Inspiration
Where can I find meaning, joy, and connection in Jewish life?
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.
“I spend all week looking forward to Friday night dinner. Or more specifically, I spend my week looking forward to that moment right after dinner when everyone is finished eating and we all sit around one table in the middle of the room and sing. Whether we sing traditional shabbat songs or Billy Joel, it is such a spiritually uplifting moment. After a week of high expectations and hard work, it’s the perfect time to let loose and focus on what really matters.”
Jeremy ‘29
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
We’re a traditional egalitarian minyan that meets once or twice a week for Shacharit in the CJL Library. Every person (regardless of gender) counts! We often sing parts of tefillah, and each person can find a role that they enjoy (leading davening, leyning, sharing a dvar Torah, being a gabbai, hagbah).
Belonging & Campus Engagement Coordinator
Clara Goldberg joins us in this new position at the CJL, one created with a very simple purpose: to help us know and connect more deeply with our students and be there when they need us. Clara is a recent graduate of the joint program at Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she studied English, creative writing, and Jewish history. Her own experience at Hillel changed her life because of the people who made it feel open, welcoming, and truly hers. She knew that after graduating, she wanted to become that kind of person for other college students.
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.
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.
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.