Judaism

This page is a guide to some of the resources for Jewish and Jewish-affiliated students on campus.

Don't see what you're looking for? Please reach out!

Jewish Life Faculty

-- Dr. Samuel Kessler (kessler@gustavus.edu), Assistant Professor and Bonnier Chair of Jewish Studies (Department of Religion) & Jewish Life Advisor

(Please scroll down to see a calendar of Jewish events happening on campus this semester.)

Shabbat & Holiday Resources

The Chaplains' Office has resources for students interested in celebrating Shabbat and holidays.

Shabbat

1. Candles, juice, and copies of the Mishkan T'filah for Gatherings siddur (prayer book) are available in the Bonnier Multifaith Space, along with candlesticks and lighter. Please do not leave candles burning unattended and follow other Multifaith Center guidelines (no food consumed on premises). 
2. If you would like any of the following to keep for personal use, please contact Dr. Kessler (kessler@gustavus.edu):
   1. A copy of the Koren Shabbat Evening Siddur.
   2. A plastic reusable Kiddush Cup.
3. For addresses and links for in-person and online Shabbat services, see below. 

Hanukkah

1. A hanukkiyah (menorah) and candles will be available in the Bonnier Multifaith Space. Please do not leave candles burning unattended.

Passover

1. Seders-in-a-box will be offered in the weeks before the holiday. (If you do not receive an email about this, please contact Dr. Kessler (kessler@gustavus.edu) or Dr. Broida (mbroida@gustavus.edu).)
   • Order some or all: Haggadah; paper seder plate & ritual foods; kiddush cup; juice for the 4-cups; matzah. 
2. For students interested in attending a seder with a host family, please contact Dr. Kessler (kessler@gustavus.edu). 

Religious Services

Many area synagogues are holding virtual Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday morning) services. Information can be found on the following websites.

• Humanist: Or Emet, Minneapolis https://oremet.org
• Reconstructionist: Mayim Rabim http://www.mayimrabim.org/
• Reform: 
  • Temple Israel, Minneapolis https://templeisrael.com/articles/online
  • Shir Tikvah, Minneapolis http://shirtikvah.net/
  • Mt. Zion, St. Paul https://mzion.org/pray/
  • Bet Shalom Congregation, Minnetonka https://www.betshalom.org/ritual-prayer/shabbat-services/
• Conservative:
  • Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park https://www.besyn.org/religious-life/live-streaming/
  • Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Minnetonka https://www.adathjeshurun.org/live-streaming-of-services.html
  • Beth Jacob Congregation, Mendota Heights https://beth-jacob.org

Additional virtual resources

• Hillel @ Home includes resources, programs, hangouts, contests, and virtual gatherings for the Jewish community
• Romemu (Renewal) hosts streamed Shabbat and Torah studies.

Community resources

• Rimon, the Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, hosts, sponsors, and publicizes on-line and in-person arts events. 
• The Minneapolis Jewish Federation website lists the Jewish temples and synagogues in the Twin Cities Metro Area and Rochester, with the branch of Judaism noted in parentheses, and some links to the temples themselves. 
   

Jewish Life Holidays and Events, 2020-2021

The Chaplains’ Office will be posting information and sponsoring events for the major Jewish holidays.

Dates below are for Academic Year 2021-22 / Jewish Year 5782 [תשפ״ב]

Note: Holidays begin the evening before the first day listed.