1. How many Jewish students are there at Williams?
2. What kinds of Jews does Williams attract?
3. How do I get involved with the WCJA?
4. Is there kosher dining on campus?
5. Is there a synagogue on campus?
6. What denomination is the Jewish Religious Center?
7. What is a typical Shabbat like?
8. Are there Saturday services held at the JRC?
9. Is there a Jewish chaplain?
10. Can I stay overnight with a Jewish host?

Q. How many Jewish students are there at Williams?

A. Between 10-15% of the Williams student body is Jewish, so we estimate there at least 250 Jewish students.

Q. What kinds of Jews does Williams attract?

A. All kinds! The majority of Jews at Williams come from Conservative and Reform backgrounds, but there are growing numbers of Orthodox and Reconstructionist Jews as well.

Q. How do I get involved with the WCJA?

A. Come to events! We advertise all events on the "Jewonthis" listserv (Sign-up here!) We also put up flyers and occaisionally send out on-campus mailings (Join the mailing list!) If you are interested in working on projects at the JRC or joining the Jewish Association Board, you should contact the co-coordinators.

Q. Is there kosher dining on campus?

A. Every Friday night students prepare either a dairy or meat meal (with a vegetarian option) in our kosher kitchen. The kitchen is availible to students during the week by special arrangement. Additionally, Dining Services provides frozen kosher meals in the Kosher Korner of the Greylock Dining Hall. The dining station has a refigerator, microwave and disposable table settings. All dining halls cater to vegetarians, so there are plenty of non-kosher vegetarian options as well.

Williams does not currently have a kosher dining hall on campus, though Jewish and Muslim students are working with Dining Services to explore the possibility of a kosher and halal dining hall.

Q. Is there a synagogue on campus?

A. Yes. The Jewish Religious Center is equipped with a library and beautiful sanctuary where students lead services on a regular basis.

Q. What denomination is the Jewish Religious Center?

A. The JRC is not affiliated with any national Jewish movement. We are a pluralistic Jewish community that welcomes students of all backgrounds. Because traditionally observant students require more stringent adherence to halacha, the JRC observes kashrut and encourages a shomer shabbat atmosphere.

Q. What is a typical Shabbat like?

A. Kabbalat Shabbat services are led by a different student every Friday night. The service is pluralistic, falling somewhere between traditional Reform and Conservative practices. After services the community gathers for Kiddish in the living room. A kosher dinner, prepared by members of the community, follows. The evening typically attracts 50 people. Dinner is free of charge for all students, faculty and staff. Eat and get your dinner points too!

Q. Are there Saturday services held at the JRC?

A. This depends on the level of student interest and in students' willingness to lead Saturday morning services. Though these services are not regularly scheduled, the sanctuary is open on Saturdays. Havdalah is often celebrated at the JRC on Saturday nights.

Q. Is there a Jewish chaplain?

A. Yes. Cantor Robert Scherr is the Associate Chaplain to the Jewish Community. He has an office in Siskind House (behind the Science Center) and in the JRC. You can email him at Robert.S.Scherr@williams.edu or call 413-597-2483.

Q. Can prospective students stay overnight with a Jewish host?

A. You bet! We love prospectives. Please contact a member of the WCJA Board or the Office of Admission to arrange for an overnight with a first-year. Also, take a look at the Admission Office site for more information about Williams.