Question 1

How many Jewish students are on campus?

Accepted Answer

This is a difficult question to answer since not all students self-identify as being Jewish, and we do not receive self-identification  statistics from the University.  Right now, we estimate the total Jewish population on campus is around 1,000 students, or about 15% of the undergraduate population.

Question 2

Do you offer Shabbat services and dinner every week?

Accepted Answer

Hillel has Shabbat services and dinner every week school is in session at the Schulman Center for Jewish Life. Some Friday nights we offer  both Reform and Conservative services and other nights we offer a hybrid  camp-style service. We also have a free kosher meat dinner that is  attended by over 75 students each week. We do not require RSVP for  either!

Question 3

What do you have for the Jewish Holidays?

Accepted Answer

We offer both Conservative and Reform services on campus for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as meals. For Passover, we host a number of student led Seders, and we provide kosher for Passover meals. Our Jewish Life Committee makes minor holidays, such as Purim, Sukkot, and Hanukkah feel major with both social programs and opportunities for traditional observance- enabling every student to connect during each holiday season.

Question 4

What about Israel?

Accepted Answer

Vanderbilt Hillel has a fantastic Israel advocacy program run through ‘Dores for Israel (DFI). DFI sponsors the highly popular Falafel at Midnight events throughout the year, in addition to activities geared towards raising political awareness. Each summer, we sponsor a Birthright trip with a full bus of Vanderbilt students!

Question 5

How is Vanderbilt Hillel funded?

Accepted Answer

Vanderbilt Hillel is wholly funded through the generosity of our parents, alumni, and the Nashville Jewish community and is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In addition, we receive grants from organizations such as Hillel International, Maccabee Task Force, National Council of Jewish Women, and endowments housed at the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashvhille. We do not receive funding from Vanderbilt University.

Question 6

Do you have a Hillel building?

Accepted Answer

The Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life houses Vanderbilt Hillel. The  center is located at the corner of Vanderbilt Place and 25th Avenue  South.

Question 7

Can I arrange a visit to campus?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The Hillel staff and student leadership can provide tours of our building, the Schulman Center for Jewish Life, all-year long.  Please E-mail Veronica Grady at veronica.l.grady@vanderbilt.edu.

Question 8

Is there a place to buy Kosher food on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of the campus convenience stores have a variety of Kosher options. Vanderbilt Hillel houses Grins Kosher Restaurant, a kosher vegetarian restaurant on the Vanderbilt Meal Plan. Vanderbilt Chabad provides meat options with their Kosher Food Truck, Aryeh’s Kitchen, and there are several kosher vegetarian restaurants in Nashville as well.

Question 9

How many students are members of Hillel?

Accepted Answer

Hillel doesn’t have members- all Vanderbilt students are welcome to attend our programs and activities. The Schulman Center is one of the main areas students congregate on campus, whether they are eating at Grins Kosher Restaurant, studying, or just relaxing with friends. Hundreds of students regularly participate in Hillel activities, and about 200 hold at least one leadership position in one of over 25 Hillel student microcommunities.

Question 10

How big is the Nashville Jewish Community?

Accepted Answer

Nashville is home to over 11,000 Jews and a thriving Jewish community with hundreds more joining the community every year.

Question 11

How many synagogues are in Nashville?

Accepted Answer

In addition to Vanderbilt Hillel and Vanderbilt Chabad, there are 2 Reform congregations, 1 Conservative congregation, 1 Orthodox congregation, and 1 Chabad that serve the Jewish Community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In addition, there is a Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Day School among many other Jewish groups. Learn more at www.jewishnashville.org.

Jewish Life FAQs