Service
I wanted to be the Social Action Chair for the CJL Board because I’m passionate about using Jewish values to give back to my community. Community service is important to me, and I believe that it is also essential for the CJL to be involved. Service allows students to make a tangible impact in the greater Princeton community and strengthens bonds within the CJL.
Daniel ‘27
Inspired by Princeton’s motto, the CJL’s guiding principle – “In the service of the Jewish community and of humanity” – encourages students to live their Jewish values every day. Through service, leadership, and acts of mitzvot good deeds and tikkun olam repairing the world, , students learn that Judaism calls us not only to believe, but to act.
Programs
CJL Student Leaders & Student Board
At the CJL, students don’t just attend programs – they create them. Student leaders from every Jewish background and interest work together to shape Jewish life on campus, leading prayer communities, organizing Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations, planning social events and study breaks, and building a community where every student can find a place to belong. To find out how you can get involved, contact Marni at mblitz@princeton.edu.
Israel Advocacy & Travel
We encourage students to engage with Israel through travel, dialogue, lectures, fellowships, internships, and meaningful conversations with Israelis on campus. CJL proudly hosts a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow, as well as the Princeton Israeli Community (PIC) student group, which plans Israel-related cultural, educational and social programs as well as holiday celebrations such as Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Students can join one of our Israel-related student advocacy groups: Tigers for Israel and J Street U, or B’Artzeinu as well as participate in travel opportunities through our Birthright Israel trips and Tiger Trek-Israel, a trip co-sponsored by CJL that connects Princeton students with Israeli entrepreneurs and startup culture. For more information, support and Israel-related programming contact, CJL’s Jewish Agency Israel Fellow.
Mitzvah Squad
Coordinated by CJL Board’s social action chair, the Mitzvah Squad sponsors a variety of service-related opportunities ranging from serving meals at a local food kitchen, blood drives, to visiting the elderly at a facility for Shabbat.