Social, cultural, and holiday activities at Elmira College are held on and off campus. On-campus programming varies from year to year depending on student interest. The local Jewish community is very supportive and provides home hospitality for Shabbat and holidays. The local synagogues welcome Elmira College students and opportunities exist for students to work with the religious school teaching staff, as advisors for youth group ages 9 -12, and in the community center. Jewish students at Elmira find sympathetic support from the Campus Ministry. Near-by Hillels are at Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Binghamton University. Elmira College offers Hebrew classes and a Junior Year Abroad progam.The College respects all major religious holidays; absences are excused at these times. The College circulates a calendar and notice requesting faculty to respect Jewish holidays. Kosher meals are not available. The College run food services provides daily vegetarian alternatives. Contact Jim Siconolfi, Director of Dining Services, [email protected] for discussing special accommodations.