Does anyone know what Jewish life is like as a student at Elon?

<p>Not saddened that it is an issue for you (that’s understandable) but that it would be an issue for others. I moved to the Bible Belt (Charlotte) in 1982. I guess I’m surprised and dismayed that anti-Semiticsm is still a problem.</p>

<p>schlagowsky: I actually don’t really think this is an issue of anti-semitism, but moreso of exposure to a certain culture…If someone else here can help me with this, please chime in…</p>

<p>You can have anti-semitism anywhere, including a school that has 35% Jewish population; I think the questions that are being brought up in this thread have more to do with a “comfort level”…there are colleges all over the country that have small Jewish populations; some are just better than others at embracing differences, and, therefore, would be more of a “fit” for someone in the minority…</p>

<p>No different, as RM eloquently states, than a student who is African-American comparing Emory and UPenn (on another thread) for comfort, nor a gay young man assessing whether he would “fit in” at a "gay-friendly LAC (another thread)…or for that matter, a Muslim at a school like Brandeis (which, apparently, has built a prayer mosque on campus)…</p>

<p>Hope this clarifies…and btw, we have heard of some great restaurants for road trips to Charlotte…!</p>

<p>True Rodney- the reference was to part of RM’s post on pg #1</p>

<p>“Part of it is concern over anti-Semiticsm”</p>

<p>I get that she is speaking about culture and her comparisons above were good ones.</p>

<p>Are you coming to Charlotte to look at colleges?</p>

<p>My post was never intended to imply that anti-semitism was a problem here or that I thought there would be.</p>

<p>Rex - don’t worry - your posts have been very helpful - no problem whatsoever. I think Elon meets my criteria perfectly as far as what we are looking for and I enjoyed your remarks about Hillel and Jewish life at Elon.</p>

<p>Wow - I have been away at my sons’s college graduation. Thank you to all who entered their thoughts. I asked the question (admittedly not well) because the issue is very important to me. I attended a college in the midwest where the percentage of Jewish students was probably 2 per cent. I had more ignorance of my religion than anti-semitism. However, I really missed the Jewish connection. It did propel me from that time forward to become part of the Jewish community wherever we lived. That is my goal for my children - to become a part of the Jewish community in college and thereafter.</p>

<p>So I asked about the community at Elon, knowing the numbers don’t stack up to a Syracuse, University of Miami, Goucher, Muhlenberg etc. However, I also heard that the numbers were increasing. I wanted her to have some friends to go with to HHD services or celebrate Passover as a community. I don’t think anyone enjoys spending holidays by themselves.</p>

<p>Someone very wisely referred to having Jewish friends like comfort food- sometimes you just need it. I couldn’t agree more. My d feels she can find that community at Elon. I will admit I have been nervous. I am taking her at her word she will not be apathetic and will find her “comfort food”. She hopes to have a mix of friends, as it is boring if everyone is the same. We think Elon will be an inclusive community.</p>

<p>I will not apologize for asking the question. It is part of the screening process as others have made clear. Everyone is looking for an academic and social fit for their children. That doesn’t mean everyone has to be the same but there does need to be a certain comfort level.</p>

<p>Thanks again for all who shared.</p>

<p>Texasmom - I agree with you 110%! I hope that you continue to post next year on the Elon forum so that we can hear how it goes. Thanks.</p>

<p>I know that as Elon has become more of a national university, the number of Jews applying and enrolling is growing rapidly. The incoming freshman class is at least 7-8% Jewish.</p>

<p>^^source of that info please…</p>

<p>^ here one source - </p>

<p>7-10% of the 2011 entering freshman class is Jewish</p>

<p>Elon University, Hillel - Campus Climate - Quick Facks</p>

<p>[Elon</a> University - Hillel](<a href=“Elon University / Elon Hillel”>Elon University / Elon Hillel)</p>

<p>ncmentor: tx…yea, I guess that would be a good source! lol</p>

<p>(wonder when that was posted since I was just on that site yesterday)…</p>

<p>^ your welcome… Timing is everything…</p>

<p>I think I saw the older estimate there before, being on the front page kind of lets it hide in plain sight.</p>

<p>Well that’s fabulous news! Love those numbers.</p>

<p>I don’t have the exact answer but I know they were thinking this was the largest percentage yet. I suspect it is 7%. I don’t know what is the incoming Freshman class number. They were at 87 identified Jewish kids at the time of my d’s acceptance( March) which was very close to 10% of the early decision acceptances. I don’t think that number held once regular decision accepted students committed to Elon. However, we have to remember that number reflects families that have identified themselves as Jewish. There are many kids for many different reasons who choose not to be identified as Jewish. I realize some of them do so because they truly don’t care but not all. Numbers shouldn’t be the only measurement. Quality of Jewish life too is very important. I am hoping for a good experience - I’ll keep you posted on that.</p>

<p>You are absolutely right that numbers alone are not the only consideration - it’s more about a fun and active Hillel and an accepting and tolerant student body. But still, it is really great to see that the number of Jewish students at Elon is steadily increasing.</p>

<p>Just FYI - guess it’s an active Hillel… From Elon’s "E-Net "</p>

<p>Elon Hillel to host North Carolina Hillel Statewide Leadership Retreat</p>

<p>Jewish students from colleges and universities throughout North Carolina will be heading to Elon University on September 5 for their biennial leadership retreat.</p>

<p>Attended the Hillel reception during Orientation. They know for certain that 7% of the freshman class is Jewish. However, the true number is most likely higher as not everyone lists their religion on the application. The President spoke and Jewish faculty members also introduced themselves. This was a very nice touch. Of course. the student board was also introduced. A faculty member also talked about a Jewish studies initiative that would be interdisciplinary based. Nancy was also there and is such a wonderful support. They talked about High Holidays and upcoming events. We can’t force our kids to these things but we can encourage participation. I am happy to answer any specific questions.</p>

<p>TM:^^did they mention when this Jewish studies initiative would begin? and is it going to be in the form of a minor?</p>

<p>It seemed to be in the planning stage. I would ask Nancy,for the name of the faculty member who is working on this. She most likely has more info. I do think they are looking at how much interest there is for such a program.</p>

<p>Thanks; on the way down in the car. Will update over the weekend!</p>