Thank you for visiting.
We are delighted that you're taking a few moments to learn about Jewish life at William & Mary. We hope this page gives you a clear picture of the warm, active, and welcoming Jewish community on campus, while answering many of the questions students and families have as they explore William & Mary.
One of the questions we are asked most often is, "What is Jewish life like at William & Mary?" The answer is simple. Jewish students have a vibrant community where they can celebrate their Judaism, build lifelong friendships, and always feel at home.
The Jewish Student Community
We estimate that there are approximately 450 undergraduate Jewish students at the College of William & Mary, representing a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and levels of observance.
Located just an eight minute walk from campus on Jamestown Road, Chabad House serves as a true home away from home for Jewish students. Throughout the year, students enjoy weekly Friday night Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, learning opportunities, social events, community service projects, and countless opportunities to connect with fellow Jewish students in a warm and welcoming environment.
Many of our programs also take place on campus, making Jewish life visible, accessible, and engaging for students wherever they are.
Kosher Food on Campus
Kosher food is available on campus throughout the academic year.
While William & Mary does not currently have a dedicated kosher dining location, students can purchase premade kosher meals that are stocked in refrigerators at the Sadler Center. These meals can be purchased using a campus meal plan, making kosher options readily available for students who need them.
In addition, students are always welcome to enjoy home cooked kosher meals at Chabad House, especially our weekly Shabbat dinners and holiday meals.
A Supportive University
William & Mary has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting Jewish life on campus.
Following the events of October 7, the university administration publicly expressed its support for the Jewish community. University leadership attended a campus vigil in solidarity with Jewish students and continues to maintain an open and supportive relationship with our community.
The First Gentleman of William & Mary, Bruce Jacobson, is proudly a member of the Jewish community and has been a wonderful friend of Jewish life on campus. His ongoing support reflects the welcoming environment that exists throughout the university.
Each year, William & Mary proudly permits the public display of a Chanukah Menorah on campus, another meaningful expression of the university's respect for and support of its Jewish community.
A Safe and Welcoming Campus
Like many college campuses across the country, there are occasionally demonstrations related to Israel. At William & Mary, these gatherings have generally involved a very small number of individuals and do not reflect the views of the broader campus community.
Our experience has been that the university administration takes the wellbeing of Jewish students seriously and works closely with us whenever concerns arise. We have always found the administration to be responsive, respectful, and committed to ensuring that Jewish students can proudly and confidently express their Jewish identity.
Weekly Services
Shabbat morning services are held at Chabad House approximately once each month. While there is not currently a weekly Shabbat morning Minyan, our community continues to grow, and we are hopeful that, with time, a regular weekly Minyan will become a reality.
In addition to our scheduled Minyanim, students and community members gather throughout the year for Shabbat and holiday services in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Other Jewish Organizations
William & Mary is home to a number of Jewish organizations that help enrich campus life. In addition to Chabad, students can connect with Hillel at William & Mary and Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the Jewish fraternity on campus.
We Invite You to Connect
We look forward to getting to know you. Feel free to introduce yourself, ask questions, or simply stop by for a visit. Our home is always open, and we would be honored to welcome you and your family to Jewish life at William & Mary.
Rabbi Mendy & Esther Heber
