<p>Anyone know anything about being Jewish at Vandy? My mom is afraid I'll convert if I'm left alone around southern christians.</p>
<p>I don't know why non-students always think the majority of the school is filled with "southern christians". This hasn't been my expierence at all. </p>
<h2>Vanderbilt is more diverse than people give them credit for.</h2>
<p>The Jewish population has increased tremendously over the last few years --
<a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/hillel/life.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.vanderbilt.edu/hillel/life.php</a>
<a href="http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/04/04/49469056.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/04/04/49469056.shtml</a></p>
<p>My S is a freshman at Vandy and we had some concern about whether, being a Jewish northerner, he'd feel like a fish out of water. I can say that this is as far from the case as can be. Not that he's really taken advantage of it, but there is a beautiful, new Hillel building and services, holiday meals etc. are available. They also sponsor an alternative spring break trip (they went to Cuba, for example) and a birth right trip to Israel. It has an excellent vegetarian restaurant and seems like a nice place to hang out if one were so inclined! My son did go there for the break fast (good bagels!) There seem to be plenty of Jewish students (I believe there are now approx. 10% Jewish students) and there are, i believe, 2 Jewish fraternities (though they are not strictly Jewish...there are a mix of kids, but def. a higher percentage of Jewish kids than some of the other frats).</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Only one of the fraternities is over represented with Jewish brothers. The other is just traditionally Jewish at many other schools, but isn't at all at Vandy. </p>
<p>But I agree with everything else Bridie has said. Several alums have done a lot recently to fill out the Jewish life on campus.</p>
<p>I grew up in a WASPy area. I'm kinda scared of lots of Jews, will this be a problem?</p>
<p>don't worry about being jewish at vandy. although the school is predominantly christian, i knew plenty of jewish students as well. there is a jewish center here, and like vualum said, a fraternity (aepi) as well. it's definately not a big deal.</p>