Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE JEWISH COMMUNITY LIKE AT MUHLENBERG? HOW LARGE IS THE JEWISH POPULATION?
Over 700 students, more than 33% of the 2150 member student body, at Muhlenberg College are Jewish. Over two-thirds of the Jewish students on campus are active in Hillel, making it the largest student organizations of any kind on campus. The Jewish community on campus is a visible and active presence here and is comprised of students, faculty and staff from all major branches of Judaism - Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist and Reform. Hillel continues to be recognized by the college administration as a model for quality student-focused programming and chaplaincy.

WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES DOES HILLEL SPONSOR?
Hillel offers a wide variety of activities -social, religious, community service, cultural and educational - on a regular basis. Shabbat Dinner is held weekly and Sunday Bagel Brunches are held bi-weekly. A typical month might also include a speaker on Israel, bowling, a service at a senior citizen home, Lunch and Learn Torah Study, a holiday party and a trip to the Holocaust Museum. Activities are planned by and for students.

IS THERE A HILLEL HOUSE ON CAMPUS?
Yes! The Hillel House is located at 2238 Chew Street in the heart of campus. The house is directly across the street from Keneseth Israel synagogue. The house has a kosher kitchen, a spacious dining room, a chapel, a lounge with a TV, stereo and DVD player, a library, a study lounge, a recreation room and student and staff offices. Students are encouraged to visit the house regularly to study, socialize or relax. Students have 24 hour access to the house through their college electronic key card.

CAN A STUDENT KEEP KOSHER ON CAMPUS?
The College is in the process of building a kosher kitchen in the student union. Currently hot and cold kosher items are available in the cafeteria without supervision. Pre-prepared glatt kosher meals and kosher cold cuts are also available for sale in the student union. All college dining establishments offer hot and cold vegetarian options. Hillel maintains a strictly kosher kitchen but does not offer a kosher meal plan.

WHAT ABOUT THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS?
Muhlenberg College is closed for Yom Kippur. It is the official and active policy of the college that all Jewish students are excused from all classes and labs on any holiday when Jews are prohibited from work. Students must simply identify themselves to their instructors if they wish to be excused. A Rosh Hashanah dinner and Passover Seder are held each year on campus and all students are welcome to attend any synagogue in Allentown for all holiday services.