smoltz08

how many of the kids here are jewish? and will a religious catholic feel out of place here? honestly.

ivanadoeslimbo

i hear about 50% of the students are jewish.

ema99

Of course, the corollary is that 50% of the students are not Jewish. But I cannot answer your question.

bonanza

To put things into perspective--the percentage of Jews at Brandeis is less than the percentage of Catholics at Boston College--yet I know many Jews who went to BC and did not feel uncomfortable. Also, Brandeis is nonsectarian although it was principally founded and supported by Jewish people. In contrast, most if not all "Catholic" schools are religiously affillated with a particular order (except for Catholic University which is sponsored by the Vatican). I've never seen a Jewish chapel at any Catholic school--yet Brandeis has a Catholic chapel on campus. In short, there is no reason you should feel uncomfortable although, perhaps for the first time in your life, you may experience what if feels like to be a minority. Jews are used to that feeling.

WorkingMom2005

Good answer, bonanza. 4 years ago when my daughter was starting at Brandeis the percentage was about 52. Not sure what it is now. But the school is very welcoming to all races and religions. My daughter had a great jewish experience there, but many of her friends were non-Jewish and enjoying Brandeis just as much.

SilverClover

Also, keep in mind that while 50% of Brandeis may be Jewish, a MUCH smaller percentage actually practices. Out of all of my Jewish friends, only 2 or 3 go to services regularly and about half go to the *big* services.

On the plus side, you'll get free foreign language lessons as you tend to pick up Yiddish words and keep them. :P I'm Jewish but was raised out of the community and it's been an education for me. However, I have many Catholic friends and the Catholic priest on campus is pretty awesome. I honestly wouldn't worry. Jews are the minorities at all kinds of Catholic colleges and we survive.. you'll do fine!

rebelliousduck

Tolerance of the religious faith and practices of others is not necessarily a function of the lack of observance of one's own religion. A devout Catholic may easily find more common values with an Orthodox Jew than an atheist. While it may mean nothing, it is noteworthy that the congregation that the Pope chose to visit on his forthcoming trip to the US is Orthodox.

The answer to your question is multi-faceted. Will you find Brandeis to be an environment tolerant of your faith? Yes. Will the Catholic community at Brandeis serve your own specific spiritual needs? That is a very personal question. Queries are best directed to the Catholic Student Organization. Here's a link:

Catholic Student Organization

mtnest2b

For a totally nonobservant, atheist Jew who does not feel a strong connection to Israel, and yet, identifies as Jewish through background and culture --- is there peer pressure at Brandeis? To be more observant? More pro-Israel?

sulsk

Every student at Brandeis has their own perspective on the religion issue. So please understand I am just ONE student giving my opinion.

You will not feel pressure to be more religious if you are an unobservant Jew. Period.

You will not feel uncomfortable or be looked down upon if you are a non-Jew. Period.

There are active services in many different religions at Brandeis. Look at the religious and spirituality clubs to get a sense of what they offer. (Club Center)

Get in touch with the leaders of different religious movements on campus so you can get first hand knowledge of what's like to be an X at Brandeis.

At Brandeis, you will the live the lifestyle you want to live. Want to be a religious Jew and keep Kosher and go to services daily? Fine.

Want to go to Shabbat dinner once every few weeks? Fine.

Want to never do anything Jewish at all here? Fine.