<p>I have two acquaintances who have freshman kids at Brandeis. One is very into his Jewish culture and loves the school. The other is not Jewish, studying the sciences and is very unhappy there. He feels that if you aren’t into Jewish culture, then you are at a disadvantage. </p>
<p>My D has no interest in Jewish culture per se, but loves the social activism/justice philosophy that Brandeis professes. We know it is a great school, and she got an excellent fin aid package but are worried that culturally she might not fit in. </p>
<p>Would like to hear from others on this subject.</p>
<p>I would like to know that also… My friend is a sophomore there and complains that the social life is not so exciting. However, I still believe that college life is what you make of it. Every college has ‘‘socially active’’ people, and there are so many other schools around, so it can’t be THAT hard to find something fun to do… But I guess if you sit in your dorm room and wait for parties to show up, it’s not gonna happen.</p>
<p>My next-door neighbors’ son is a junior at Brandeis. He grew up in a remote suburb of an East Coast city, with one Jewish parent and one non-Jewish parent, in a town where that combination is almost the norm. He never identified as Jewish. He spent most of high school thinking of himself as atheist.</p>
<p>At Brandeis, he has identified with Catholicism (his mom’s religion). He has explored Catholicism both in his classes and through the Catholic students’ center. He has developed a close relationship with the Catholic chaplain (who is a prominent figure on campus). I half-expect one day I’ll see a post on his Facebook wall that says, “Hey, Jake! I hope one day I can be as Catholic as you. Keep up the good work! --Benedict XVI.”</p>
<p>So there’s one story of a non-Jew who’s loving the non-Jewish life at Brandeis.</p>
<p>Brandeis is very diverse and welcoming of folks from all backgrounds. It has always been, and, in fact, was designed to be, a non-sectarian school. Here’s a string on the very topic of concern to you that you may find very helpful:</p>
<p>I am a current student at Brandeis, and I encourage you (if you have any further questions, to PM me). </p>
<p>It’s rare that I actually meet anyone who complains that Brandeis is “too Jewish.” A part from the Zionist clubs that pass around petitions (which I feel happens at many schools) I am hard pressed to find a clear sign that Brandeis is Jewish every day I’m here. The truth is, and many people will tell you this, that if you want the Judaism it’s abundant, but if you don’t then it’s pretty in the background.</p>