Jewish students and chaplains smile at the camera

Jewish Life

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Davidson provides many ways for Jewish students to find community, explore Jewish identity, and celebrate their culture and heritage.

As a premier liberal arts college with a strong honor code, Davidson is an ideal setting for students seeking a rigorous education in a values-based residential setting where every religious tradition is honored.

Approximately five percent of our student body is Jewish. They come from over 20 states and the District of Columbia. Most come from the Reform or Conservative tradition; and many identify as culturally but not religiously Jewish.

Within walking distance of campus is Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman, a congregation affiliated with the Reform Movement. Students can participate fully in the life of the congregation and have opportunities to teach in the Sunday school.

Jewish Student Union

Davidson College Jewish Student Union is a welcoming student-led organization that celebrates the diversity of Jewish lives, experiences, and cultures. We foster an inclusive community in which individuals can explore and celebrate their Jewish identity (whether religious or cultural) through connections with other students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Jewish Student Union members host frequent Shabbat gatherings in our residence halls, as well as fun activities during campus celebrations of Sukkot and Hanukkah.

All Religious and Spiritual Life Organizations

Meet the Rabbi

Rabbi Becca Diamond of Temple Kol Tikvah works with Jewish Student Union student leaders in implementing Jewish religious, cultural and social programming. As our Campus Rabbi and a member of the Chaplains' Office staff, she also works with colleagues to serve the diverse spiritual needs of the campus community. Contact Rabbi Diamond at bediamond@davidson.edu.

Holidays and Observances

  • High Holy Days: Jewish students at Davidson College are welcome to observe and celebrate the High Holy Days on campus with Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman (Reform). Services are free and open to the Davidson College community, and no tickets are required. If students wish to connect with a different synagogue, Rabbi Diamond and the Chaplains' Office will help make those arrangements.
  • Sukkot: Jewish students erect a sukkah outside the Alvarez College Union. They gather around the sukkah for meals and a brief liturgy led by our Campus Rabbi
  • Passover: Our Jewish Student Union hosts a lively Seder for Davidson students, faculty, and staff.  Over 100 participants gather for a delicious dinner and a celebration drawing from a Haggadah created by a Davidson alumna.  Moreover, the college's Dining Services provides kosher meals for students throughout Passover.
  • Yom HaShoah: Our JSU organizes a solemn, day-long reading of the names of Jews murdered in the Holocaust, followed by a brief service of remembrance led by our Campus Rabbi

Programming and Resources

  • Exploring Our Jewish Identity Spring Break Trip
  • Annual Jewish Life and Culture Program
  • Grants to fund exploration of Jewish culture and heritage
  • Summer internships with Jewish Congregations and nonprofits