Jewish Life

The Jewish life program at the University of Richmond is an exciting way for students, faculty, and staff to integrate their religious identity into their experience on campus.

Under the direction of Rabbi Andrew Goodman as the first Director of Jewish Life and Campus Rabbi, there will be dynamic ritual observance, Torah study, social action engagement, and social programming. All of this will be to further the goals of enhancing Jewish community, deepening spirituality, exploring culture, and engaging with the Richmond community.  Details about the vision, opportunities, and implementation of the the Jewish Life Program are articulated in the Jewish Life Program Strategic Plan.

Please contact Rabbi Andrew Goodman for more information or with any questions.


Major Programs

Holidays

Often one feels the desire to be close to community during holidays. As a result, the Jewish life program tries to encourage community around these ritual celebrations either by marking these holidays through events on campus or accommodating students to access the Jewish resources of greater Richmond as a group. One annual tradition on the University of Richmond community is the Passover Seder.  If you are looking for a different prayer opportunity, explore the opportunities in the greater Richmond Jewish community or contact Rabbi Goodman.

Israel

Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people and, though we are in Virginia, we are always connected to the land. Israel will be part of our community conversations and we will engage the campus with Israel awareness and advocacy. We will have frank discussions about the current affairs of the country, celebrate the culture, and encourage dialogue. In addition, we will travel to Israel with the Pilgrimage: Israel trip of the Office of the Chaplaincy and through a semester Study Abroad program at the University of Haifa through the Office of International Education.

Cultural Events

When they come to campus, Richmond, or even D.C., we will attend significant Jewish cultural events (lectures, concerts, classes, exhibitions, etc.) as a community. This way we connect to the greater Jewish world and experience some of the wonderful resources available to us.

Social Action

Connected to the deep tradition of social justice found in Jewish texts and Jewish history, we will engage in meaningful social action programming within the greater Richmond community and the greater world throughout the year.

Torah Tuesdays

According to the Rabbis of the Mishnah and Talmud, the study of Torah is one of the greatest practices in which a Jewish person can engage. Every other week, from 7:30–8:30 p.m., we will join as a group and study Jewish texts. The topics will vary depending on the Torah portion, upcoming Jewish holidays, and current events.