Student Community

FIND COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS

We take pride in supporting student community both on campus an in the wider Portland area. We partner with local Jewish clubs and organizations to co-sponsor a variety of activities throughout the academic year. We host an array of gatherings around campus for students to celebrate holidays, celebrate graduations, and discuss current events.

Explore these events, learn about the individuals who make them possible, and discover the benefits to the community through the links below. For additional resources, you can connect with organizations like the Jewish Student Union at PSU, PDX Hillel, and CHAI (The Cultural and Historical Association for Israel).

Jewish Student Union

At PSU, JSU aims to engage Jewish college students and help build a stronger Jewish community by hosting events where students can connect and learn more about their culture. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where students can explore their identity, build community, socialize, and have fun.

Greater Portland Hillel

Greater Portland Hillel enriches the lives of Jewish college students by creating a welcoming, inclusive space for intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. We promote Jewish learning, social justice, and global Jewish connection, helping students balance being distinctly Jewish and universally human.

CHAI (Cultural and Historical Association for Israel)

CHAI is a student group on the Portland State University campus dedicated to peaceful education about the modern state of Israel, a diverse democracy, which celebrates its people, culture, and history. We support a two-state solution and a strong US-Israel relationship.

Judaic Studies Student Commons

The Judaic Studies Program's student commons offers a quiet, comfortable environment for studying, relaxing, or connecting with others. Equipped with a couch, study table, interactive whiteboard, TV, snacks, and a coffee and tea bar, it’s a welcoming space where students can feel at home between classes or during downtime. All are welcome.
Located in University Center Building, Suite 465.

JST Student Commons

Photos of Our Events

End of Year Gathering, June 2024

Graduation Event, June 2023

Solomon Lecture Event, February 2025

End of Year Gathering, June 2024

Hanukkah Event, December 2019

Humanities Career Conversations Event, May 2025

End of Year Gathering, June 2024

Other Student Communities and Resources on Campus

CLAS Dean's Office Virtual Front Desk: Assistance for questions and concerns within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Cultural Resource Centers: Provides student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities; student resources such as computer labs, event, lounge and study spaces; and extensive programming.
MENASA: The Middle East, North Africa, South Asia cultural center.
PSU Clubs, Events, and Leadership Opportunities: Explore ways to get involved on campus through student-led events, leadership programs, and club activities.
PSU Student Organizations: Discover a wide range of student-run groups that reflect diverse interests, identities, and academic goals.
Student Academic Support Services: Offers support with current coursework and helps develop effective learning strategies; includes Academic Coaching, Academic Testing Services, and Tutoring at the Learning Center.
Student Activities and Leadership Programs: Enriches and integrates students' leadership and academic experiences to educate students to be ethical, socially just, and civically engaged leaders.
University Career Center: Helps students choose a major or develop a career, provides workshops and classes.

To keep up with Judaic Studies courses and events, follow our Instagram @judaicstudies!

You can also learn more about our program here.