The founders of Bar-Ilan University established the institution as an academic establishment that attributes the uniqueness of the Jewish people to the sacred Jewish principles and values by which they live.
Since its founding, the university has aspired to advance science and research in all areas of Jewish culture and Jewish professions, and to graduate scholars and researchers who are knowledgeable in the Torah and are imbued with the original Jewish spirit and love of humanity.
This unparalleled uniqueness of Bar-Ilan University is expressed in various ways and activities, as presented in the article from which the above is taken.
All Religions Represented
Although Bar-Ilan University is filled with mostly Jewish students in all streams of Judaism (Ultra-Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive Reform, and secular, non-religious), the university caters to all people of all religions, spiritual traditions, and cultures.
The International School ensures that every student, no matter his or her affiliation or belief, feels comfortable, welcomed, and respected. All major religious or cultural holidays are celebrated by the International School, whether Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Pesach (Passover), Easter, Christmas, Ramadan and Eid, Chinese New Year, and more.
All international students and olim (immigrants) are invited to all the different events so they can get to know each other’s respective traditions and enjoy them together as universal students.
Keeping this in mind, facilities are made available on campus for all students who wish to practice their religion.
Jewish Students
The Campus Rabbi’s office, headed by Rabbi Shlomo Shefer, is responsible for a wide range of activities involving spiritual and religious life on campus. It holds a variety of spiritual activities for students, employees, and the general public.
Prayer services are conducted on campus three times a day at several locations. Schedules are posted all around the campus. Many of Bar-Ilan’s religious students, including many new immigrants, undertake a rigorous Jewish studies curriculum alongside full undergraduate or graduate degree programs in all university faculties. These take place at the Beit Midrash (Kollel) for men and the Midrasha (for women).
The Rabbi’s office holds regular Torah lessons (shiurim), organizes various cultural and holiday programs, hosts Shabbat on campus, and more. The lessons are held in Hebrew, English, French, and Russian.
Find out more here.
Muslim Students
There are many Muslim students on campus. Most are Arab Israeli students and some are international students from all over the world.
The Arab students on campus make up about 1,500 (out of about 18,000) students. About 85% of them are Muslims and a small percentage of them are Christians and Druze.
Two prayer rooms have been allocated for Muslim students (one for men and one for women) with additional rooms being provided by the office of the Dean of Students based on need.
Muslim students often celebrate holidays and other events on campus. Every Ramadan, for example, the university and the Arab students’ academic advisor, Rifat Sweidan, host an Iftar (breaking the fast) at the university or at a restaurant.
In addition, local Arab (Muslim and Christian) students often invite international students to their homes for a home-cooked meal during holidays or to work on projects together. Even Jewish students have hosted non-Jewish celebrations at their homes.
A multicultural event: Muslim, Jewish and Christian students sharing a traditional Iftar (breaking of the fast) dinner during Ramadan, hosted by a Jewish student (Photo courtesy Fatima Amer)
Rifat also arranges cultural tours or excursions for all Arab students so they can get to know the country. Other students are welcome to join these tours, and often, joint tours are arranged with students of all religions and cultures.
Cooperation between students from different religions is an important part of a multicultural society, which is a key aspect of life at Bar-Ilan University.
Translation into English is possible at any holiday celebration or tour in Israel for those who don’t speak Arabic or Hebrew.
If students would like to visit a mosque off campus, this can be arranged. The closest mosques are in Jaffa, but there are many mosques all over Israel.
Students can also get in touch with the International School representatives, connect with local Muslim students, or join the Facebook group for Arab students if they need more information.
Please contact Rifat Sweidan for further information.
Christian Students
Christian students come from all over the world to study at Bar-Ilan University, but there are also many Israeli Christian students.
International students can contact the International School or the Office of the Dean of Students to connect with other Christians on campus in order to get together for prayer services. Groups of students can ask at the Dean of Students’ office for a special room to be set aside.
If Christian students would like to get together to celebrate Easter, Christmas, or any other holiday outside of the events organized by the International School, this too can be arranged.
If students want to attend church off-campus, they can find out where to find the closest churches from the International School or connect with local Christian students.
Other Religions
Although other religions are not represented in great numbers at Bar-Ilan University, prayer or meeting rooms will be made available for students of other religions/beliefs based on numbers, and events or holidays can be arranged through the International School.
Interfaith Connections
Students of all faiths interact continuously with each other on campus. The university and especially the International School host holiday celebrations for all of them. In addition, the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA) is a separate group on campus that brings all students together for social and holiday events, no matter the religion or culture.
The Bar-Ilan University branch if the IEA was founded in 2018 in order to increase understanding and knowledge of the ‘other’ in order to help build bridges and close the gaps between students.
Bar-Ilan encourages students to connect with those of other faiths and join together to celebrate holidays and events.
Read about this initiative here.
