Jewish Life at ChathamU

“Chatham University prepares its students to build lives of purpose, value, and fulfilling work. Through professional skill development and liberal arts learning, Chatham prepares its graduates to be informed and engaged citizens in their communities; to recognize and respect diversity of culture, identity, and opinion; and to live sustainably.”

These words from our mission statement point to the essence of the Jewish experience at Chatham. From our inception based on equality of access, Chatham has been inspired to promote diversity and inclusion among our community members. We are committed to feeding the intellectual curiosity, promoting the spiritual development, and celebrating the vibrant culture of Jewish students on campus through both curricular and co-curricular programs and services.

Photo of a long line of Chatham University community members marching with signs reading Chatham is Stronger Than Hate

Jewish Studies Minor

Along with challenging academics in over 40 majors in health, sustainability, and the arts and sciences, Chatham offers over 45 minors, including those in Jewish Studies and in Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies. Courses include History of Judaism, the Holocaust, and Jewish Pittsburgh, among others.

Explore Academics : Checkerboard 1 - Jewish Studies Minor
Photo of a Pittsburgh street in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood

Squirrel Hill

Chatham is on the border of Pittsburgh’s Jewish neighborhood, Squirrel Hill. Squirrel Hill features synagogues, day schools, various Jewish organizations such as the Jewish Community Center, kosher restaurants, a kosher grocery store, and plenty of other businesses.

Hillel Jewish University Center

The Hillel Jewish University Center (JUC) provides Jewish opportunities for students throughout Pittsburgh. With social, educational, political and social justice programming, the JUC provides students with a holistic college experience including a home away from home and extensive leadership training and opportunities

Learn About Hillel JUC : Checkerboard 4 - Hillel Jewish University Center
Photo of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh's staff

Community Partnerships

Chatham partners with local Jewish organizations including the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh on programming and internships to provide opportunities for students to gain valuable knowledge and experience. 

Photo of a Sukkot House on Shadyside Campus

Events

Chatham holds a multitude of events around Jewish identity and culture, including an intersectional Shabbat dinner and conversations and lectures with individuals including Magda Brown, Holocaust survivor, and Bari Weiss, author of “How to Fight Anti-Semitism”.

View Events : Checkerboard 7 - Events
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Chatham Worldview Network

This community of faith-based campus liaisons helps connect students with religious and spiritual resources in the greater Pittsburgh area. Members of this network attend Chatham's involvement fair each semester and often meet with students on campus for spiritual support.

Download the Brochure (PDF) : Checkerboard 8 - Chatham Worldview Network

Jewish Life at ChathamU

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