Our Orgs and Spaces
Student Organizations
Vassar Jewish Union/Hillel
The Vassar Jewish Union (VJU/Hillel)) seeks to strengthen the development of a fun, warm, inclusive, pluralistic Jewish community, and to provide a spiritual and cultural home for Jewish expression at Vassar. The VJU seeks to serve all members of the Vassar community, regardless of their background or form of Jewish expression. Consequently, the VJU does not endorse any one view or practice of Jewish life over any other and encourages the expression of all facets of Jewish experience in search of an active and diverse Jewish community on Vassar’s campus. The group is a VSA organization that sponsors weekly Friday night Shabbat services at 6:00 p.m. and dinners at 7:30 p.m. in the Bayit at 51 Collegeview Avenue, as well as programming for all major Jewish holidays, cultural and educational programs that explore Jewish life and Jewish identity, opportunities for social action, and social events.
Contact: vju@vassar.edu
Instagram: @vassar.jewish.union
Chabad Jewish Community
The Chabad Jewish Community (CJC) strives to foster an inclusive, warm, and fun space on campus for Jewish students to explore their identities. From weekly Shabbat dinners to holiday programming to social events to volunteering in the Poughkeepsie community, CJC offers numerous ways to tap into Jewish life on campus. Our goal is to make Judaism and Jewish practice accessible and relevant for all Jewish students regardless of affiliation or level of observance. Our hallmark event is weekly Shabbat dinners at the Chabad House (94 Fulton Ave—one block away from campus) where students are treated to a home-cooked meal in a family-style environment. All are welcome! Meet new students, enjoy a meal and Shabbat rituals, and find a small slice of “home” away from home.
Contact: chabad.vsa@vassar.edu
Instagram: @vassarchabad
Jews of Color Caucus
The Jews of Color Caucus (JoCC) is dedicated to creating a welcoming and fun community. We aim to bond over our diverse heritages and share experiences that have made us who we are. We connect over hangouts, Shabbat dinners, and holiday observances. JoCC is open to all students who are interested in engaging in Jewish life or supporting us. We are all friends here! If you have any questions or if you are interested in getting involved, please contact us.
Contact: jewsofcolor.vsa@vassar.edu
Nazun (formerly Challah for Hunger)
Do you like freshly baked challah? Do you like baking bread? Do you like giving back to your community? Knead a fun sensory activity to destress? Come to Nazun at Vassar! We make the challah dough on Tuesdays at 4:30 and braid at 6:30 in the Bayit (the cute little blue/green house behind Gordon Commons). Or if you’re not into baking, come buy our challah on Wednesdays in the College Center! By taking part in our organization you can do the mitzvah (good deed) of tzedakah (charity/justice work) as all proceeds go towards combating food insecurity (Nazun National Chapter and Dutchess Outreach).
Contact: nazun.vsa@vassar.edu
Instagram: @nazun_vassar
Our Spaces
The Bayit
The Bayit, 51 Collegeview Avenue is our home for Jewish Life on campus. Any Jewish student is welcome to come to hang out, study, meditate, pray, make art, and otherwise utilize the Bayit. Apply to Reserve Bayit Access. The downstairs of the Bayit has a dairy kosher kitchen, ritual and events space, lounge, and one of Rabbi Bryan’s offices. The upstairs of the Bayit has a library/lounge, meeting room, quiet room, arts closet, and non-kosher kitchen. Students are constantly using the Bayit for Shabbat services, Challah baking, Jewish learning, dinners/hangouts, studying, and more!
Chabad on Fulton
Chabad on Fulton, 94 Fulton Avenue is just off campus and where Chabad Jewish Community hosts much of its programming. Whether a Shabbat dinner, Jewish learning, hangouts or just dropping by to study. Chabad Jewish Community students, as well as, Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Dalia Sanoff and their children are ready to welcome you!
Pratt House
Pratt House is the home of the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP). Rabbi Bryan has an office here, along with the interreligious RSLCP staff who would love to get to know you! We will occasionally have Jewish events at Pratt House, but this is also a place where you can come study, hang out, meditate/pray, and get to know students across various religious and spiritual traditions.