eJewishPhilanthropy: A vision for Jewish flourishing on campus

February 14, 2025

by Seth Winberg (’11), Ari Weiss (’07), & Donna Schwartz for eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish life on college campuses has dominated the news cycle over the last year. Seemingly every day, another antisemitic incident is reported. From disruptions, protests and encampments to hostile student governments, professors who misuse their classroom to promote personal political agendas and the ever-present BDS campaign, there has been widespread and justified concern about the safety and well-being of Jewish students on college campuses in America and around the world.

As Hillel directors, we haven’t just read the headlines — we have lived them. We’ve answered late-night calls from students feeling unsafe, empowered students in defeating anti-Israel resolutions and counseled all who are mourning the murder of Israelis. We have also been fierce advocates on behalf of Jewish students and staff to university administrations.

Through our experiences, we know the Jewish community’s focus on safety and security is deeply important, and we appreciate the support and partnership from the community as we respond to antisemitism on campus. And yet, by focusing only on antisemitism, the communal conversation has been reactive and centered on the safety of Jewish students on campus. As Hillel directors who deeply believe that a student’s college years are foundational to their Jewish identity formation, we think this is the moment to ask a more fundamental question about campus climate: How can we create Jewish flourishing on campus?

For starters, flourishing means more than surviving — it means thriving. Jewish students would not just have the resources to combat discrimination but also the tools and encouragement to explore their heritage and contribute to the broader campus community.

In many places, this is already happening. Hillels, Chabads and others are doing fabulous, transformational work. Through immersive experiences, dialogue and leadership opportunities, Hillels help students see their connection to Israel as an organic and meaningful part of their Jewish identity. They are not only providing Shabbat and holiday celebrations, but also cultivating spaces for deep engagement with Jewish texts, philosophy and ethics. Imagine a Friday night Shabbat dinner where students from diverse Jewish backgrounds — and even some non-Jewish friends — come together to sing, discuss contemporary issues through a Jewish lens and build enduring relationships. These moments of joy, connection and meaning form the bedrock of Jewish flourishing.

Intellectual flourishing is equally vital. Jewish professors, postdocs and staff all play a role here, as mentors of how to integrate Jewish identity with academic rigor and professionalism. Jewish intellectual flourishing also means ensuring that Judaism — its ideas, history, and ethics — is present in the university’s broader intellectual discourse. Campus educators and professionals do this everyday through their work.

Campus life offers Jewish students the chance to engage constructively with peers from other faiths and backgrounds. At its best, this engagement strengthens Jewish identity. When a student explains the significance of Shabbat to a curious friend or collaborates with a non-Jewish classmate on a volunteer project, both participants grow. These interactions deepen understanding and build the skills to navigate an increasingly diverse world.