Explore Williams College

Jewish life at Williams College is engaging and warm, fostering a community of pluralism and acceptance, as we provide opportunities for Jewish involvement in the community. We celebrate Shabbat and holidays, hold social and communal programming, and support an environment of learning and spiritual growth. The highlight of our week is Friday night, when we gather for student-led Shabbat services, followed by a large Shabbat dinner that is prepared by students. You can find out more about us at https://jewish.williams.edu, or contact Rabbi Seth Wax at [email protected]. Rabbi/Jewish Educator: Rabbi Seth Wax; [email protected] Seth is an alumn of Harvard Divinity School and the Rabbinical School at Hebrew College with a passion for exploring how to live a meaningful, engaged life infused with learning, contemplation, community, and deep interfaith engagement. Before coming to Williams in 2017, he was the rabbi at Congregation Mount Sinai in Brooklyn Heights, NY. A trained spiritual director, he offers one-on-one and group sessions for those looking to bring more awareness and attention to their inner spiritual lives.WCJA hosts student-led Shabbat services every Friday night, followed by Shabbat dinner prepared by students every week. A smaller group of students gathers for tefila and Torah study, followed by a light lunch, of Shabbat mornings. We occasionally gather for Havdalah, as well. Students lead high holiday services, as well as Passover Seders. Our Dining Services staff provided catered meals during the high holidays, as well as kosher for Passover food for the Seders.

Undergraduate Enrollment

200 Jewish Students (9.6%*)
2,078 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

6 Jewish Students (10.7%*)
56 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience

  • Served by Hillel No
  • Kosher Food Available Yes
  • Jewish Studies Offered Yes
  • Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor
  • Study Abroad in Israel University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
  • JLIC Educator No

Campus Climate for Jewish Students

Kosher Dining

The JRC kitchen is a kosher kitchen held to an O-U standard under the supervision of the Jewish Chaplain. Meals are prepared there to stock the Kosher/Hallal Corner in the Greylock and Mission dining halls. Also, weekly Shabbat dinners are prepared in the kitchen by students trained in kashrut. The kitchen is also available for more regular use to those who would like to do so.

Options: University meal plan-no extra cost;Meals available on shabbat/holidays only;Kosher food available nearby

Additional Campus Information

Visit  University Website

  • Private/Public Private
  • Acceptance Rate 13%
  • U.S. Region Northeast
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $50,450
  • Tuition Out-of-State $50,450
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 84% / 9%
  • Greek Life No

The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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