organizations. Maryland Hillel is one of the nation's premier Hillels, engaging 4,000 Jewish students annually and offering a variety of programs and services to support Jewish life on campus.
While there have been reports of antisemitism on campus, Jewish students generally feel that the University of Maryland is a Jewish-friendly environment. Students feel safe expressing their Jewish identity and do not consider the campus to be extremely antisemitic.
Yes, the University of Maryland hosts several events and programs to foster Jewish unity and identity. This includes the annual National Hillel Basketball Tournament, which brings together Jewish students from across campuses, as well as social and educational events organized by the JSU to celebrate Jewish history and culture.
