There are a number of opportunities for Jewish students, faculty and staff at SUNY Cortland, for the entire campus and for the wider community.
We welcome all inquiries, but we especially invite families and students to visit us when on campus, and we are delighted to answer questions by phone or email.
Professor Nance Wilson, Literacy Department, is coordinator for Jewish Studies. Feel free to contact Professor Wilson with any questions. She may be reached at nance.wilson@cortland.edu or 607-753-4375.
Jewish students may be interested in joining Hillel at SUNY Cortland or in attending the events that Hillel sponsors throughout the year. For current information on Hillel, contact Professor Wilson. Hillel seeks to bring Jewish students together for both casual get togethers and for holiday events. It also seeks to meet the cultural and other interests of Jewish students.
The religious needs of Jewish students are likely to be met by Temple Brith Sholom, the synagogue in Cortland. Hillel maintains a membership in the synagogue, and students are welcome to attend services throughout the year as well as for the High Holy Days. Contact Professor Wilson for the name and number of the current president of Temple Brith Sholom.
The history faculty teach courses in ancient, medieval and modern Jewish history, on the Holocaust and on modern Israel. The English Department offers a course on American Jewish literature. The College also offers an introductory interdisciplinary course, Basic Judaism. The offering of these courses is dependent on enrollment and some are offered every other year.
Events during the year may include a Holocaust Memorial Program, a campus Passover Seder, a Hanukkah party for children and adults of all ages, as well as a variety of lectures and programs. In addition, there are many cultural events of interest that are sponsored by the Interfaith Center, the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies (CGIS) and other campus organizations.