Campus Rabbi

The Campus Rabbi's office, which was established 30 years ago, is responsible for a wide range of activities involving spiritual and religious life on campus. This activity focuses on three main areas:

a.             Community life at the university

The Campus Rabbi's office plays an important role in  reinforcing the vibrant social and cultural campus life for the entire Bar-Ilan University community. It organizes special activities on Shabbat (Shabbat dinners, lessons and guest lectures), arranges Torah lessons and lectures in the evening hours during the week, and holds Torah-based social events during the holidays (second Hakafot, Purim dinners, Purim and Hanukah celebrations), and more. Special Shabbat activities are hosted at absorption centers, where students assist and contribute to the strengthening of Judaism among new immigrants.

Torah study sessions, which are given during evening hours, attract a large number of students, as well as participants from outside the university.  Each week a lesson is given specifically for lecturers; and a lesson specifically for staff members, on a permanent basis – these are given during the daytime by the Campus Rabbi – Rabbi Shlomo Shefer.

Within the framework of community outreach activity, a great deal of attention is paid to personal attention and nurturing. This is expressed in supporting young couples preparing for their marriage and in maintaining contact with them later on. as well. The Campus Rabbi's office also supplies answers based on Halacha, conducts personal discussions and helps students in need of economic and other types of assistance.

b.             Torah-based activity intended for the general public

The Campus Rabbi's office holds central events during some of the Jewish holidays, in which a large number of people from outside the university's framework take part.

On the eve of Hoshana Raba, Torah lessons are given throughout the night, until the Vatikin prayer; Second Hakafot are also celebrated at Simchat Torah. A large crowd arriving from locations near and far participates in these events.

On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the rabbis and students of the Yeshivat Hesder pray at the Ramat Gan campus, as well as many others from central Israel.

Independence Day celebrations at Bar-Ilan also attract a very large number of people. An independence celebration takes place after the festive prayer, combining Torah content, with song and entertainment suitable for the nature of the day.

c.              Torah and science

The integration of Torah and science comprises one of the university's foundation stones, and is expressed in research and teaching in the various departments. The Campus Rabbi's office also takes part in this mission, organizing daily seminars in which Torah scholars and scientists discuss various subjects, aiming to create a prolific and fascinating connection between the world of Torah and the world of science.

Additional activity that is worthwhile noting in this area is the publication of the weekly "Parashat Hashavua" page, which has been distributed since 1993 by the Faculty of Jewish Studies, the Schulman Center for Basic Jewish Studies and the Campus Rabbi's office. It is written by researchers from the university's various departments, and combines Torah and science in a unique and interesting manner. A large share of the articles in these "Parashat Hashavua" pages has been compiled into three books entitled "From the Fruits of the Tree".

To contact the Office of the Campus Rabbi refer to the   page.