The University of Chicago is a private research university, and enrolls 5,900 undergraduate students. It adheres to an academically rigorous core curriculum and has an academic quarter system rather than semesters.
The University of Chicago is home to 750-1,500 Jewish undergraduates. The Orthodox community on campus is comprised of 25-75 students who are enrolled in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Yavneh at U Chicago is the Orthodox student group on campus. The university is highly flexible in matters of religious observance. Professors are tolerant toward holiday absences; the housing department emphasizes accessibility; and the dining provider readily offers a wide range of kosher dining options.
OU-JLIC provides a variety of learning opportunities and social events for Orthodox students on campus. There are weekly Torah classes on a range of topics including Talmud, Tanach, and halachah. Students also learn in chevrutot with the OU-JLIC Torah Educators. OU-JLIC plans a monthly oneg or kiddush, and other enjoyable events including study break snacks, art night, or ice skating. Yavneh at U Chicago runs the daily minyanim and seudah shelishit on Shabbat.
Rabbi Yehuda Auerbach and Hannah Auerbach
The Shabbat environment at University of Chicago is warm and welcoming. Shabbat dinner and lunch take place at Hillel and are free. Between 25-35 students attend the Orthodox Friday night services at Hillel and 50-80 students attend Friday night dinner. Students host onegs in their apartments once or twice a month. On Shabbat day, around 20 students daven in the Orthodox morning services which are followed by kiddush and lunch. The OU-JLIC educators also host small groups of students for Shabbat meals. The Rohr Chabad Center offers Orthodox services every Friday evening, followed by a Shabbat dinner. On most Shabbat afternoons students socialize at Hillel where they learn Torah and play games.
Meet The Educators