<p>Calmom, while it’s true that Jewish students are probably less likely to receive merit aide, don’t think it’s impossible for a Jewish student- even Yeshiva attenders to receive merit aide. I have several friends who were very active members of the Jewish community, and they received merit aide. Ivies like UPenn and Columbia have very strong Jewish communities, so in order to procure the best among the observant population, Brandeis does have to give merit aide. </p>
<p>Brandeis has to attract, what I call, cornerstone Brandeisians. You know, the kids who will lead services. There has to be a good amount of bright Jews, or else Brandeis will cease to exist. </p>
<p>Cami, I’m not sure how observant your son is, but there is NOTHING like shabbos at Brandeis. It is so wonderful, and, frankly, many observant students say that cannot imagine studying anywhere else. See <a href=“http://www.booweb.org%5B/url%5D”>www.booweb.org</a> for details.</p>