Questions about Queen's Hlllel

What is Queen's Hillel's Mission Statement?

You can read our full mission statement here.

Queen's Hillel seeks to provide an organizational focus for the Jewish community on campus. Hillel provides a vehicle for Jewish students to interact socially, represents Jewish concerns on campus and international issues, and strives towards the Canadian ideal of multiculturalism. Hillel seeks to eradicate anti-Semitism and all other forms of religious and racial intolerance, and works to present the richness of Judaism and Jewish life to the campus community. Activities are planned by students, for students.

What does it cost to join Queen's Hillel?

The current membership fee is $35 for the entire year, or $20 for one semester. Membership gives you free admission to all Shabbat dinners and discounts to most other events. Membership fees are used to cover the cost of running Hillel events.
You do not need to be a member to come to Hillel events.

If I'm not religious, can I still come to events/join Queen's Hillel?

Yes!
Hillel members span various degrees of Jewish observance. Your level of Judaism will not affect your enjoyment of our events; we have events geared to fit the needs of all students. There are provisions and options to participate for all levels of observance.

If I'm not Jewish, can I still come to events/join Queen's Hillel?

Yes!
Everyone is welcome to attend our events and become a member, regardless of religious affiliation!

Can RMC/St. Lawrence students join Queen's Hillel?

Yes!

Can Grad/Med/Law students join Queen's Hillel?

Of course! We have a growing graduate student membership. Although grads are integrated into all our events, we also have grad-specific events.

Being Jewish at Queen's

I have a test/exam on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday. What should I do?

Start by talking to your prof; most professors are very accomidating for religious observances. If an exam is on a Jewish holiday, you can also make arrangements with the exam office in Gordon Hall to write the exam at a different time. Individual arrangements are made on a student-by-student basis, so it's imperative that you notify the exam office as soon as you are aware of the conflict.

Do classes run on Jewish holidays?

Queen's University remains open on Jewish holidays. Jewish students are not required to attend class on these days, but are responsible for all material covered.

Is there a Jewish Studies program at Queen's?

Yes! There is a Jewish studies program, and arts students can minor in Jewish Studies. More information can be found here.

How many Jewish students are there at Queen's?

We don't have the exact statistic, but we estimate that about 1000 out of approximately 22000 Queen's students are Jewish.

Are there cafeteria provisions for Jews during Passover?

Parve meals can be purchased (with a meal plan) from the dining halls during Passover. You will have to sign up beforehand; signs usually go up in the cafeterias when the sign-up is available. These meals are "airplane-style", individually sealed in a plastic container.

Will I be able to keep kosher if I live in residence?

Residence kitchens are not kept kosher, though you can bring your own cooking supplies. Sodexho Marriot Dining Services, which provides the cafeteria food, can make arrangements for students with meal plans. More information can be found here.

Being Jewish in Kingston

Are there Shabbat services at Queen's?

Beth Israel Synagogue conducts services every Friday night and Saturday morning. Iyr Hamelech congregation has Shabbat services every week between September and June, in Watson Hall room 517.

Will I be able to buy kosher food in Kingston?

The Loblaws on Midland (north of Princess) has a quite extensive kosher section, and most other Kingston grocery stores have some kosher food. A more complete list can be found here.