Many Jewish students experience “Jewish Burnout” when they first enter college. After years of Jewish education, Sunday School, Jewish youth groups, Jewish camps, and Jewish summer programs, many Jewish young adults enter college thinking that they are sick of everything Jewish and don’t want to do Jewish programs at college. They may have felt pressured into Jewish activities in high school by their parents, and once they are on their own, they want to have the freedom to perhaps be less religious or not as involved in Jewish life.
I’ll admit I was once one of those kids. I went to a Jewish Day School from kindergarten until my senior year of high school, participated in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest for two years, and kept kosher my whole life. When I went to college, I still wanted to keep kosher because it was what I grew up with and it felt right to me, but I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to be involved in Jewish life on campus. I wanted to step away from being the stereotypical Jewish Day School girl. I had looked into certain Jewish life aspects on my campus, but I didn’t feel fully comfortable there. I thought that I probably wasn’t going to be involved in Jewish life anymore, much to my parents’ and grandmother’s chagrin.
However, that all changed my second semester of freshman year. One Jewish group on campus, Chabad—where I had been to a few events already—offered a soup delivery program to students who were sick. I asked for some soup even though I wasn’t really sick, I was hungry and my friends convinced me it was a good idea. I got soup delivered to me by a very nice girl who told me to come check out Chabad. My Jewish guilt got the best of me, and that Friday night, I left for my first of many Chabad Shabbat dinners.
I am now co-president of Chabad at Franklin and Marshall, a far cry from the girl who wasn’t even sure if at first she wanted to enjoy Jewish life on campus. I was offered a general board position at the end of my freshman year, and I knew without hesitation that I should take it because I loved this club. I wanted to be a major part of it. I made a lot of friends through it and knew I wouldn’t be able to leave it.
I know there are plenty of other Jewish college students out there who feel the “Jewish Burnout” and would maybe like it to change. There are definitely a few ways to enjoy Jewish life without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable: You can try a non-religious event, such as a welcome back barbecue or an ice cream social, and see if that feels comfortable, or you can even go with a friend—that way, there is someone else there to talk to no matter what. It also doesn’t hurt to find any aspect of Jewish life to get involved in on campus. It could be Chabad or Hillel or J Street U or Sinai Scholars, or even just taking some Judaic Studies or Religious Studies courses for fun. There are clubs for Israel Awareness or events, like the annual AIPAC conference, to attend. No matter your interests or major, there can be a way to get involved in Jewish life that suits your needs.
One of the things I love most about Chabad is the way it feels like a family and how the food is all home-cooked. I have found it to be not just my Jewish home away from home, but also my actual home away from home. I have become close with the Chabad rabbi and his wife and children, and consider my fellow Chabad board members to be part of my family.
Jewish life offers a lot of opportunities, and may give you an opportunity to find a great community and just the right niche on campus to help you feel comfortable.
Shira Kipnees is a student at Franklin and Marshall College.
