Jewish Life | Religious Life | High Point University

Being Jewish at High Point University

Jewish Life at High Point University is the home for Jewish Life on campus. Our Hillel is a chartered member of the Student Government Association, affiliated with Hillel International – the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and a department within the Office of Student Life.

Our community of Jewish students arrive on campus from across the United ...

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Amy Epstein

Jewish Life Coordinator

Schedule a Meeting with Director Subscribe to Emails Jewish Studies Minor

(336) 841-9421

aepstein@highpoint.edu

Daily from 8:00am — 5:00pm.

Our Programs Include:

Shabbat Dinners, Karaoke, and Pluralistic Services
High Holiday Services and Meals
Sukkah on Campus
Big/Little Program
Collaborative Programs with Other SGA Organization
Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF)
Birthright Israel
Havdalah by the Firepit
Tikkun Olam Programs and Projects

HPU Hillel's Mission

At High Point University Hillel we aim to educate the community about Jewish tradition through religious a practice and shared cultural experiences. We remember our past while continuing to build a more inclusive, colorful and cohesive environment on campus.

HPU Hillel Awards

Winner of the SGA Organization of the Year 2021

SGA Club of the month November 2021, 2020

Hillel International – Winner of the Phillip H and Susan Rudd Cohen Outstanding Campus Award 2020

Jewish opportunities at High Point University:

- Hillel
- Jewish Studies Minor
- Birthright Israel
- Onward Israel
- Jewish Learning Fellowship
- Café Ivrit (Hebrew Dialog – New in 2022)
- Panthers for Israel

high point university north carolina jewish life hillel hanukkah

Practicing Judaism

Hillel is a student-led organization dedicated to providing opportunities for students to build Jewish Life at High Point University. Students participate in social and religious activities with other Jewish students on campus and through the region. They celebrate Shabbat and major holidays, assist in regional Jewish service projects and have the opportunity to participate in regional, national and international Hillel events, including Birthright trips to Israel. Hillel welcomes students from all movements of Judaism and people from other faiths who are interested in learning about Judaism. Jewish students have celebrated Hanukkah together, and during the High Holidays students are provided transportation to services. Students have traveled to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for a regional Shabbat dinner, attended national interfaith conferences and conducted an Passover Seder on campus. We are also laying the foundations for building a greater presence in the High Point, Piedmont Triad, and North Carolina Jewish communities. On a more local level, with the growth of our population we hope to establish a more active tradition of tikkunolam (‘repairing the world’) by involving students in the wide variety of Jewish social action activities available through the university, local synagogues, and Jewish organizations throughout the Triad.

What about the School’s United Methodist affiliation?

The United Methodist Church is committed to the flourishing of all faith traditions and freedom of religious expression. While High Point University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, that does not mean that everyone on campus is Methodist (or even Christian). The university is committed to religious diversity and a spirit of openness, and the Chapel and Religious Life Office is among the biggest supporters of the Jewish community. Jewish students feel comfortable and well supported in this community.

hanukkah dinner high point university kosher

Is there kosher food on campus?

While no kosher dining facility formally exists at High point, the university offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dining options. During Passover, the main dining facilities offer matzo and other kosher for Passover foods. The Chapel and Religious Life Office work with dining services to accommodate students and their religious culinary needs.

Hillel Admissions Liasons

Sydney Casler

Email: scasler@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Westchester, NY

Major: Psychology

Minor: Statistics

Hillel has given me the ability to connect with so many Jewish people and make many new lifelong friends.

Sarah Geller

Email: sgeller@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Weston, Florida

Major: Special Ed Adapted Curriculum

Minor: Theater

Hillel is home and Hillel is happiness. I find being in Hillel that I made lifelong friends and a loving college family. From the activities to all the Shabbats, Hillel is where I do swell.

Tyler Goetz

Email: tgoetz@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Major: Middle Grades Education

Minor: History

Hillel at HPU is a caring and loving community that allows for us to connect with those who have similar faith and traditions.

Shira Gold

Email: sgold1@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Major: Psychology

What I love about Hillel at HPU is that it’s a great way to meet your best friends and have a community that’s welcoming and full of care and support.

Maxwell Rattet

Email: mrattet@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Major: Sports Management

Hillel has given me the opportunity to continue embracing my religion and faith on campus while making lifelong friends! We are a loving and caring community of those with similar faith.

Julia Staffin

Email: jstaffin@highpoint.edu

Hometown: Westchester, New York

Major: Theater

Minor: Musical Theater

Hillel is important to me because I grew up Jewish going to Hebrew school and this has been the place to continue my faith. I am the religious chair and love to share my Jewish background with everyone in Hillel. It doesn’t bother me that we are a small population of Jews on campus because that makes our family closer!