Welcoming Religious Life on Campus

The Dr. Mordecai D. Katz Z'L Program

The Lowy International School is always working on ways to better support our students in whichever way they need. This is why when we had the opportunity to partner with M.D. Katz Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC), we were thrilled to welcome them on campus. M.D. Katz JLIC’s programming provides our students a way to observe religious aspects of Jewish life during their time at the university, regardless of their religious background or affiliation.

Eitan and Elana Phillips are TAU’s onsite rabbinic couple and M.D. Katz JLIC’s program directors. They have already started facilitating social activities and religious studies at their home for Modern Orthodox students who are in need. The couple hosts a dinner every Friday without fail, so our students can share a Shabbat meal together as well as Kabbalat Shabbat services.  Our most recent events include a Hanukkah party which welcomed students to eat sufganiyot, and celebrate the festival together, as well as a volunteering evening in South Tel Aviv handing out hot drinks to people in need.

Eitan and students volunteering in South Tel Aviv, January 2023.

"MD Katz JLIC @ TAU is a home away from home. Students can come and get home-cooked food, laugh with friends and enjoy being in a home environment where people care about them. We place kindness and continued learning  at the center of the community, with volunteering opportunities and constant classes being offered."

- Eitan Phillips

As the largest Jewish university in the world, we want to ensure students of all denominations feel welcomed and have access to the services they need. In Tel Aviv you can be who you want to be, and the TAU campus is no exception. While our international Modern Orthodox students don’t have to worry about exams or classes scheduled on Shabbat and other holidays, they still face challenges communicating in a new language, learning a different culture, being far from home, finding and making new connections in the community and finding support in maintaining a religious lifestyle and identity.

"Eitan, Ilana, and their kids are lovely — very warm and welcoming. Whilst being involved with M.D. Katz JLIC, I have been able to study Jewish Law on a weekly basis and be a part of lovely shabbos dinners. Moreover, I have been fortunate to meet smart, curious, and sociable students from all walks of life." 

- Olivier Marceau L.L.M Student

Eitan and Elana are working closely with The Lowy International School staff and the Student Life team to build an open and accessible community for our religious students on campus. You can find out more about the couple, their work, and upcoming events on the dedicated webpage for M.D. Katz JLIC at TAU.