Prospective Students

We are excited that you are interested in attending Vanderbilt University! We are always available to help you learn more about the Jewish community at Vandy.

Undergraduate Admissions

First Year Students Find Their Niche

Sam Libowsky ‘12
This past year, I had the opportunity to serve on the First Year Students of Hillel Board and as the liaison to the programming board. At Vandy, FYSH Board serves as the direct link between the freshman class and Hillel. Because we were the first class to live on “The Commons”, and not in the other dorms closer to Hillel, we created our own events to take place on the Commons rather than at Hillel. This brought even more Jewish freshman and their friends to Hillel events, without having to cross 21st Avenue and make the 20 minute walk across campus. We planned events such as “Chanukah Party at the Commons” and brought in speakers, including Alan Veingrad, former Cowboys lineman and Superbowl Champion. Vanderbilt’s vibrant community, Hillel events, and Shabbat services/dinner promote and help freshmen meet Vandy students from all years. As a member of the FYSH Board and an active member of Hillel, I met a lot of students in the first week of school, many of which I am still friends with today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many Jewish students are on campus?

This is a difficult question to answer since not all students self identify as being Jewish. We estimate that the class of 2012 is about 18% Jewish and the class of 2011 is 17% Jewish. Right now, the total Jewish population on campus is around 1,000 students, or about 15% of the undergraduate population.

Do you offer Shabbat services and dinner every week?

Every Friday Night we offer a reform, conservative, and orthodox service. We also have a free kosher meat dinner that this year has been attended by over 150 students each week. We do not require RSVP either!

What do you have for the Jewish Holidays?

We offer both conservative and reform services for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as meals.

Does Vanderbilt Hillel have activities other than religious services?

Of course! We frequently host social events that range from pizza parties to lazer tag. Also, there are numerous opportunities for community service both during our Spring Break Trip and all year round.

What about Israel?

Vanderbilt Hillel has a fantastic Israel advocacy program run through 'Dores for Israel. DFI sponsors the highly popular Falafel at Midnight events throughout the year, in addition to activites geared towards raising political awareness. Also, each spring, we sponsor a Birthright trip!

Check out the Calendar to see whats coming up!

Can I come visit Hillel?

YES! If you are planning a visit to Vanderbilt, we would love to have you visit us! Please email Dani and let him know you are coming.

Coming to visit? Want to stay in a dorm with a Jewish Vandy student? Click here to request more information about our Overnight Visit program!

How is Vanderbilt Hillel Funded?

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. We do not receive funding from Vanderbilt University.

Do you have a Hillel Building?

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

Is there a place to buy Kosher food on campus?

Yes, all of the campus convenience stores have a variety of Kosher options. Additionally, Grins Cafe, located in the Schulman Center, is a Kosher Vegiterian resturant on the Vanderbilt Meal Plan (see Vanderbilt Dining for more information).

How many students are members of Hillel?

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 of all stripes congregate on campus, whether they are eating at Grins café, studying, or just relaxing with friends. Approximately 300 students regularly participate in Hillel activities.

How big is the Nashville Jewish Community?

Nashville is home to over 8,000 Jews.

How many synagogues are in Nashville?

There are 2 Reform congregations, 1 Conservative congregation and 1 Orthodox congregation.