Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is the VJU?
2. Is the VJU a Hillel?
3. How do I find out about VJU events and services?
4. Can I come to a social event if I don't want to come to services?
5. What is the difference between the VJU and the Bayit?
6. Where is the Bayit?
7. When is the Bayit open?
8. Who is welcome at the Bayit?
9. How do I contact the Bayit?
What is the VJU?
VJU stands for Vassar Jewish Union, and is the Jewish student organization at Vassar. The VJU is a member of the Vassar Student Association and offers a variety of programs, from religious to social to educational.
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Is the VJU a Hillel?
The VJU is a Hillel Student Organization, which means that the VJU is associated with Hillel, and can utilize Hillel resources.
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How do I find out about VJU events and services?
To find out about events and services offered by the VJU, sign up for the VJU mailing list. To sign up for the mailing list, please click here and hit send. Or, send an e-mail to VJU secretary Evelyn Berger at evberger@vassar.edu.
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Can I come to a social event if I don't want to come to services?
Absolutely! All Vassar students are welcome to come to whichever events and services they like. There is no obligation to attend any other event or service.
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What is the difference between the VJU and the Bayit?
The VJU is a student organization run by a student board. The Bayit is run by Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, with the assistance of a paid student staff. The VJU and the Bayit work closely together on all Jewish programming.
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Where is the Bayit?
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The Bayit is located right outside Vassar on Collegeview Ave. To get to the Bayit, simply go through the Vassar North Gate and take a right. The address of the Bayit is 51 Collegeview Ave (the last house). |
When is the Bayit open?
We hold weekly Shabbat services on Friday evenings (6:00 PM), followed by a Kosher student-cooked
meal. We also have weekly bagel brunches on Saturdays at noon. The Bayit is also frequently
open during the week for social and cultural programs and student meetings.
A calendar of our events can be found here.
Who is welcome at the Bayit?
All Vassar students, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are welcome at all Bayit events! Our services are pluralistic, and Shabbat observance is casual and inclusive.
How do I contact the Bayit?
You can call Rabbi Rena Blumenthal at (845) 451-3920 or email her at reblumenthal@vassar.edu