History of Jewish Life at Elon

Elon University Hillel, nationally recognized for its engaged Jewish population and experiential and inclusive Jewish life programming, is a the largest Jewish organization in Alamance county, and a welcoming and vibrant home for Jewish students on campus.

The Jewish student population at Elon has grown at an astonishing rate over the past decade, and boasts the beautiful Sklut Hillel Center as the home away from home for Elon’s more than 800 Jewish students

Since its dedication in 2013, the center, named for Elon parents Eric and Lori Sklut P’14, has become the focus for Jewish life on campus.

Elon Hillel offers programs including Shabbat dinners and services, bagel brunches, cooking classes, discussions, meetings, and holiday celebrations in the facility, which includes a kosher kitchen, a patio/sukkah, offices, a conference room, a study lounge, and (soon) a large backyard multi-use pavilion.

Jewish Life @ Elon timeline

2024 – Elon Hillel Pavilion will be dedicated

2018 – EJAN – Elon Jewish Alumni Network – formedHillel College Guide

2018 – Elon Hillel on cover of Hillel International college guide, featured in cover story

2018 – 5th anniversary of Sklut Hillel Center

2017 – Elon Hillel featured as leading Jewish university in the south by The Forward

2015 – Jewish Studies Minor announced

2013 – Sklut Hillel Center dedicated, March 2013

2011 – Professor Rabbi Geoffrey Claussen hired as first Jewish Studies Professor

2011 – The Jewish Life Advisory Council (JLAC) was formed by President Emeritus Leo Lambert to provide leadership and vision on the future expansion and enhancement of Jewish life and Jewish studies at Elon

2009 – Elon Hillel received the designation of “Small & Mighty Campus of Excellence” from Hillel International

2008 – Nancy Luberoff joins Elon as the first Hillel Director

2006 – First part-time campus rabbi hired at Elon

2002 – Associate Vice President Jeff Stein joins Elon University, serves as Hillel advisor

1992 – Elon Hillel was founded as the Jewish Students Organization.