Jewish Life Undergraduate Students
Welcome!
Looking to make new friends? Searching for a Shabbat meal, a place to celebrate the High Holidays, or maybe a papercut workshop or a chance to explore New York’s rich Jewish history?
At Fordham Jewish Life, we welcome everyone—no matter your background, how you express your Jewish identity, or your level of religious observance. You belong here and we're here for you.
If you're new to Fordham, we're here to help make your transition smoother, both on campus and in the Big Apple. We can’t wait to meet you!
Want to meet Rabbi Katja Vehlow (she/her)? You can find her on RamCentral, reach out at [email protected] or call her at 212-636-6405.
Join our e-newsletter and follow us on instagram @rabbiatfordham.
Thinking About Coming to Fordham?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Tell us more about yourself and someone from the JSO (Jewish Student Organisation) or our rabbi will get back to you!
I want to learn more about life at Fordham
Who we are: Meet our Jewish Clubs!
Join the Jewish Student Organization – the JSO! A strong and vibrant student community, there are undergraduate clubs on both the Lincoln Center and the Rose Hill campuses.
The JSO honors the cultural and religious traditions of the Jewish community, and fosters a warm environment for Jewish students and anyone else who wants to learn more about Judaism and Jewish culture. There are picnics and Shabbat dinners and holiday get togethers, Purim parties, Hanukkah bingo, Tu BiShvat succulent planting, trivia nights, and more!
To find out more about the JSO at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, write Reyna Stovall at jsolincolncenter @fordham.edu and follow them on Instagram @jsofclc.
For the JSO at Rose Hill, contact Lila Herzig and Matt Entin at [email protected] and find them on Instagram @jsorosehill.
Are you a law student? Contact the Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA), find them on Instagram @fordhamjlsa or write them at [email protected].
Shabbat
Shabbat (the sabbath, aka Saturday) is the beating heart of the Jewish week. Signaling the end of the work week, the twenty-five hours beginning Friday night are a time to take a deep breath. Whatever is going on in our lives or in the world at large, Shabbat invites us every week to pause and to reflect.
At Fordham, we welcome Shabbat in ways that bring us together. We have student-led delicious dinners on most Friday nights on both campuses. And there are communal dinners, Shabbat beyachad (Shabbat together) held roughly once a month on both campuses, that are open to all undergraduate and graduate students.
Check our calendar for details!
High Holidays
Celebrate the High Holidays this year with Fordham Jewish Life!
Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year and opens the Days of Awe, the ten-day period that concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is a time marked by introspection and tshuvah, soul-searching, as we prepare ourselves spiritually for the year ahead.
At Fordham, we will eat apples and honey, hear the shofar, share a festive Rosh Hashanah dinner, do tashlich at the Hudson, and break the fast following Yom Kippur together. These events area free of charge but you must register to attend our communal meals.
After the introspection of Yom Kippur, we leave our homes and set up a sukkah, a temporary outdoors structure, and to wave the lulav and the etrog. Join us in sukkahs on both campuses and savor the warmth of our community as we gather for meals, community, learning, and prayer. In 2024, we will build and decorate our first sukkah on Rose Hill!
Please note: While we will not hold religious services this year, we are happy to offer you local options at nearby synagogues and Hillels. Please write us at jewishlife @fordham.edu.
RSVP here for the 5785 High Holiday
Minyan, Mezuzah, Blessings for Healing
At Fordham Jewish Life, we offer a number of items to support you in your exploration of Jewish ritual, whether you are a newcomer or have been practicing all your life.
Do you have an additional ritual need? Please be in touch and write as at [email protected].
Minyan
During the semester, mincha will be held on most school days at the Law School at Lincoln Center. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Mezuzah
“You shall inscribe them on the doorposts (mezuzot) of your house and on your gates…." (Deuteronomy 6:9, 11:20). Based on these lines, Jews affix a mezuzah to the doorposts of their homes and especially their bedrooms, signifying that this home is marked by a commitment to Jewish identity.
Would you like to borrow a mezuzah from our mezuzah library for your dorm door? Come on by Fordham Jewish Life and for a deposit of $20, you can choose a mezuzah and return it at the end of the academic year.
Shabbat and memorial (yahrzeit) candles
Lighting Shabbat candles is an iconic image of Friday nights and holiday eves, symbolizing joy, peace, togetherness and plenty.
You can find residence-hall approved Shabbat candles and memorial/yahrzeit candles, as well as cards with the blessings for Friday night candle lighting or for Havdalah, the ceremony separating holy and week days, at the Jewish Life offices/Campus Ministry. All is free of charge.
Are you in need of healing? Or perhaps someone in your life is?
Are you or someone in your life struggling with physical, emotional or spiritual challenges? Please reach out to us so we can support you!
If you would like the names of your loved ones or your own held in prayer, please send the name to Rabbi Katja Vehlow (she/her) and she will include them in her prayers. It is traditional to add the mother’s name but it’s not necessary. Refuah shlemah (full healing) to all in need of healing!