I asked Jewish students what it is like celebrating Hanukkah at a Catholic college
‘There are not many social resources for Jewish people on campus’
Today marks the last night of Hanukkah. And although the campus is adorned with Christmas decorations and the dining halls blast Christmas music, the Jewish members of the BC community still manage to celebrate their religious traditions. The Jewish club on campus, Hillel, has a Hanukah dinner that occurs every year, and this year it was on December 4th.
Senior Stephanie Koenig is the Vice-President of Hillel and explained that the Hanukkah celebration involves “dreidel games and Hanukkah songs.” This year many Jewish students attended the dinner as it is one of the only Hanukkah events that can be found on campus.
Despite the valiant effort the Hillel puts in to offering Jewish students a forum that serves the “social, cultural and religious needs of the Jewish Students,” even going as far as to “provides homemade Jewish meals for 60+ students every Friday,” as Stephanie explained, she also noted that BC could offer more education on other religions despite their designation as a Jesuit School.
Stephanie said: “It is important to educate BC students regarding different religions because BC is not an accurate representation of life after college.”
Junior Economics and History major, Albert Barkan, added BC should: “put some Challah bread in the dining halls!”
And Junior Rebecca Moretti, Vice-President of Eagles for Israel also said BC should “serve free latkes at the dining halls.”
So maybe food is the answer.
Although these students do not expect their Jesuit college to put Menorahs around campus, they do seem to value more acknowledgement of the holiday even in small ways. Perhaps BC can have a Jewish themed night at Lover during the eight days of Hanukkah, since they already have other culturally themed nights throughout the year.
Albert said there “are not many social resources for Jewish people on campus,” so if you are Jewish and do want an outlet for Hanukkah then check out how Hillel celebrated this year and consider joining their group.