Jewish Life at Tel Aviv University: Find Your Home Away from Home

Jewish life at Tel Aviv University is thriving, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Eitan and Elana Phillips, TAU’s onsite rabbinic couple and the M.D. Katz Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) program directors.

They are successfully building a welcoming and inclusive environment for students wishing to observe a religious life on campus or learn more about Judaism. Their home, located just steps from the university, has become a hub for social activities, religious studies, and community building.

Creating Connections

Eitan and Elana, working closely with the Lowy International staff, are passionate about fostering an open and accessible Jewish community on campus. "Our aim is to provide a home away from home for students and to incorporate them into our family," Elana shared. This vision is reflected in the variety of events they host, from weekly Shabbat dinners to special holiday celebrations.

One of the gatherings at the Philipps's house

Phillips's efforts are already making a significant impact. The second semester of 2023/24 kicked off with a barbecue at their home, drawing over 70 students.

"The BBQ was a nice time for students to come, know our home, meet us and each other, and see what this community is like,"—Elana Philips.

Engaging Learning Opportunities

Jewish learning is a central pillar of Phillips’s work: there are weekly *chabura* sessions where students take the initiative to teach their peers.

"It’s very important that students lead their own learning and share what they’ve learned."—Rabbi Eitan.

These sessions are held on the grass outside the Cymbalista Synagogue on campus, providing a relaxed setting for exploration and discussion.

Cymbalista Synagogue

This year, the Phillipses also hosted a student debate on antisemitism, held at the Lowy International School’s building. The debate, run by the students with a professional setup including teams of three and a judging panel, tackled this critical issue head-on, particularly relevant to students in the dual degree program with Columbia University.

Another highlight of the year was the Shavuot learning session, which began at 11 pm and continued until 2 am.

"It was incredible—packed out with 40 people who decided to come and learn together."—Rabbi Eitan. 

Elana Philips with the study group at their morning meeting

For the past two years, Elana has also led a women-only study group, which she describes as "a fun experience" where they meet weekly to explore topics of interest.

Plans for the Coming Year

As they look to the future, Eitan and Elana are excited to expand their offerings. "Next year, we have something planned every day for our students," says Eitan. The upcoming schedule is set to include meditation sessions, Tanach learning focused on the Books of Judges and Samuel, a special session led by Elana, and continued opportunities for meaningful volunteering at a children’s home.

Students debate antisemitism

In addition, there are plans to launch an Israel discussion forum, providing a safe space for students to explore and discuss their feelings about Israel.

"We’ll be reading and discussing various texts on Israeli history. We feel that this is something the students really need and want,"—Rabbi Eitan.

Through their open and pluralistic approach, Eitan and Elana strive to provide Jewish life for those who seek it and an opportunity for exploration for those who are curious. Their work is not only about religious observance but also about building a vibrant, supportive community where every student can feel at home.

For updates on their activities and to get involved, follow the Jewish Learning Initiative at TAU on Instagram

Watch our webinar with Rabbi Eitan:

You can also download the brochure to learn more about the Jewish Learning Initiative at TAU.