» Jewish Students

We hope you will use the resources here to connect with your fellow students and the larger Chapman Jewish community, and make the most of your Chapman experience!

Welcome from Rabbi Cassi Kail, Director of Jewish Life and University Chaplain

Shalom, and welcome to your Jewish home at Chapman University! At Chapman, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive Jewish community.

As you will see on this page, we are blessed with a wide array of programs and opportunities, both through my office and the Hillel and Chabad student groups on campus.

My role as the Director of Jewish life is to be a source of support, spiritual guidance and resource as you find your voice within the Jewish community.

I would be delighted to meet with you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, or if you’d simply like to connect.

You can reach me at kail@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2123.

Jewish clubs and organizations

Click the links to learn more about each student organization and get contact information.

• Hillel: Provides a place to celebrate Jewish culture, learn about and practice traditions, and be a part of the Chapman Jewish community and campus as a whole.
  • Follow Hillel on Instagram.
• Chabad: Offers social, educational, and spiritual programs for Chapman’s Jewish community. Some of these activities include weekly Shabbat dinners, holiday meals and events, and cultural learning programs. 
  • Follow Chabad on Instagram.

You can also learn about and join clubs in person at the Student Involvement Fair, which takes place once every semester.

Jewish holidays and traditions

At Chapman, you have a welcoming place to join in religious, social, and cultural programming on a regular basis, including these major Jewish observances and celebrations:

• Shabbat: Both Chapman Chabad and Chapman Hillel student groups host weekly Shabbat dinners for students.
• Passover: ​​Fresh cooked kosher-for-Passover food is provided on campus at the Caf (Randall Dining Commons). 
  • If you’re on a meal plan, simply show up as usual and there’s no extra cost to you. If you’re not on a meal plan, review Passover FAQs for information about how to purchase food.
• Hanukkah: Although Hanukkah occurs when many students and faculty are off campus, Jewish Life at Chapman often coordinates a campus-wide “It’s (Almost!) Time for Hanukkah Fest” in the Attallah Piazza. 

Academic opportunities

There are many academic opportunities that are notably enriched by our on-campus Holocaust Library. Some of these options include:

Holocaust History minor

The Holocaust History minor allows you to study the origins and history of the Holocaust within the context of European and Jewish history, and explore the central themes and topics in Holocaust research.

Students may declare a minor once the semester begins and before they reach 60 units. For further instructions on how to declare a minor, visit the Change or Add Majors and Minors page.

Religious accommodations 

Chapman’s religious accommodations policy ensures that all students have the right to utilize certain religious accommodations, allowing you to modify your schedule in accordance with religious observances.

Jewish Community internships and careers

There are local, national, and international internships and post-graduate fellowships in Jewish nonprofit work, social justice, spirituality, and education – and Jewish Life at Chapman can help get you connected to these opportunities. 

If you are interested in pursuing an internship, connecting with Jewish Chapman alumni, or traveling abroad to Jewish communities, contact the Director of Jewish Life at hecohen@chapman.edu.

Study abroad opportunities

All Chapman students can choose to go abroad for a semester, a full year, or a travel course, which is shorter and held over the winter or summer terms. 

More details about study abroad opportunities are on the Religious Support Abroad page.

Jewish life in Southern California

Within Orange County and the broader Southern California region, numerous Jewish organizations offer opportunities for involvement, such as:

• HaNefesh: An internet-based community that allows you to participate in Jewish programming without having to travel or commute.
• Jewish Federation of Orange County: Engages the Jewish community in Orange County by offering resources that enhance and sustain Jewish life, including various philanthropies and community projects.
• Merage JCC of Orange County: Offers different programs and services that celebrate Jewish culture, foster health and well-being, embrace tradition, and create friendships amongst the community.
• Synagogues located in Orange County:
  
  • Temple Beth Shalom (2 miles from campus)
  • Congregation B'nai Israel (7 miles from campus)
  • Temple Beth Emet (7 miles from campus)

Local and Regional Jewish Community Organizations

There are extraordinary cultural resources to be found in the surrounding area of Chapman, such as:

• Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Newport Beach
• Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles
• Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas

Off-campus kosher food resources

As for off-campus kosher food resources, the following may be of interest:

• Nosh House: A Glatt Kosher café located next to OC Kosher Market in Tustin.
• Blueberry Hill Café: Located at the JCC in Irvine.
• Blessed Braid Bakery: Certified kosher by the Rabbinical Council of California; some products are vegan and/or gluten free. Located in Irvine.

Outside scholarships for Jewish students

Visit the Jewish Applicants page for more details about scholarships designed specifically for Jewish students, along with a list of options that can help financially support your college education. 

Get updates on Jewish Life

Follow us on Instagram @chapmanjewishlife. We’d love to hear from you. Please provide your contact information below.