Community support for Jewish students is essential.

Amherst’s Jewish community has two student groups on campus that connect Jewish students to each other through activities, food, and the celebration of holidays. We also have a dedicated Jewish Chaplain on staff, as well as local resources.

Amherst Hillel

Amherst Hillel is an affiliate of Hillel International that serves as the primary Jewish organization at Amherst College. Amherst Hillel organizes religious, educational, cultural, and social events for the Jewish community on campus. All meetings and events are open to the entire Five College community. We welcome participation by all interested in Judaism, including non-Jews and community members. Learn more about Amherst Hillel.

Amitim

Amitim is the place for Jewish and non-Jewish students alike to learn about rich and vibrant Jewish culture, and for this culture to have a place at Amherst College. We strive to create a space to discuss issues pertaining to Jewish culture and antisemitism. We will do so by hosting cultural and community-building events, highlighting Jewish traditions, as well as creating programming regarding complex and challenging issues such as antisemitism, discrimination within Jewish communities, and Holocaust denial. Learn more about Amitim.

Campus Rabbi

The Campus Rabbi works to support Jewish life on campus, including hosting events, speakers, and holiday celebrations. We are thrilled to have hired Rabbi Shahar Colt for this role, beginning part time across the spring 2024, and assuming a full time role in June 2024 as Campus Rabbi and Assitant Director for Religious and Spiritual Life. Learn more about Rabbi Shahar here.

Our Surrounding Community

Amherst College is surrounded by a vibrant Jewish community filled with local and national Jewish organizations, including:

Local Synagogues 

There are several local synagogues of different traditions.

Learn more on our Area Religious Services and Resources page.

Yiddish Book Center

A nonprofit organization and museum working to recover, celebrate, and regenerate Yiddish and modern Jewish literature and culture. It is located on the campus of nearby Hampshire College and reachable by free bus (PVTA 38).

Learn more at the Yiddish Book Center’s website.
 

Western Massachusetts Jewish Federation and its Constituent Agencies

“The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts cares for Jews in need and creates vibrant Jewish life in Western Massachusetts, Israel and around the globe. Through their community building and fundraising efforts, the Federation supports vital educational and social service programs in western Massachusetts, Israel and around the world.” —from the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts website

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts