Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus
The Orthodox Union’s Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst was created to help young men and women thrive in a campus environment and help Jewish students observe key aspects of Jewish life, such as Torah study, tefillah (prayer), kashrut, Shabbat, and Chagim (holidays). In partnership with UMass Hillel, our OU-JLIC directors, Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht serve as teachers, hosts and role models, learning with students one-on-one, coordinating weekly classes and social events, hosting Shabbat and Holiday meals, and building religious infrastructure. Our OU-JLIC directors seek to help you balance your commitments to Jewish life and provide avenues for spiritual development and leadership while experiencing college life.
Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht work closely with Degel, the Orthodox student group at UMass Amherst, in organizing Minyanim, learning, Shabbat and Chag meals, and social activities. The Leicht’s also partner with Greek life’s Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPHI), Sigma Delta Tau (SDT) and Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT), on Jewish learning, Shabbat meals, holidays, philanthropy and heritage programming. In addition to being the directors of UMass Amherst OU-JLIC, the Leicht’s are also Senior Jewish Educators at UMass Hillel, teaching the highly popular Jewish Learning Fellowship among offering other experiences and opportunities.
Shabbat & Holidays at UMass
OU-JLIC provides students at UMass with a fully programmed Shabbat every week. A typical Shabbat includes a Carlebach Friday night davening, free Shabbat meals, provided by Hillel and OU-JLIC, students also cook Shabbat lunch together on Thursday nights, a post-dinner oneg at the beginning and end of each semester, minyanim, third meal, and Havdalah. Students often spend Shabbat afternoon at the Hillel House resting, learning or just socializing in a friendly Shomer Shabbat environment over games. Shiurim and one-on-one learning opportunities are offered on Shabbat afternoon. Shabbos in Amherst is a beautiful experience, filled with friends, food, learning and singing. Call Shabbat at delight with us whenever you’d like to visit.
Chagim (Holidays) are always taken care of for you at UMass Amherst. Whether it’s coordinating minyanim, meals, or a place to stay, if you are on campus during a holiday, we will celebrate together and make sure you have absolutely everything you need to have a meaningful and enjoyable Chag.
UMass Amherst-Hadley Eruv
The Amherst-Hadley Eruv covering all of UMass and Amherst College is now up! Come carry with us!
Thank you to all of our supporters! Click HERE for interactive Google Map.
Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht work closely with Degel, the Orthodox student group at UMass Amherst, in organizing Minyanim, learning, Shabbat and Chag meals, and social activities. The Leicht’s also partner with Greek life’s Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPHI), Sigma Delta Tau (SDT) and Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT), on Jewish learning, Shabbat meals, holidays, philanthropy and heritage programming. In addition to being the directors of UMass Amherst OU-JLIC, the Leicht’s are also Senior Jewish Educators at UMass Hillel, teaching the highly popular Jewish Learning Fellowship among offering other experiences and opportunities.
Shabbat & Holidays at UMass
OU-JLIC provides students at UMass with a fully programmed Shabbat every week. A typical Shabbat includes a Carlebach Friday night davening, free Shabbat meals, provided by Hillel and OU-JLIC, students also cook Shabbat lunch together on Thursday nights, a post-dinner oneg at the beginning and end of each semester, minyanim, third meal, and Havdalah. Students often spend Shabbat afternoon at the Hillel House resting, learning or just socializing in a friendly Shomer Shabbat environment over games. Shiurim and one-on-one learning opportunities are offered on Shabbat afternoon. Shabbos in Amherst is a beautiful experience, filled with friends, food, learning and singing. Call Shabbat at delight with us whenever you’d like to visit.
Chagim (Holidays) are always taken care of for you at UMass Amherst. Whether it’s coordinating minyanim, meals, or a place to stay, if you are on campus during a holiday, we will celebrate together and make sure you have absolutely everything you need to have a meaningful and enjoyable Chag.
UMass Amherst-Hadley Eruv
The Amherst-Hadley Eruv covering all of UMass and Amherst College is now up! Come carry with us!
Thank you to all of our supporters! Click HERE for interactive Google Map.
Shabbat Schedule
Friday
Yedid Nefesh with the entire Jewish community
6:00 PM or 7:00 PM (depending on candle lighting times) | UMass Hillel | Followed by different services for each denomination
Shabbat Dinner with the entire Jewish community
7:00 or 8:00 PM (depending on candle lighting times) | UMass Hillel
Free for UMass Students. For guests, please register here.
Shabbat Day
Orthodox Services | UMass Hillel
9:30 AM | Learning with Raffi
10:00 AM | Shacharit
11:00 AM | Kiddush
11:30 AM | Torah Reading and Musaf
1:00 PM | Shabbat Lunch | Free for UMass Students. For guests, please register here.
3rd Meal followed by Havdalah
One hour preceding the earliest time for Maariv and Havdalah | Location subject to change.
Kosher Dining at UMass
There are several options for Kosher food in the Amherst area, a wide selection at local supermarkets, Kosher Dining and Shabbat food at the UMass Hillel House. The Kosher Dining Commons (KDC) is located in the Franklin Dining Commons. Its meat and vegetarian kitchen is open Sunday-Friday, from 8am - 8pm and from 8am to 2:30pm on Fridays.
The Shabbat meals provided by the UMass Hillel House and OU-JLIC are always free to UMass students, including Friday night dinner, Shabbat lunch and Third Meal. Friday night dinner is catered from Kosher Dining on Campus. Shabbat lunch is either catered or prepared by several dedicated students in cooking crews. The University of Massachusetts Dining Services received Princeton Review's number one ranking for the best campus food in the nation. Kosher Dining offers a variety of meal options, aware of each student on the Kosher meal plan and their dietary needs and preferences.
ONE-ON-ONE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Chavruta Learning
Rabbi Raffi and Ariella are available to learn Torah with you, no matter your background. Please contact them with the day(s) and time(s) you would like to learn and if there is any particular topic or book you would like to study with them: [email protected], [email protected].
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
OU-JLIC Internship
Undergraduate students are welcome to apply to the paid OU-JLIC internship each academic year. For more information or to apply please contact [email protected].
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Degel Whatsapp Group
Click here to join!
JewMass
A student-led initiative to unite the entire Jewish community at UMass Amherst and the Five Colleges. Follow @jewmassamherst on Instagram.
ONGOING VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering with UMass OU-JLIC in partnership with the Jewish Community of Amherst
Brighten someone’s day with our friends at the JCA. UMass Hillel, OU-JLIC and the Jewish Community of Amherst are partnering to bring students together with elderly community members. We are looking for students who have some spare time in their week to participate in a socially distant outdoor visit with senior citizens in the Amherst Jewish community. Have a car? We would love some help picking up groceries for those in need. Have a phone? We know you do- make a phone call to someone who could use a friend. Volunteer here!
Amherst Phone a Friend Sign-Up Form
Receive a daily call from a volunteer or sign up to be a caller for a wellbeing chat here.
Amherst Senior Services
https://www.amherstma.gov/269/Senior-Center
Be An Informational Conversation Partner
Conversation Partners meet with advanced-level students to help them improve their oral conversation skills and become more confident about speaking English. These students are generally well-educated, and are familiar with "textbook" English, but may not be accustomed to hearing less formal English (spoken at a rapid pace). They want to be able to express themselves better and often have questions about American culture or "how things work" in the US. There is no training required, but you must be able to speak English fluently and clearly, and have an interest in learning about other cultures. Conversation partners meet once or twice a week for an hour or more. We ask for a minimum six-month, full-semester, or full-summer commitment. More information here.
All sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and racial/ethnic backgrounds are welcome. For questions about accessibility please contact [email protected].
STUDENT FEEDBACK VIA UMASS OU-JLIC’s STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY
“Raffi and Ariella have been an amazing part of my college experience. The joy they bring to
teaching and contributing to the community is glowing.”
“The Leichts are immensely skilled at reading the community, working in collaboration with
student leadership, and creating meaningful initiatives. They are always present and willing to try new things. They're really central pillars of the community that it probably could not exist without.”
“I graduated from UMass Amherst four years ago and was with the Leicht’s for their first year
only. I have to say that they are the best thing that has ever happened to UMass Hillel and I am so thankful that I got to spend that gear with them. I have a few friends from my graduating class that have used Ariella as their Kallah teacher and I plan to do the same. In such a short amount of time they have made an undeniable impact on me. They’re the best!”
“They are my biggest role models.”
“Raffi and Ariella have been an integral part of my college experience. Navigating college can be challenging at times but the 2 of them consistently help any student who needs help and offer many ways for the Jewish community on campus to get closer to each other and learn more.”
“Raffi and Ariella brought Judaism back into my life in a very meaningful way. I have learned to love learning Torah as well as celebrating shabbat and holidays.”
“They show the beauty of Judaism and Jewish practices without being overbearing. They are very open and they do a great job sharing their life and tradition with everyone. They present a beautiful model of being orthodox.”
“Raffi and Ariella display patience, kindness, open-mindedness, and hospitality that radiates
throughout the community. Through discussion with peers, I know that each one of us wants to be more like them.”
“I appreciate how they seem to have found a balance between being religious and being
progressive and I strive to be like that.”
“They are perfect examples that you can live deeply Jewish lives while being extremely cool.”
“I am a Baal Teshuva, so I was very new to a frum lifestyle and Raffi and Ariella were very helpful in my growth in Yiddishkeit and helped me get to where I am now. They brought me back into the jewish community and helped me find my way in terms of religion.”
“They made me see prettier sides of Orthodox Judaism.”
“I grew up without religion, and in high school and college came to realize my own devotion to faith. While I am not practicing and am just learning, OU-JLIC has made me feel welcome to explore Judaism and to ask my many questions not only to them but to friends, as they model and teach welcomeness that spreads through the community.”
“I wouldn't be the Jewish person who I am today without them.”
“Without JLIC I don’t think I would’ve had the growth and experience that I did in college. From kashrut, Shabbat, and just general knowledge I really began my journey in college because of the community JLIC fostered.”
“The Leichts brought so much joy to my Jewish practice when they became the leaders of our Jewish community. They are open, loving, learned, accepting, generous, kind, curious, thoughtful, and so much more. They set an example for what gentle Jewish leadership can and should be.”
“I wouldn’t have had such a positive and welcoming experience with my conversion if it weren’t for them.”
“The community they have fostered has created foundational Judaism for many young adults.”
“Without OU-JLIC, my Jewish growth in University would not be here. OU-JLIIC is the place where I feel most comfortable learning and sharing.”
“OU-JLIC provided me access to Jewish learning and community that I did not have prior.”
“For the first time I have become a leader in my Jewish community. They just hold the community together. Without them I don't think the Jewish community would be where it's at today.”
“OU-JLIC always made students feel safe and know that they always had a place and people to turn to without judgement.”
“They create an open and accepting atmosphere for all students. They are open to sharing their knowledge and experience and they provide a lot of support and learning to the students and the community.”
“Raffi and Ariella have an obvious love for Judaism that is contagious, and is so refreshing when many college campuses can have a jaded or anti-religious sentiment.”
“OU-JLIC on our campus has created a wonderfully safe and comfortable community for all
students. The greatest contributions certainly seem to be their constant availability for any
students for any reason.”
“OU-JLIC provides a safe and friendly environment that fosters Jewish learning and community.”
“Raffi and Ariella are just amazing people who make everyone feel welcomed.”
“Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht are an absolute incredible asset to the UMass community- I am so lucky to still have them in my life even as an alumni! They have made such a positive impact on my life throughout my time at UMass Amherst and still today as an Olah Chadasha in Israel! They are the best!!”
“Our JLIC couple is the best one hands down. They connect with every student and are loved by everyone of every background. They also provide a vital foundation for orthodox students. Some of their accomplishments since they joined a short few years ago are: a town wide eruv, created many learning opportunities, guest starred on local radio shows and podcasts, and made lifelong friends. Thank you!!!”
Friday
Yedid Nefesh with the entire Jewish community
6:00 PM or 7:00 PM (depending on candle lighting times) | UMass Hillel | Followed by different services for each denomination
Shabbat Dinner with the entire Jewish community
7:00 or 8:00 PM (depending on candle lighting times) | UMass Hillel
Free for UMass Students. For guests, please register here.
Shabbat Day
Orthodox Services | UMass Hillel
9:30 AM | Learning with Raffi
10:00 AM | Shacharit
11:00 AM | Kiddush
11:30 AM | Torah Reading and Musaf
1:00 PM | Shabbat Lunch | Free for UMass Students. For guests, please register here.
3rd Meal followed by Havdalah
One hour preceding the earliest time for Maariv and Havdalah | Location subject to change.
Kosher Dining at UMass
There are several options for Kosher food in the Amherst area, a wide selection at local supermarkets, Kosher Dining and Shabbat food at the UMass Hillel House. The Kosher Dining Commons (KDC) is located in the Franklin Dining Commons. Its meat and vegetarian kitchen is open Sunday-Friday, from 8am - 8pm and from 8am to 2:30pm on Fridays.
The Shabbat meals provided by the UMass Hillel House and OU-JLIC are always free to UMass students, including Friday night dinner, Shabbat lunch and Third Meal. Friday night dinner is catered from Kosher Dining on Campus. Shabbat lunch is either catered or prepared by several dedicated students in cooking crews. The University of Massachusetts Dining Services received Princeton Review's number one ranking for the best campus food in the nation. Kosher Dining offers a variety of meal options, aware of each student on the Kosher meal plan and their dietary needs and preferences.
ONE-ON-ONE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Chavruta Learning
Rabbi Raffi and Ariella are available to learn Torah with you, no matter your background. Please contact them with the day(s) and time(s) you would like to learn and if there is any particular topic or book you would like to study with them: [email protected], [email protected].
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
OU-JLIC Internship
Undergraduate students are welcome to apply to the paid OU-JLIC internship each academic year. For more information or to apply please contact [email protected].
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Degel Whatsapp Group
Click here to join!
JewMass
A student-led initiative to unite the entire Jewish community at UMass Amherst and the Five Colleges. Follow @jewmassamherst on Instagram.
ONGOING VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering with UMass OU-JLIC in partnership with the Jewish Community of Amherst
Brighten someone’s day with our friends at the JCA. UMass Hillel, OU-JLIC and the Jewish Community of Amherst are partnering to bring students together with elderly community members. We are looking for students who have some spare time in their week to participate in a socially distant outdoor visit with senior citizens in the Amherst Jewish community. Have a car? We would love some help picking up groceries for those in need. Have a phone? We know you do- make a phone call to someone who could use a friend. Volunteer here!
Amherst Phone a Friend Sign-Up Form
Receive a daily call from a volunteer or sign up to be a caller for a wellbeing chat here.
Amherst Senior Services
https://www.amherstma.gov/269/Senior-Center
Be An Informational Conversation Partner
Conversation Partners meet with advanced-level students to help them improve their oral conversation skills and become more confident about speaking English. These students are generally well-educated, and are familiar with "textbook" English, but may not be accustomed to hearing less formal English (spoken at a rapid pace). They want to be able to express themselves better and often have questions about American culture or "how things work" in the US. There is no training required, but you must be able to speak English fluently and clearly, and have an interest in learning about other cultures. Conversation partners meet once or twice a week for an hour or more. We ask for a minimum six-month, full-semester, or full-summer commitment. More information here.
All sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and racial/ethnic backgrounds are welcome. For questions about accessibility please contact [email protected].
STUDENT FEEDBACK VIA UMASS OU-JLIC’s STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY
“Raffi and Ariella have been an amazing part of my college experience. The joy they bring to
teaching and contributing to the community is glowing.”
“The Leichts are immensely skilled at reading the community, working in collaboration with
student leadership, and creating meaningful initiatives. They are always present and willing to try new things. They're really central pillars of the community that it probably could not exist without.”
