<p>I don’t pop on here much these days, but noticed the title of “Jewish Aspect of WPI” and was intrigued…</p>
<p>My hubby and I are WPI Alums. Our son is now, technically, a senior at WPI (How did that happen!!!). And we are a Jewish family… So, I guess I can answer a few things here, or shed some light.</p>
<p>Clark isn’t in a great part of town and is in no way walking distance or is a place you would want your son walking casually on a Friday (or any other) night. There is a shuttle that can take him there for Hillel, but I would check into the group on campus that meets to greet Shabbat on Friday evenings. My son never got involved with them (mainly because he’s heavily involved with theatre and the ski team, both of which tend to take up Friday evenings in one way or another). We now own a house close to campus that my son shares with some friends from WPI. 2 of them are Jewish. We will most likely be having a rousing Chanukah party and usually have a seder here (we live 20 miles away) and we bring in students for that, but I think we’re going to plan one for the house at school. PM me if you’d like me to give you info. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, let’s talk ratio… It certainly is better than the 9:1 it was when I was there!! My son is currently dating a girl that goes to Assumption. She got involved in the theatre program at WPI and they met that way. One of the other kids I know is dating a girl that goes to school in Boston. They met through a mutual friend on campus. And I know a lot of WPI couples… Don’t let the ratio be an issue. Find a school that has the activities available for him to enjoy and he’ll find people he will enjoy. Just like gsmomma said! (Lots of good advice and comments coming your way from her…)</p>
<p>Jewishness… I agree that there are issues with WPI not “embracing” the Judaism of some of their students and their families. They would not have put anything on the calendar for Yom Kippur weekend if they did. However, I will say that the calendar is short and sometimes they have to cram everything into those 6 weekends available during the fall and they don’t have an option. It’s not an excuse, but since it’s not a school focused on religion, it’s just what happens. If having others to reinforce his Jewish identity is important to you, WPI then might not be the right school. However, my guess is that if he looks for others at WPI he will find them.</p>
<p>Good luck with your search!</p>