How many Jewish students are enrolled at Manhattanville College?
An estimated 100 Jewish students are enrolled in Manhattanville College’s undergraduate programs, out of approximately 1600 students. We can only estimate this number because the college application no longer asks for religion and statistics are not made public.
What kinds of student programs are sponsored by the JSA at Manhattanville College?
The Jewish Student Association sponsors Shabbat dinners, movies, and other cultural events on campus. The student leaders come up with new program ideas at every meeting so new ideas are always welcome, and based on student interest.
Is there a kosher meal plan?
There is no kosher meal plan on campus because the student population who use dining services is not a population who require kosher food on campus. Students who seek kosher food on campus can utilize the local Westchester area to find kosher food at delis, grocery stores, and the like.
What is Shabbat like at Manhattanville College?
Other holiday observances and celebrations?
President Berman opens his home twice a semester to a Shabbat dinner run by student leaders. They are open to the community and are very well attended. Student leaders perform the rituals of candle lighting, the prayer over the grape juice, and the prayer over the bread, before the dinner buffet is open. As of late, Purchase College students have also been attending to increase the percentage of Jewish students at the Shabbat dinners. The JSA also holds an annual latke night for JSA members, and an annual seder for Passover. Rabbi Freyer runs afternoon services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for those students in town for the holidays.
How many students are active in the JSA?
The JSA holds weekly meetings that vary in attendance from 5-15 students. There is no formal membership in the JSA; any student or member of the Manhattanville community is welcome to attend meetings and/or events. Events such as Shabbat dinner see upwards of 50 students; trips into NYC may see 5-10 students. Many events are cosponsored with other campus groups that see higher numbers of student participants than JSA-only programs.
Is there a Rabbi on campus?
Rabbi Bruce Freyer works in the Duchesne Center in Founders Hall at Manhattanville College and serves as advisor to the JSA and chaplain of the school. He is available on campus to meet one on one or in groups, and serves as a fantastic resource for getting involved in the community and Jewish learning.
Is there a daily minyan?
There is no daily minyan held at Manhattanville College but if enough students were interested in starting one, it would be possible to host.
Where is the JSA located?
The JSA has no formal location but meets weekly in the Duchesne Center in Founders Hall. It utilizes various campus venues to hold its programs including the residence halls, dining room, and President Berman’s cottage.
How is the JSA connected to the campus community?
The JSA is recognized as a campus entity through the Student Government Association and through the activities and staff of the Duchesne Center. Various departments on campus including the library, Residence Life, and Career Services, recognize and work with the JSA.
Is there a Judaic Studies Program at Manhattanville College?
While there is no formal Jewish Studies Program at Manhattanville College, there are many resources available to students to learn about Judaism. Campus Rabbi Bruce Freyer is available for consultation regarding a variety of topics in Judaism. Purchase College also has a Jewish Studies Program that students can take classes in, such as Hebrew, The Ancient Middle East, Women in the Biblical/Ancient World, and Issues in the Study of the Holocaust.
Can I visit the JSA at Manhattanville College?
Can a prospective student visit Manhattanville College and stay overnight with a Jewish student?
The JSA students would love to host you for a night on campus and take you to classes to get the full experience of being at Manhattanville College. Just contact the Rabbi in the Duchesne center to be matched with a student. As a prospective student, you would be welcome to attend any of our events if you scheduled your visit accordingly.
How do I become a member of the JSA at Manhattanville College?
The JSA has no formal membership at Manhattanville College. Just show up to a meeting or an event to become involved!
How can I support the JSA at Manhattanville College?
You can support the JSA at Manhattanville College financially by sponsoring programs above and beyond the budget capabilities of the organization. You can also support the JSA by helping to promote Jewish life on campus through word of mouth, formal advertising, or co-sponsorship of campus programs.
If I’m interested in going to Israel, how can the JSA help me get there?
Manhattanville students have participated and continue to participate in the Taglit-birthright israel program through Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. If you are Jewish, between the ages of 18 and 26, and have never been to Israel before on a peer-group trip, you are eligible for a FREE 10 day trip to Israel with students from your campus. Hillels of Westchester sends trips during winter and summer breaks every year.
Visit http://www.israel.hillel.org for registration information. If you are interested in a return trip or you are ineligible for birthright, contact one of our Hillel staff members who can help find a trip that will suit your needs and interests.
