Question 1

I’m visiting campus, and I would like to stay at a hotel nearby.  Do you have any recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Residence Inn: 4610 Vestal Parkway East, (607)-770-7500 -- This hotel is within the eruv and offers Shabbat-observant accommodations.

Quality Inn: 4105 Vestal Parkway East, (607)-729-6371
 
Doubletree: 225 Water Street, (607)-722-7575
 
Holiday Inn Express & Suites: 3615 Vestal Parkway East, (607)-348-0088

Question 2

I'm thinking about applying to Binghamton and would like to visit campus.

Accepted Answer

Great idea!  If you are considering coming to Binghamton it’s a good idea to visit campus and get a taste of what life is like here.  In addition to getting an official campus tour, Hillel can arrange for you to meet with students who can tell you more about Jewish life on campus.  The Hillel staff would also be happy to meet with you during your visit, stop by our office for a tour!!  Additionally, feel free to e-mail us at info@hillelatbinghamton.org or call us at 607-777-3424.

Question 3

How many Jewish students are on campus?

Accepted Answer

There are about 3,500 Jews on campus.  This is approximately 30% of the Binghamton student population (and the highest percentage of Jews in any public university in the US!).

Question 4

How do I join Hillel?

Accepted Answer

Hillel at Binghamton has no formal membership.  Our Hillel isn’t an organization that students belong to – Hillel belongs to them.  Anyone can attend Hillel’s programs, and any student who signs up for Hillel’s weekly newsletter, News for Jews, is eligible to serve on and vote for any leadership position. 
 
Sign up for the newsletter HERE!

Question 5

Where is Binghamton Hillel located on campus?

Accepted Answer

Binghamton at Hillel's main office is located in University Union West in Room 208J, right past the second floor entrance to the book store.  The main office is a haven for students who are waiting in between classes and want to socialize with the Hillel staff and other Jewish students. Additionally, Hillel has a student lounge on the third floor of University Union West, room UUW-301. The lounge has a Beit Midrash (house of study and prayer) with Jewish books and literature on various subjects, as well as a main lounge area that overlooks the Spine.

Question 6

Does Binghamton University have an OU-JLIC Rabbi?

Accepted Answer

We are thrilled to introduce to you Rav Jared and Sarit Anstandig as the OU-JLIC couple. They can be reached at AnstandigJ@ou.org and AnstandigS@ou.org or follow the facebook page for current updates from Rav Jared, Sarit and the JLIC student team.

Question 7

Is Hillel centralized around a particular type of Judaism?

Accepted Answer

Hillel at Binghamton is a pluralistic Jewish organization and all types of Jews are active in the organization.  There are three student groups that represent the major movements in Judaism as well as corresponding services for holidays: OU-JLIC (Orthodox), KOACH (Conservative), and Reform Jews of Hillel (RJH).

Question 8

What sort of events does Hillel at Binghamton host?

Accepted Answer

Check out the calendar of events to see past, present, and future activities.  We always welcome new ideas and initiatives.

Question 9

Is kosher food available on campus?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Kosher Korner is located in the C4 Dining Hall right in between the Newing and Dickinson living communities. It's a full-service section of the dining facility that serves glatt kosher food for each meal, with dairy breakfast and lunch and meat dinner. Food at the Kosher Korner can also be purchased with a regular university meal plan. The Kosher Korner is open six days a week and is closed on Saturdays.  For more information, visit the website of Sodexo, the university’s food provider.

Question 10

Does Hillel host Shabbat meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Reform Jews of Hillel, KOACH, and OU-JLIC each have student led services every Friday night.  For service times and locations, vist the calendar or check out our Shabbat page for detailed information.

Hillel hosts a free weekly Shabbat meal each Friday night.  Approximately 200 students attend this meal each week, so join us and bring your friends!  Our Shabbat dinner begins with a communal singing of Shalom Aleichem followed by traditional hand-washing and blessings over the wine and challah.  Students share insightful stories and words of wisdom prior to the meal.  Soup and salad are served in addition to the main course, which includes chicken, vegetables, rice, and a vegetarian option. Dessert and singing follow the meal at the weekly oneg.  For Shabbat dinner time and location, visit the calendar. Services prior to dinner are optional, and you can attend just Shabbat dinner if you choose!

Question 11

What do people wear to services or dinner?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to dress as you like – some students arrive for services or dinner directly from class and are comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt while some students may choose to dress in formal clothing for Shabbat.

Question 12

How can first year students get involved in Hillel?

Accepted Answer

The first way to get involved with Hillel at Binghamton is to participate in FreshFest, a retreat for Jewish freshmen and transfer students.  For details on this program, visit the FreshFest page on our website.  Additionally, throughout the year, FYSH (First Year Students of Hillel) hosts programs specifically for freshmen to get orientated to Binghamton. For any questions regarding first year experiences, please email springboard@hillelatbinghamton.org

Question 13

Does Binghamton University offer Judaic Studies or Israel related courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Binghamton offers a major and minor in Judaic Studies, as well as a minor in Hebrew.  For more information, visit the department’s website.

Binghamton also offers an Israel studies minor and courses! Check out their website for more information.

Question 14

Does Binghamton University have an eruv?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  The Shalom Staiman Binghamton University Eruv encloses the university campus as well as off campus housing communities.

Question 15

I am interested in going to Israel.  Can Hillel help me get there?

Accepted Answer

Hillel at Binghamton and Hillel International host several trips to Israel.  Specifically, Hillel at Binghamton sponsors Taglit-Birthright trips to Israel during summer breaks for Binghamton students.  If you are a Jewish student between the ages of 18-26 and have not been on a peer Israel trip, you may be eligible for this free trip.  There are also additional opportunities for travel or study in Israel beyond Birthright.
 
For more information on all our opportunities to travel to Israel please see our Israel Experiences page on our website.

Question 16

I’m not Jewish but I’m impressed with a lot of the things Hillel does on campus.  Would I be welcome?

Accepted Answer

While some of Hillel at Binghamton’s programs are intended primarily for the Jewish community at Binghamton, most of what Hillel does serves the entire university community.  Non-Jewish students get involved in Hillel for the same reasons that so many Jewish students do.  Jewish students bring their non-Jewish friends to our programs or Friday night Shabbat dinners to be a part of what Hillel has to offer to the campus community.  Several programs may be limited to Jewish students only based on the organizers parameters for involvement, such as Taglit-Birthright Israel.

HILLEL