Inspiration

The Center for Jewish Life inspires students through meaningful Jewish experiences that awaken the heart, nourish the soul, and connect them to something larger than themselves. Through prayer, music, ritual, celebration, and the arts, students discover joy, purpose, and a deeper connection to Jewish life. 

Programs

Minyanim/Prayer Groups

Kesher – Reform Community

Through spirited, student-led Friday night services, music, prayer, and its weekly Snack & Schmooze, Kesher creates a warm and welcoming space where students can connect, celebrate, and build community. Whether students are lifelong Reform Jews, exploring Judaism, or simply looking for a place to belong, Kesher welcomes everyone to participate in Shabbat, holidays, social events, and Jewish life together.

Koach- Conservative Community

Rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary Jewish life, Koach brings students together for Friday night and Havdalah services, Shabbat morning minyanim, holiday celebrations, learning opportunities, and social events. Through meaningful prayer, leadership, and community, Koach helps students deepen their Jewish practice and build lasting friendships.

Yavneh – Orthodox Community

With three daily minyanim, a vibrant Beit Midrash, and a wide range of Torah learning opportunities, Yavneh provides a welcoming home for students seeking to grow in Orthodox Jewish life. Alongside prayer and learning, students gather for Shabbat onegs, guest speakers, study breaks, and social events that foster both community and spiritual growth.

Partnership Minyan – Egalitarian

An inclusive, halachically grounded prayer community that encourages meaningful participation by both women and men. Through Shabbat services, Torah reading, singing, and community events, the Partnership Minyan creates a thoughtful space where students engage deeply with Jewish tradition while building an open, welcoming, and vibrant community.

Community Havdallah

To mark the end of Shabbat, students of all denominations gather at the CJL Saturday evenings to sing, dance, and welcome in the start of a new week. 

Holiday Celebrations

At the CJL, Jewish holidays are celebrated with warmth, joy, and community. Throughout the year, students mark the High Holy Days with prayer and traditional holiday meals with friends, eat sushi in the CJL’s Sukkah, gather for Hanukkah candle lightings and fried Oreos, dress in costume for Purim Megillah readings and come together for Passover Seders filled with storytelling, singing, and spirited discussion. 

Koleinu

CJL’s  Jewish co-ed a cappella group, from a wide range of musical and Jewish backgrounds, blends traditional, liturgical, Hebrew, and contemporary music. Koleinu performs throughout the year in Princeton’s iconic archways, at the CJL, and across the local community.

Shabbat Dinners & Home Hosting

Shabbat at the CJL is the heart of Jewish life on campus. Whether gathering around the table in the CJL dining hall with hundreds of friends or sharing an intimate meal in the home of a rabbi or staff member, students welcome Shabbat with delicious food, spirited singing, meaningful conversation, and a warm sense of belonging. These weekly traditions create lasting friendships and transform strangers into family.