FAQ

Whether you are a prospective student or about to graduate, you may have questions about Jewish life at Emory. If there you don't find the question and answer you need - or you don't like the answer you see here - please contact us, and we'll be happy to talk with you in depth.

How many Jewish students are there on campus?
How is Hillel connected to the University community?
Can prospective students visit Emory and stay overnight with a Jewish student?
Is there a Hillel facility at Emory?
Is there kosher dining on campus?
Are there Hillel membership fees?
How can I support Emory Hillel?
I'd like to do something special for my son/daughter's birthday.
What is Shabbat like at Emory?
What are holiday observances and celebrations like at Emory?
I'm interested in going to Israel. Can Hillel help me get there?

How many Jewish students are there on campus?
There are more than 2,000 Jewish students at Emory, about 30% of the undergraduate student population. There are approximately 500 Jewish graduate students.

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How is Hillel connected to the University community?
Emory Hillel is a private not-for-profit organization and is the center for Jewish life on campus. It is an affiliate agency of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life and a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Emory Hillel is integrated into the University community through its dynamic programs, co-sponsored events, and the involvement of active students in many other University groups. The University is very supportive of Hillel and its role on campus and works with Hillel to provide a welcoming atmosphere for Jewish students, faculty, and families.
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Can prospective students visit Emory and stay overnight with a Jewish student?
You bet! The best way to get a sense of the Emory experience is to visit our incredible campus. Hillel can help arrange for prospective students to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with a student.
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Is there a Hillel facility at Emory?
Opening spring 2010, the Marcus Hillel Center will be the center for Jewish life on campus—a place to meet your friends, feel at home, and check out exciting programs. The 10,500-square-foot facility will house two major program spaces, a student leadership center with computers and worktables, a kosher café, a lounge with a big-screen TV, a Jewish resource center, and professional offices.
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Is there kosher dining on campus?
Emory Dining Plan K/H provides 11 kosher/halal meals per week. The Marcus Hillel Center (opening early 2010) will have a kosher café. Emory is located just 2 miles from Toco Hills, a center of Orthodox Jewish life in Atlanta, with several Kosher supermarkets, restaurants, and caterers.
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Are there Hillel membership fees?
Any student on campus can participate in Hillel-sponsored events. There are no membership fees, and students are encouraged to plan and/or attend as many programs and activities as they wish. We do provide special involvement incentives, such as the Homelink program, which enables parents to provide free access to some Hillel programs.
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How can I support Emory Hillel?
Emory Hillel relies on the generous support of its donors to support our on-going programming and special initiatives. Nearly 85% of Hillel's annual operating budget comes from contributions from individuals. Learn about more giving opportunities to Emory Hillel.
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I'd like to do something special for my son/daughter's birthday.
A great idea. If you would like to have a birthday cake delivered, we can arrange it. We can also arrange for a delivery of hot chicken soup if your student is under the weather. It couldn't hurt.
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What is Shabbat like at Emory?
Every week, students join together for student-led Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Shabbat services. Monthly, Hillel sponsors community-wide Shabbat dinners, which usually feature a theme, a guest speaker, live music, or another excellent experience.

Additionally, Hillel sponsors the Shabbat2Go program, which gives Jewish students the tools to take Shabbat into their own hands. Students can host a Shabbat dinner with their own friends, in their own space, on their own time. Hillel provides the ritual items and a food subsidy.
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What are holiday observances and celebrations like at Emory?
Hillel helps students celebrate the holidays in their own way. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Reform and Conservative services are held on campus, and are free for students. Hillel also provides High Holiday dinners.

For Passover, Hillel hosts a variety of seders on the first and second nights, and students can even receive Seder Kits-to-Go for use in their dorm, apartment, or fraternity/sorority.

Other holidays are celebrated with creative programs, services, and dinners.
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I'm interested in going to Israel. Can Hillel help me get there?
Yes. Hillel participates in the Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel program. Jewish students between the ages of 18-26 who have not been on a peer trip to Israel are eligible for a free trip. Hillel can also help you find other opportunities for travel or study in Israel.
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