Jewish Student Life
Jewish Student Life is your Jewish home away from home at Loyola Marymount University. We provide a welcoming and dedicated space for Jewish students to gather, learn, celebrate, and build meaningful connections through community.
Our goal is to make Jewish life accessible and vibrant on campus by offering opportunities to participate in Jewish religious life, including Shabbat gatherings, holiday celebrations, and other opportunities for prayer and spiritual connection.
Hillel is an integral part of Jewish Student Life, offering cultural, educational, and social programs throughout the year. Through Hillel, LMU students can also connect with the broader network of Jewish college communities supported by Hillel International.
Whether you are looking to explore your Jewish identity, celebrate traditions, meet other Jewish students, or simply find a place where you belong, you already have a home here.
How to Connect?
Stay connected with Jewish Student Life and Hillel at LMU! Follow LMU Hillel on Instagram to keep up with upcoming events, community gatherings, and Jewish cultural programming throughout the year.
You can also find our programming on LEO, LMU’s campus engagement platform. In addition, the Campus Rabbi regularly emails Jewish students with updates about Jewish holidays, religious programming, and events happening on campus.
However you choose to connect, we look forward to keeping you informed and helping you find your place in our Jewish community!
Shabbat on Campus:
Jewish Student Life and Hillel host weekly Shabbat dinners on campus, offering students a welcoming space to gather, share a meal, and celebrate Shabbat together. Whether you observe Shabbat regularly or are simply looking for a chance to connect with other Jewish students, you are always welcome at our table.
Where do we meet? Our Shabbat dinner location varies from week to week. Be sure to follow LMU Hillel on Instagram for weekly updates, event details, and the location of our next Shabbat gathering.
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Rabbi Rebeca Carrillo
Chaplain for Jewish Student Life and Hillel Advisor
Email: Rebeca.Carrillo@lmu.edu
Phone: 310-338-2862
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FAQs About LMU's Jewish Student Life
How many Jewish students are there at LMU?
The Jewish community comprises about 3.5-4% of LMU's undergraduate community, which translates into 200-250 students.
Where is the Hillel building?
We are what Hillel international calls a "small and mighty" campus, which is a model in which there is a small but active Jewish population, but no building. However, you can get more information in EIS on the 3rd floor of the Malone Student Center. Our Jewish holidays and Shabbat programs are celebrated all over campus – so in terms of programming, the whole campus serves as our Hillel building!
Is it hard to be Jewish at LMU, since it's a Catholic school?
Not at all. The university is deeply rooted in its Catholic intellectual values, and part of that is the celebration of a diversity of faiths. This fosters not only a welcoming environment for all faiths, but a culture of curiosity amongst its students, excited to explore and celebrate faiths other than theirs.
Is mass a requirement?
No. As a Jesuit school, all significant moments at LMU are marked by mass, but attendance is never required. However, when Jewish students attend mass, they do not find it an alienating experience. Rather, students are able to support their Catholic friends in their tradition and learn about a different expression of faith.
Are there required courses on Catholicism?
No. There are two required classes in our Theological Studies department, but students can choose from any of the classes offered. These include Introduction to the Hebrew Bible and World Religions.
Is there anti-semitism on campus?
Like any college, we have isolated bias incidents, and on occasion these have been directed toward the Jewish community. In these situations, the University takes these incidents very seriously and makes it clear that such behavior is neither accepted nor tolerated here. However, this has in no way inhibited our students- Jewish students are proud and vocal about their Judaism; they feel totally comfortable celebrating their Judaism.
Is there kosher food available on campus?
Our cafeteria has many vegan and vegetarian options, as well as packaged and frozen food with a Heksher (kosher certification). All of the Hillel programs and Holidays are catered by a certified Kosher caterer.
Give to Jewish Student Life
Please consider supporting Jewish Student Life (JSL) at LMU. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact on our on-campus programming, allowing students to create engaging activities and events that enrich Jewish life and strengthen our community. Your donation will help us purchase materials, tools, and other essential supplies for our programs. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference and helps us create a vibrant, welcoming Jewish community on campus.