Chaplain's Office

Jewish Life

Jewish Life is vibrant and diverse at Colorado College. Fostering community, facilitating religious and spiritual opportunities, celebrating holidays, providing spiritual care, and encouraging educational engagement is the main focus of the Jewish Life at CC. Current offerings on campus include involvement with Jewish student groups, studying Hebrew language, courses related to Judaism and Jewish culture through courses in the Religion, Music, and History Departments. We also aim to connect students with the wider Jewish community in Colorado Springs and the world via local synagogues and the Center for Global Education & Field Study for study abroad programs to enrich academic and personal learning. Whether Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox, part of the Renewal movement, Reconstructionist, or simply curious about Judaism, you are welcome to participate in Jewish Life at Colorado College!

Jewish Organizations on Campus

Jewish Life on campus is Student led and staff supported through the Chaplains’ Office. Since 2024, CC alums Ruthie Markwardt (2014) & Barak Ben-Amots (2017 MAT) have been thrilled to collaborate with students as Co-Coordinators of Jewish Life at CC. If you are a student and there is something you would like to see or to make happen related to Jewish Life on campus, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ruthie & Barak!

CC Hillel*

*independent CCSGA student group, unaffiliated with Hillel International

CC Hillel's mission is to create an environment in which students of a Jewish religious or ethnic background can grow socially, intellectually, and spiritually with the campus community. Hillel strives to enrich the lives of students interested in Jewish heritage, learning and traditions by providing a welcoming atmosphere to Jewish values and practices. Hillel at CC aims to be an all-inclusive organization that meets the needs of all of its members regardless of their background or forms of Jewish expression. Through service and a commitment to the community, we are a voice at the college that works closely with the Chaplain's Office to welcome all people. Though we are denominationally-based, we are not denominationally-exclusive and we strive to share our culture and religious beliefs with others to promote understanding and tolerance. We are a CCSGA organization that sponsors weekly Friday night dinners at the Interfaith House (1025 N Nevada) starting at 5:30pm.

If you are a parent or loved one of a CC student who has questions or would like to sponsor a Shabbat on campus, we’d love to hear from you!


For those whose connections to Israel and Palestine are important to their Judaism, we recommend connecting with the Jewish Life Co-Coordinators to get connected with the appropriate student-led organizations on campus

Academic Opportunities

  • Take Hebrew adjunct classes for those of all levels and abilities taught by native speaker & Visiting Lecturer of Hebrew, Kobi Chumash 
  • Explore courses related to Jewish studies in Religion, History, Sociology, Music, and Political Science 
  • Create a Minor in Jewish Studies 
  • Study Abroad and connect with International Jewish Histories and Communities

Happenings

Jewish Life is excited to engage creatively with you in building community and programs throughout this academic year. Whether you engage through CC Hillel, studying Hebrew, academic courses, or all the above, we can't wait to connect with you.

Here are some things to look forward to: 
  • Weekly Shabbat in the Interfaith/Spiritual Life House
  • Jewish Learning Opportunities and Text Studies
  • Transportation to High Holy Day services
  • Sukkot Celebration
  • Challah-ween
  • Shabbaton retreat at the CC Cabin
  • Hanukkah Party/Latke Cook-off
  • Purim Costume Party
  • All-campus Passover Seder
  • Holocaust Memorial Service

Antisemitism

Colorado College is committed to creating an environment that is safe and conducive to learning, living, and working. This includes fostering a community free from discrimination and harassment. If you experience anti-semitism, there are many supportive resources for you including the Chaplain's Office, the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, and The Butler Center. You can also report incidents of anti-semitism here. Reporting options include:

If you have immediate safety concerns or require medical attention, please contact 911 and/or Campus Safety at (719) 389-6911.

If you are seeking immediate mental health support or are looking to talk to someone about a concern, please visit the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX resource page for a full list of local and national resources.

To report an incident to the College please utilize the online reporting system via the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Reporting Portal. Reports to the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX may also be made directly to the AVP for Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator or their designee or via the TitleIX@coloradocollege.edu email address.

Individuals may use the Speak Up Colorado College anonymous reporting tool to share concerns with the College anonymously.

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Resources

The following community resources may be helpful to you in remaining connected to Jewish Life during your time at CC:

Conservative/Reform

1523 E. Monument Street (719) 634-5311

Reform


533 E. Madison Street (719) 573-0841

Orthodox


207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd., Suite E (719) 634-2345

2348 Sijan Drive


(719) 333-2636

Contact: Lisa Unger lbrightunger@hotmail.com

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Jewish Life Coordinators

Ruthie Markwardt
Interim Coordinator of Jewish Life
Chaplains' Office
Barak Ben-Amots
Interim Coordinator of Jewish Life
Chaplains' Office
Follow the Chaplain’s Office on Instagram for more information about Jewish Life events or follow the CC Hillel Instagram. Students can join the CC Hillel Group Me by coming to an event and signing up for it in person at a CC Hillel Shabbat or event.
Report an issue - Last updated: 05/22/2025