About Us

Vision

The vision of the Center for Jewish Life is to inspire and equip every Jewish student to contribute with passion and knowledge to the Jewish community and the world at large.

Our Mission

Our mission is to partner with students and other members of the Princeton community to sustain and grow a welcoming, caring, and multi-faceted Jewish community that is integrated into the fabric of campus life. We aim to make Judaism speak to students’ lives, spark friendships, nurture Jewish identity, and cultivate leadership.

Our size and resources allow us to build a close-knit, diverse, and inclusive community that offers significant opportunities for leadership and fosters meaningful Jewish connections and experiences. Through our pillars - Community, Jewish Learning, Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations, Israel, Leadership, and Social Justice - the Center for Jewish Life aspires to provide the experiences and resources that lay the foundation for Jewish adulthood.

Our Pillars

Our pillars — Community, Jewish Learning, Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations, Israel, Leadership, & Social Justice -– function both as the spheres of Jewish growth in which we seek to engage Princeton students and as the core values of the Center for Jewish Life.

Community

The Center for Jewish Life creates a social community through friendships, shared experiences and common purpose that actively respects, celebrates and learns from diversity. We serve both undergraduates and graduate students, as well as young professionals, faculty, and staff, hoping to link ourselves to other Jewish communities locally, nationally and abroad. The Center for Jewish Life works strategically with the Office of Admission to increase the number of Jewish students who apply to and matriculate at Princeton.

Jewish Learning

We aim to both enhance Jewish knowledge and literacy and spark a life-long curiosity for Jewish learning. Our approach to Jewish learning integrates Judaism with personal and academic interests and uses Jewish wisdom as a spark for conversations about Life’s “Big Questions.”

Shabbat & Holiday Celebrations

Hosting festive and meaningful celebrations, meals and religious services is an important cornerstone of our program. The Center for Jewish Life also acts as a liaison with Princeton University on matters related to Jewish observance and ensures all religious needs are met on campus.

Israel

Through trips, lectures, seminars and hands-on activities and dialogue, the Center for Jewish Life cultivates connections with Israel that are well-informed, personal and transformational. The Center for Jewish Life also acts as a liaison with Princeton University on matters related to Israel.

Leadership

Recognizing the talent and leadership potential of all students, the Center for Jewish Life fosters effective leadership infused with Jewish values, training students to articulate and realize their goals and vision. The Center for Jewish Life is a student-driven organization, empowering students to shape and direct the Jewish community on campus.

Social Justice

The Center for Jewish Life embraces Hillel’s question, “If I am only for myself what am I?” and Princeton’s motto, “In the nation’s service, in the service of all nations”. We provide direct service and advocacy volunteer opportunities and engage in dialogue with other groups on campus.