The six-pointed Star of David is based on the shape of David’s shield, or, perhaps, the symbol on his shield. This refers to King David of ancient Israel. Jews call it a Magen David, meaning “shield of David.” Some scholars have attributed theological significance to the symbol - for example, that the intertwining makes the triangles inseparable, like the Jewish people - but there are multiple opinions on its meaning.
Rabbi Meir Chaim Posner is the Jewish Life Advisor of Chabad at Yale. If you would like to visit with him and/or find out more info, please e-mail him at RabbiMC@chabadyale.org.
Chabad at Yale seeks to help shape the next generation of engaged leadership within the Jewish community and within American society at large. To accommodate and support the Jewish college student , Chabad at Yale serves as an intimate, vibrant community and a pillar of support for hundreds of Jewish students, regardless of personal beliefs, backgrounds or levels of religious observance.
Birthright Trips are offered in the summer to give students 10 days of adventure and excitement in Israel.
Shabbat Dinners are a great escape from the constant academic pressures of campus. Join us every Friday night for a multidimensional experience, with the perfect mix of food, drink, song and conversation.
Coffee Meetings can be schedule with Rabbi Meir Chaim at the coffee house of your choice. Feel free to discuss any topic from personal issues to religious questions and everything in between.
Free Mezuzahs can be given to any Jewish student who needs one for their dorm room or apartment. Ancient tradition teaches that this small Mitzvah brings blessing and serenity to one’s home.
The Synagogue in Alice Bender House is located at 36 Lynwood St, New Haven, CT 06511.
Helpful staff at the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale include Uri Cohen, Jason Rubenstein, Lauren Steinberg, Rachel Leiken, Aviva Green, and Alex Ozar. For a full directory, please visit our web site at www.slifkacenter.org .
Yale Hillel is the undergraduate organization for the Jewish community. We are located at Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale on 80 Wall Street. We offer programming, service & travel opportunities, and a strong community to anyone who wants to get involved. We encourage students to identify with their Judaism in many different ways, from religious life to social events. Take a look around the Slifka Center website and the Hillel page for more information about what we do, or come visit us!
Young Israel House at Yale (YIHY) is the student organization responsible for Orthodox student life on campus. We provide support, programming, and learning opportunities to the observant community, as well as reaching out to the greater Jewish population at Yale.
Egal at Yale: Egal is Yale’s traditional Egalitarian minyan. In addition to organizing weekly services, we provide learning opportunities as well as social programming.
Reform Chavura: The Reform Chavura is a vibrant reform community at Yale. From weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services to care packages, Reform is here for you.
Religion and Spirituality - Along with the three active and student-lead minyanim listed above (Orthodox, Egal, and Reform) we also offer Shabbat dinner and services, a wide variety of High Holiday services, and pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance for students. We have a wide range of offerings for Jewish Holiday services and celebrations.
Slifka Dining – The Lindenbaum Kosher Kitchen in Kikar Schusterman, Yale’s official Jewish Dining Room, is central to our operations and outreach. We are open seven days a week during the academic year.
Arts, Culture and Intellectual Life - Gallery exhibits, artist talks, films, forums, lectures and symposiums on a variety of topics.
Social Justice - With a foundation of Jewish teaching concerning the pursuit of justice and the mandate to repair the world (Tikkun Olam), we offer hands-on service opportunities and learning.
Israel Programming – We support student groups across the political and cultural spectrum, with formal and informal education, dialogue, advocacy, Israel travel and more.
Slifka Classes –Text Study, and classes in Jewish Rituals, Jewish Philosophy, and more; other classes available upon request
Travel Opportunities – In addition to organized trips, including Birthright, Slifka offers a variety of research and travel grants for students exploring Jewish themes, history, culture and Israel.
For additional details on the programs offered at Slifka Center, please visit their website.
Slifka Center is among the premiere campus Jewish centers in the world, with the capacity to offer programs of creativity, breadth, depth and centrality to campus life. There are two chapels, one Kosher Kitchen dining hall, three libraries, several lounges and galleries all under one roof housing a pluralistic and vibrant faith community.