The Greenbaum
Center for Jewish Life
The Greenbaum
Center for Jewish Life
“Our vision is for the Greenbaum Center to be a showcase for Hillel activities on campus and to serve as a valuable resource for the entire Jewish community in Rochester.”
–David Greenbaum ’73
Imagine this.
Imagine a dedicated place at the University of Rochester where Jewish students, faculty, staff, and community members can gather, celebrate, and strengthen Jewish life together. Thanks to the generosity of David Greenbaum ’73, his wife, Laureine, and their $3.5 million pledge, the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life is becoming a reality.
As part of a larger new Student Life Building, the Center will also contribute to a shared campus hub for connection, belonging, and engagement. Aligned with Boundless Possibility, the University’s strategic plan, this project will strengthen Jewish life while enhancing the student experience for our entire University community.
- The Greenbaum Center will play an important role in enhancing the residential life of the sizeable Jewish community on campus. Additionally, the Greenbaum Center will serve as a resource to the entire Rochester area Jewish community.
- Partner with us, and together we can secure more than mere bricks and mortar; we can build a community where Jewish culture and programming is celebrated.
The Hillel Connection.
Through a partnership with Hillel International—the largest Jewish campus organization in the world—students at Rochester find a welcoming environment and excellent programs that foster communal exploration of Jewish religion, culture, values, and traditions. From Shabbat and holiday celebrations, learning opportunities, social action projects, community gatherings and social events, Israel travel, and more, there are many opportunities to engage, learn, and grow. We aspire to do more, and we can—once we open the doors to the Greenbaum Center.
Right now, Jewish life and Hillel are housed within the Interfaith Chapel. But, that space is overflowing—in people, services, and capacity. There isn’t enough room for our Jewish students to celebrate, serve, and student together. When the Interfaith Chapel was built in 1970, it was designed to be a place that welcomed people of all faiths and traditions—and still does. Today, we have an opportunity to build a space dedicated to Jewish life that’s also welcoming to all students.
Doing it right.
Within the Greenbaum Center we will offer a rich array of programming, and provide a vibrant place for students to gather, socialize, and deepen their connection to Jewish traditions and community. It will offer the right kind of environment to properly:
- Celebrate Shabbat and Holidays
- Host classes and learning cohorts
- Eat a home-cooked kosher meal, and perhaps get in the kitchen and help
- Hold cultural programs such as our bagel brunches, cooking classes, and Hebrew lessons
- Host guest speakers who can educate, inform, and inspire our students
- Host allied student clubs like Rochester Students for Israel
- Be a space where Jewish students want to be – a Jewish home away from home
- Engage with the nearly 17,000 Jewish residents in the Rochester area
“The Greenbaum Center will have a transformational impact on Jewish life on campus. It will ensure Jewish students have the space they need for programs, Shabbat, holiday celebrations, and events, but also to socialize and connect with each other, and with Jewish community.”
—Joy Getnick, Executive Director of Hillel at the University of Rochester
How you can help
To explore making your own gift to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life, or to receive a list of available naming opportunities, please contact Caroline Butler, Executive Director of Student Life Advancement, at caroline.butler@rochester.edu.