“I graduated from UMass Amherst four years ago and was with the Leicht’s for their first year
only. I have to say that they are the best thing that has ever happened to UMass Hillel and I am so thankful that I got to spend that gear with them. I have a few friends from my graduating class that have used Ariella as their Kallah teacher and I plan to do the same. In such a short amount of time they have made an undeniable impact on me. They’re the best!”
“They are my biggest role models.”
“Raffi and Ariella have been an integral part of my college experience. Navigating college can be challenging at times but the 2 of them consistently help any student who needs help and offer many ways for the Jewish community on campus to get closer to each other and learn more.”
“Raffi and Ariella brought Judaism back into my life in a very meaningful way. I have learned to love learning Torah as well as celebrating shabbat and holidays.”
“They show the beauty of Judaism and Jewish practices without being overbearing. They are very open and they do a great job sharing their life and tradition with everyone. They present a beautiful model of being orthodox.”
“Raffi and Ariella display patience, kindness, open-mindedness, and hospitality that radiates
throughout the community. Through discussion with peers, I know that each one of us wants to be more like them.”
“I appreciate how they seem to have found a balance between being religious and being
progressive and I strive to be like that.”
“They are perfect examples that you can live deeply Jewish lives while being extremely cool.”
“I am a Baal Teshuva, so I was very new to a frum lifestyle and Raffi and Ariella were very helpful in my growth in Yiddishkeit and helped me get to where I am now. They brought me back into the jewish community and helped me find my way in terms of religion.”
“They made me see prettier sides of Orthodox Judaism.”
“I grew up without religion, and in high school and college came to realize my own devotion to faith. While I am not practicing and am just learning, OU-JLIC has made me feel welcome to explore Judaism and to ask my many questions not only to them but to friends, as they model and teach welcomeness that spreads through the community.”
“I wouldn't be the Jewish person who I am today without them.”
“Without JLIC I don’t think I would’ve had the growth and experience that I did in college. From kashrut, Shabbat, and just general knowledge I really began my journey in college because of the community JLIC fostered.”
“The Leichts brought so much joy to my Jewish practice when they became the leaders of our Jewish community. They are open, loving, learned, accepting, generous, kind, curious, thoughtful, and so much more. They set an example for what gentle Jewish leadership can and should be.”
“I wouldn’t have had such a positive and welcoming experience with my conversion if it weren’t for them.”
“The community they have fostered has created foundational Judaism for many young adults.”
“Without OU-JLIC, my Jewish growth in University would not be here. OU-JLIIC is the place where I feel most comfortable learning and sharing.”
“OU-JLIC provided me access to Jewish learning and community that I did not have prior.”
“For the first time I have become a leader in my Jewish community. They just hold the community together. Without them I don't think the Jewish community would be where it's at today.”
“OU-JLIC always made students feel safe and know that they always had a place and people to turn to without judgement.”
“They create an open and accepting atmosphere for all students. They are open to sharing their knowledge and experience and they provide a lot of support and learning to the students and the community.”
“Raffi and Ariella have an obvious love for Judaism that is contagious, and is so refreshing when many college campuses can have a jaded or anti-religious sentiment.”
“OU-JLIC on our campus has created a wonderfully safe and comfortable community for all
students. The greatest contributions certainly seem to be their constant availability for any
students for any reason.”
“OU-JLIC provides a safe and friendly environment that fosters Jewish learning and community.”
“Raffi and Ariella are just amazing people who make everyone feel welcomed.”
“Rabbi Raffi and Ariella Leicht are an absolute incredible asset to the UMass community- I am so lucky to still have them in my life even as an alumni! They have made such a positive impact on my life throughout my time at UMass Amherst and still today as an Olah Chadasha in Israel! They are the best!!”
“Our JLIC couple is the best one hands down. They connect with every student and are loved by everyone of every background. They also provide a vital foundation for orthodox students. Some of their accomplishments since they joined a short few years ago are: a town wide eruv, created many learning opportunities, guest starred on local radio shows and podcasts, and made lifelong friends. Thank you!!!”
