Jewish Studies at HWS
Jewish life at HWS carries over into the classroom, too. By studying under the Holocaust Studies program or through courses on Jewish topics, you can gain better insight into Judaism.
Jewish Life
experience, learn and celebrate judaism
Jewish life thrives at HWS. From Shabbat dinners to holiday celebrations, Holocaust Awareness week programming to Hillel club gatherings, you can engage your spiritual side. The Abbe Center for Jewish Life serves as the hub for Jewish life at HWS, and it's just across the street from Geneva’s Temple Beth-El. All students, staff and faculty are always welcome to take part in Jewish life at HWS.
Meet Us
By The Lake
The Abbe Center for Jewish Life
Located across the street from Temple Beth-El, the Abbe Center for Jewish Life serves as the physical home of Jewish life at HWS. The house features a large dining room (and very long table!) where Shabbat dinners and holiday meals are served. There’s also an open foyer, art gallery, cozy living room and two kosher-style kitchens to provide an open, welcoming atmosphere to celebrate Jewish holidays and events.
Throughout the building you will find art galleries that include student projects on the history of an ancient HWS-owned torah scroll, as well as original artworks by famous Jewish painters and alumni.
The Abbe Center second floor is one of HWS’ options for campus housing, so students can choose to live in the Abbe Center during housing selection. The center features nine bedrooms and multiple study spaces, making it perfect for students looking to fully embrace Jewish life while learning at HWS.
As an inclusive, welcoming community, students wanting to live or attend events at the Abbe Center do not need to be Jewish. They do need to be respectful and ready to learn from their peers.
Hillel is at the core of Jewish life at HWS. From hosting bagel brunches to organizing film screenings, the student run organization is the center of Jewish life at HWS. Students with Hillel also work to promote programs and get feedback from their peers to improve the experience of Jewish life on campus. If you wish we had something you don’t currently see offered, come join!
Everyone is welcome to attend Hillel student board meetings and events hosted by Hillel. The more the merrier! The Hillel board members are elected each spring for the following academic year. Students looking to join the Hillel board should feel free to apply.
