Jewish Life and Resources
Middlebury’s vibrant and warm Jewish community comes together for all sorts of Jewish activities throughout the year.
This includes social events, community service, prayer, cultural exploration, Hebrew language learning, Israeli culture and society, dialogue across difference, text study, multi faith encounters, and of course, food.
Rabbi Danielle Stillman, Associate Chaplain and Campus Rabbi works closely with students to create meaningful holiday celebrations, teach Jewish texts, offer pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, and is generally a resource on all things Jewish. Please reach out to her to make a time to meet about any of the above. She loves an excuse for a walk or tea!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Jewish students attend Middlebury?
Although we don’t have exact data on this question, we estimate that there are around 250 Jewish identifying students at Middlebury, which is around 10% of undergrads.
Does the Jewish community have a space?
Yes! We have The Jewish Center, dedicated space in the Freeman International Center (FIC) which includes space for worship, sharing meals, and a vegetarian (ok, with the occasional lox served) kosher-by-ingredient kitchen.
Is Kosher food available on campus?
While there is no kosher meal plan available on campus, food in the dining halls is well labeled, and some students who keep kosher choose to eat vegetarian food in the dining halls during their time at Middlebury. We are in the process of procuring kosher deli meat for the dining halls as well.
What about during Passover?
For students who keep some level of kashrut during Passover, the dining hall offers a variety of foods that do not contain chamatz ingredients, students can request prepared kosher for Passover meals from Vermont Kosher in Burlington, and can use the Hillel kitchen which is kashered for Passover and stocked with Kosher for Passover ingredients to prepare and cook their own meals.
How do you celebrate Shabbat and Holidays at Middlebury?
The student org Middlebury College Hillel takes the lead on Shabbat by offering a student led service (5:30 pm) and student cooked dinner and challah (6:30 pm) every Friday evening while school is in session (and sometimes on breaks too).
Rabbi Danielle leads High Holiday services where we are joined by the local Havurah of Addison County, and helps lead a large campus community seder on Passover. She also works closely with students to create experiences for holidays such as Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’shevat, Purim, and Yom HaShoah when they take place while school is in session.
What about academic opportunities?
Middlebury offers many classes and a minor in Jewish Studies and in Studies in Modern Hebrew and Israeli Society.
Please spend some time exploring all the Jewish life resources on this site, and to learn even more do not hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Danielle Stillman at dastillman@middlebury.edu.
What’s the best way to meet other Jewish students?
We host a Shabbat dinner open to all students during Middlebury’s two orientations (Fall and Feb), which is a great way to meet other Jewish students right from the beginning. But don’t worry if you miss that–coming to our weekly Shabbat services or dinner, or any of our events is a great way to meet people. To stay informed about what Middlebury College Hillel has planned subscribe to the weekly email for students by emailing hillel@middlebury.edu and requesting to be added to Jews News.
Middlebury College Hillel
Hillel of Middlebury strives to create an inclusive and welcoming community for those who identify with or are interested in Judaism.
We host a Shabbat service every Friday at 5:30 and a dinner at 6:30 at the FIC. Please feel free to join for one or both!
If you have any questions or would like to be added to the Jews News – Hillel’s weekly newsletter – please email hillel@middlebury.edu.
Who are we?
A group of enthusiastic, fun-loving students on campus who enjoy each other’s company at Friday night services and dinners, on various Jewish holidays, and at other fun Hillel-sponsored events. Members are predominantly (but not exclusively) Jewish, and share a love for fresh-baked Challah.
We strive to discuss contemporary Jewish issues, to practice familiar and meaningful traditions, to give students an opportunity to explore their Jewish identity, and to enjoy the company of great people on campus!
When do events take place?
The most regular Hillel event is Friday night services. The student-led services begin at 5:30 pm in the Jewish Center and are followed by a delicious student-cooked vegetarian meal around 6:30 pm. Other events such as additional services, seders, dinners, challah-making workshops, community service opportunities, apple-picking trips, dialogues, and Hillel-sponsored parties will be advertised in Jews News, our student group-me, and Instagram: @therealmiddhillel.
Where do these events take place?
The organization’s designated space, The Jewish Center, is located on campus in the Freeman International Center. It has its own kosher-by-ingredient kitchen and dining space, and all school-sponsored Hillel dinners are held here.
How is Hillel run?
Hillel’s students board meets weekly to plan events. Associate Chaplain/Rabbi Danielle Stillman serves as the Hillel advisor. Interested in being on board or getting more involved? Contact hillel@middlebury.edu.
