Bryant University announces plans to increase Jewish presence on campus

Posted

SMITHFIED, R.I. – Bryant University officials on Nov. 9 announced plans to expand Jewish educational and cultural opportunities for its current student body and prospective Jewish students.

The initiative, which began without fanfare well over a year ago, includes increased Jewish-focused course offerings and programming, and a strategic plan that will focus on attracting more Jewish students to Bryant. 

Rabbi Steven Jablow, a full-time faculty member and campus Hillel leader, is a key part of the plan. Jablow’s appointment marks the first time a rabbi has been given such a pivotal role at Bryant, a testament to the university’s desire to promote a diverse and accepting community.  

Speakers at the announcement ceremony included Bryant’s president, Ronald K. Machtley, Jablow, and four students, including a Hillel alumnus, a current Hillel participant, and a Catholic student and Muslim student who recently took Bryant’s Jewish studies class. 

The course, “Philosophy of Religion: Judaism,” has proven extremely popular. According to Jablow, there is a long waiting list for next semester’s class, which is currently at its 30-student capacity.  

Bryant is also working to create opportunities for all students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, in Israel. Jablow is leading this effort by traveling to Israel on behalf of the university to make face-to-face connections with learning institutions and places where Bryant students might have opportunities to study abroad or intern. 

“This initiative is important to me because of my vision of what Jewish life here at Bryant could be,” Jablow said. “Bryant has had Hillel since 1948, but it has always been small. I have been at Bryant for seven years and I love this place, and I see tremendous potential to make Bryant a destination school for Jewish students.”

SAM SERBY of East Greenwich, attended Temple Sinai. He is a recent graduate of Johnson & Wales University.