Jewish Life at Penn Hillel is committed to creating programs which promote the richness of Judaism. Be on the lookout for Phridays, special community-wide celebratory Shabbat dinners which have previously featured comedians, a capella groups and hypnotists. 

Other great programming includes huge holiday celebrations on Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. During the first semester join us for a community breakfast after Yom Kippur. In the Spring join us for Shabbat Across Penn, when students across campus from a variety of backgrounds host a Friday night dinner. Steinhardt Hall is home to an assortment of prayer services ranging from Reform, Orthodox and Conservative services on shabbat as well as daily Orthodox services. Jewish Life at Penn includes unique experiences such as women's programming and LINKS, an interdenominational dialogue group. Come share your creative ideas and suggestions, and help plan the meaningful and festive events that our community enjoys.

For more information, contact Davida Shiff

The Conservative Jewish Community (CJC) is a warm group that offers social, educational and spiritual opportunities for the Penn Jewish community.  Every Friday night and Saturday, CJC holds well-attended Shabbat services filled with upbeat melodies and singing.  In addition to great services, CJC provides a full helping of warm schmooze and good friends to wrap up your week.  Throughout the week we offer informal learning, exciting speakers, and delicious dinner events.  Make sure to check out CJC Rush 2009, a series of social outings and events geared at connecting new and returning students, happening during the first few weeks of school before the holidays!

For more information, contact Katie Berkowitz , Joe Yellin or see their website 

LINKS: The Jewish Dialogue Project is Hillel’s interdenominational dialogue group, which brings Jewish students of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes together to learn about their Judaism, make new friends and educate peers, all the while uniting and solidifying the Jewish community at Penn. Those who wish to participate in LINKS will have the opportunity to facilitate dialogues, plan social events and create enterprising, community wide programs.

For more information, contact Orly Halpern

The Orthodox Community at Penn (OCP) offers a variety of programs and services for Orthodox Jewish students at Penn and neighboring schools.  OCP offers courses for those interested in studying Torah and Talmud and learning about halakha (Jewish law), Jewish women's issues, and a number of other topics.  OCP hosts lots of social events every semester like casino night, as well as celebrations for the Jewish holidays.  Each year OCP hosts several scholars in residence and the community devotes lots of time to important service work.   

For more information, contact Miki Friedman, or Rachel Grosser, or see their website

Kesher - The Reform Jewish Community at Penn - opens its arms to Jews from all backgrounds as the face of liberal Judiasm at Penn. Our Friday night services are musical and spirited. Our educational programs are interesting and relevant. Our social events are fun and lively. And our commitment to social justice is deep and vigorous. Check out this magnetic group and feel the community connection!

For more information, contact Cal Silcox

The Sephardic Community at Penn strives to practice Sephardic culture and preserve its identity within Penn’s diverse Jewish community. At traditional Sephardic services, all Jews of all backgrounds are invited to share in the rich heritage of Sephardic customs.

For more information, contact Rabbi Janice Elster

PHRIDAYS are a great way to pump up the excitement for Shabbat evenings at Penn Hillel.  Once a month, the buzz fills Steinhardt Hall and Shabbat turns into a lot more than services and dinner.  These Friday nights draw crowds of up to five hundred students from a wide range of Jewish affiliations.  PHRIDAYS feature special entertainment like comedians, hypnotists, a cappella groups, and of course scrumptious desserts.  Stop in and join the fun! 

For more information, contact Pasha Gol, Josh Belfer, Shiri Bogomolny, Rebecca Freedman, or Anya Lichtenstein 

The Holidays Committee has the crucial task of planning campus-wide celebrations for the major Jewish holidays.  With their creative juices flowing, the Holidays Committee organizes everything from fascinating High Holidays discussion groups to the Purim Carnival to crazy matzah eating contests at Passover

For more information, contact or Merrick Friedman, Jacob Shiff, Arielle Vogelstein, or Ben Chideckel

The Jewish Life Initiative is dedicated to enhancing Jewish life on campus.  Last year, they organized the first-ever Hillel-wide Mix-'Em-Up Meals, which brought together over 130 students for intimate, informal, student-led Shabbat meals throughout campus.  The goal is to create and promote meaningful, long-term programming that appeals to Jewish students of all backgrounds and interests.

For more information, contact Dina Bleckman or Andrew Kener