The Jewish community at UAlbany is composed of undergraduate and graduate students from different backgrounds with different interests.  Yet, they come together through Hillel events and through Shabbat and holiday dinners and services. 

What is Hillel?

Hillel's goal is enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. 

Do grad students come to Hillel events?

Yes, absolutely!  Grad students can be found at Friday night services and dinners and at the various social and cultural events throughout the week.  Attending Hillel events is a great way for Jewish grad students to meet other Jewish grad students who want to connect to their Judaism.  Whether you are a first-year grad student or a seasoned veteran finishing up a PhD, you're welcome to attend any and all Hillel events.

Is there something just for Grad Students?

Yes!  Hillel has a group for graduate students and young professionals in the Capital Region called JenX.  JenX is the Jewish Executive Network for young Jewish professionals in the Capital Region.  Through high-level events and social interactions, JenX strives to connect graduate students and young professionals to each other, the Capital Region, and the Jewish community in meaningful ways.  Sign up for the listserv with Leah.

What is Shabbat like?

UAlbany has a wonderful Shabbat community, and we pride ourselves on providing quality religious experiences for our students.

A complete Shabbat schedule can be found here -- http://www.ualbanyhillel.org/shabbat.htm.  The schedule alternates between dinners in the Campus Center and dinners at Shabbos House (which can be found on this map -- http://www.shabboshouse.com/map.html).  When dinners are held at Shabbos House, Orthodox services are held there, and conservative and reform services are held in Chapel House, the interfaith building on campus (which can be found on the same map link).  When dinner is in the Campus Center, all services are held there as well. 

Come as you are, for services and dinner, or for whatever you can, when you can!

How can I get involved?

There's no formal membership for Hillel on campus.  If you're a student, you can be involved!

Drop Leah Negrin an e-mail.  She's the JCSC Fellow for Hillel, and she can put on the Hillel listserv, so you can find about all the exciting events.  Otherwise, just show up for any events that you are interested in!

Where can I find kosher food?

The Price Chopper at 1892 Central Ave in Colonie has a full kosher butcher, while the Price Chopper at 911 Central Ave in Albany in the Westgate shopping plaza has kosher frozen chicken and a more limited kosher selection.  On campus, the Dutch Quad dining hall provides kosher food for lunch and dinner, and Dreidels in the Campus Center has sandwiches and light meals during the day. And, of course, all Hillel and Shabbos House dinners are kosher. 

We look forward to seeing you on campus at Hillel events this year!

Please contact Leah for more information!