Jewish Life

Ron Yardenay

Jewish Life Coordinator

ryardena@highpoint.edu | 336-841-4512

Ron Yardenay is the Jewish Life Coordinator. Originally from Israel, Ron moved to Greensboro, NC in 1994 and completed his undergraduate degree at Elon University. He is deeply rooted in the Jewish Community of the area; volunteering with youth and serving on community’s marketing committee. On Campus, he works with a committed board of students to plan for regular community programming as well as holiday celebrations according to Judaic traditions.
“It’s my mission to ensure that Jewish students have a unique and intentional community to foster their Jewish identity. This community will continue to serve a purpose of diversity on campus and is open to all who are interested in learning more about Judaism.”

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Being Jewish at High Point University

Nearly 150 students at High Point University identify as Jewish, a number that grows each year. Jewish students at High Point come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some come from families that have made Judaism an integral part of their lives, while others may have little to no tradition of practicing Judaism. We have students who come from families with two Jewish parents and others from families with one Jewish parent. We even have some non-Jewish students who have become interested in Jewish culture, history and theology. All students are welcome at our events, and a number of Jewish faculty members are also active participants in the community.

Practicing Judaism

Hillel, formerly the Association of Jewish Students (AJS), is a student organization dedicated to providing opportunities for students to build a 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 Interfaith Passover Seder on campus. Last year the university hosted an event featuring Israeli and Palestinian students from the OneVoice Movement, which seeks to promote a peaceful two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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); nor does that affiliation dictate the way faculty teach their courses. The university is committed to religious diversity and and a spirit of openness, and the university chaplain is among the biggest supporters of the Jewish community. Jewish students feel comfortable and well supported in this community.

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 halls 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.