» Jewish Life at Chapman

As Chapman University’s new Director of Jewish Life, I’m excited to meet you! My hope is that together, we might build community here that is ever more inclusive, creative, kind, authentic, and dedicated to tikkun olam: making the world a better place. Will you please reach out to me to share your interests, questions, and stories?

To the extent that we already have great Jewish, interfaith, and intercultural programs here at Chapman University, I’m happy to connect you. And to the extent that you might create something new, I’m here to support you in that, too. Perhaps you’re curious about Jewish arts, social justice or social entrepreneurship, spirituality, mental health wellness, global travel, food, sustainable agriculture, or diverse ways to express love and sexuality. There is a place for you here with Jewish Life, whether you identify as Jewish, Jewish-and-something-else, or just want to be part of the evolving story of the Jewish people.

I wear many hats: I’m a chaplain, a psychotherapist, a Jewish Studies scholar, and a social worker. I’ve worked in Appalachia and in Africa, in Jerusalem and in Istanbul, in New York City and in Ann Arbor, Michigan. One of the main reasons I’m drawn to Chapman is our campus’ unique Fish Interfaith Center, a purpose-built space for interfaith engagement. So please, join us: to learn, to serve, to grow, to be heard, to be challenged, to offer your wisdom and your compassion, and to experience awe.

Shalom,

--Andrea

Andrea Siegel, Ph.D., MSW

ansiegel@chapman.edu

Chapman Hillel

Hillel is a home for Jewish students on campus. It is a place to celebrate culture, learn about tradition, and provide a sense of belonging to the Chapman Jewish community and campus at large.

Find out more!

Chapman Chabad

Chabad at Chapman University seeks to be a "home away from home" for Jews on campus and offers a wealth of social, educational and spiritual programs at campuses across America and around the globe. At college, students are exposed to new ideas and experiences and Chabad seeks to ensure that students graduate as stronger and more empowered Jews than when they entered! We have weekly Shabbat dinners, holiday meals and events, as well as fun, cultural, and learning programs!

Find out more!

SHABBAT

Chapman Chabad and Chapman Hillel student groups both host weekly Shabbat dinners. Check out @chabadatchapman and @chapmanuhillel on Instagram for details.

Jewish Life at Chapman will be hosting monthly Shabbat dinners for faculty and staff (including families) starting in November 2022, at Fish Interfaith Center. Students are also welcome to join!

HIGH HOLY DAYS AND SUKKOT

Jewish Life at Chapman, Chapman Hillel, and Chapman Chabad all held events this past Fall. The sukkah at Fish Interfaith Center’s courtyard had a special interfaith and intercultural focus on the theme of environmental sustainability.

HANUKKAH

Since Hanukkah occurs this year when many students and faculty are off campus, Jewish Life at Chapman coordinated our first campus-wide “It’s (Almost!) Time for Hanukkah Fest” in early December 2022 at Attallah Piazza. Over 350 people attended! The Fest included a Jewish Campus Resources Fair and tables hosted by Jewish student groups. We hope to make it an annual festival in upcoming years.

PASSOVER

New for 2023: fresh cooked kosher-for-Passover food on campus at the Caf! I’m working with Chabad and Sodexo on the kashrut details. 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, check back on this website soon for information about how to purchase food. We’ll also post updates on our Instagram @chapmanjewishlife and in our weekly “Shalom Panthers” emails to campus. It’s been so exciting to lead this initiative and bring together a coalition of supporters across the University, including the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Jewish Life is also cosponsoring seders hosted by Chapman’s student groups Chabad and Hillel.

We offer wellness counseling, informal workshops on all-things-Jewish, and volunteer service opportunities in the local community. We also promote the activities of Jewish and Israeli student clubs, arts, and Jewish Studies academic events on campus. Please visit our office, contact us, or stay updated for announcements on social media.

Holocaust Education:

Chapman University is known nationally and globally for our Holocaust Education resources! Jewish Life at Fish Interfaith Center is grateful for the opportunity to connect our community to these efforts.  Learn more here.

Academic Courses in Jewish Studies:

Want to learn more about academic courses you might take here in Jewish Studies? Stop by our office at Fish Interfaith Center and we’d be happy to suggest ways you can engage with Jewish Studies coursework, research opportunities, and associated professors on campus.

New for Spring 2023, all students are invited to join our campus Jewish Mental Health Weekly Wellness Groups facilitated at Fish Interfaith Center by Andrea Siegel, Chapman’s Director of Jewish Life. We explore wisdom and practices for healing ourselves and our world. For more information, please email interfaith@chapman.edu

Jewish Life at Chapman University can assist you to access these resources, and more!

Jewish Community Internships, Careers, and Travel

Did you know that there are local, national, and international internships and post-graduate fellowships in Jewish nonprofit work, social justice, spirituality, and education? Are you interested in connecting with Jewish Chapman University alumni in various industries? Want to travel or serve abroad in Jewish communities? Jewish Life at Chapman University wants to hear from you!

Local and Regional Jewish Community Organizations:

Southern California and Orange County are blessed with Jewish organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Orange County, the Merage JCC of Orange County, local synagogues, and local Jewish services for emergency assistance. There are also extraordinary cultural resources to be found in neighboring locales, from various Jewish museums in Los Angeles to Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas. Stay updated with Jewish Life at Chapman University to find out about small group outings to such places and venture forth with us!

Kosher Food:

Pre-packaged kosher food is available at various campus locations; please contact Jewish Life for more information. As for off-campus kosher food resources, the following may be of interest: Nosh House is a Glatt Kosher café located next to OC Kosher Market in Tustin; Blueberry Hill Café is at the JCC in Irvine. The Blessed Braid Bakery in Irvine is certified kosher by the Rabbinical Council of California; some products are vegan and/or gluten free.

Religious Accommodation:

A useful document on Chapman University’s Religious Accommodation policy is here.