<p>same question… i’m not jewish, but i’m very interested in the school… will i feel left out if i attend?</p>
<p>Well, there are definite differences. In December, for instance, there are more menorahs in the windows than Christmas decorations. It's gonna take getting used to to be in the minority. That really bugged some of my non-Jewish friends and didn't phase others. It all depends on you. You will, however, pick up lots of Jewish lingo, no matter what. =P</p>
<p>but ur not there in december, really, so dont let that scare you. religions of all sort coexist without problems, and all are respected. usually, relgion is justa point of discussion, not a major selling point. last year, by the way, was the first year in which jews were not the majority-, about 40 percent, but not in the overwhelming majority. the school feels safe peaceful, and pleasant.</p>
<p>Well, last year Chanukkah was over finals. But you're right about all religions coexisting and being respected. Still, keep in mind your own comfort levels. Unless you live in a predominately Jewish area, it will be a change, but one that will broaden your horizons.</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman at Brandeis and I am not Jewish. Honestly, I do not feel "left out." The school's religion is not overpowering at all. There are 3 chapels on campus, one Catholic (the one I go to), one Jewish, and one Protestant. The only people who think that Brandeis is too Jewish is those who are Jewish but not religious.</p>
<p>There are plenty of non-Jews here. I am one.
The Jewish presence is inescapable. You will hear the words 'kosher' and 'shabat' a lot. And we get a lot of days off in October because of the holidays, so the non-Jews reap the benefits of being at a Jewish institution. But I think Brandeis is doing a great job in expanding on diversity. There are a LOT of Asians here, especially Indians and Koreans. Actually I feel that Brandeis actively recruits Asian and black students. I haven't met too many Latino people yet, but I've only been here a little over a month. You are bound to meet people of all backgrounds.<br>
My closest friends are conservative Jews. It just worked out that way. Their motto is: follow what you want, we follow what we want, and just be happy. To each his/her own. Many people at Brandeis share this philosophy. I personally don't feel 'left-out' either except on Fridays when everyone on my floor is at Hillel dinner. Usually then I choose to go into Boston with friends. Boston is a great resource for when your friends are chilling during Sabbath.</p>