About us

Our Story

Shalshelet Shivyoni is a budding community that stems from the transformative experience of the inaugural Shabbaton Shivyoni at Princeton University, in the spring of 2023. This pivotal event brought together passionate students from diverse campuses, igniting a shared vision for an inclusive and vibrant Jewish future.

While our history is still in its early stages, we are driven by the momentum of this powerful gathering and look forward to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. The Shabbaton Shivyoni served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, deep connections, and the exploration of how halacha can be embraced in a way that fosters inclusivity.

Inspired by this experience, our community has emerged with a collective commitment to create positive change within our college campuses and wider Jewish communities. Together, we look forward to the exciting journey ahead, building upon the foundation laid by the Shabbaton Shivyoni and working towards a more vibrant, inclusive, and future-oriented Jewish community.

Our Mission

Shalshelet Shivyoni is an intercollegiate community dedicated to fostering inclusive and egalitarian Jewish spaces on campuses across the United States while upholding the principles of halacha (Jewish law). Our mission is to promote a vibrant and authentic Jewish experience that embraces diverse identities, backgrounds, and practices, rooted in the values of inclusivity, equality, and commitment to halacha.

We strive to create an environment where individuals can engage in meaningful prayer, study, and communal life, while navigating the complexities of contemporary Jewish practice. Through open dialogue and exploration, we seek to unite traditional and egalitarian values, empowering our community members to shape their Jewish identities and make informed decisions that honor both their personal beliefs and the principles of halacha.

By fostering a supportive network, facilitating student-led chaburot (study groups), organizing inclusive shabbatot, and providing resources for campus organizations, we aim to cultivate a space where everyone can engage with halacha and participate fully in inclusive Jewish life. We are committed to amplifying marginalized voices, creating meaningful religious opportunities, and nurturing a sense of belonging within the broader Jewish community.

At Shalshelet Shivyoni, we believe that Jewish tradition is enriched by embracing a multiplicity of perspectives and lived experiences. By promoting dialogue, education, and empowerment, we strive to create a more inclusive and vibrant future for Jewish life on college campuses and beyond, where halacha is respected and harmonized with our core values of compassion, equality, and respect for all.

Participating Campuses

Participants in Shalshelet Shivyoni come from the following colleges:

• Barnard
• Binghamton
• Brandeis
• Brown
• Columbia
• Cooper Union
• Harvard
• Johns Hopkins
• List College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• New York University
• Northeastern
• Princeton University
• Queens College
• Rutgers
• Stanford
• University of Chicago
• University of Maryland
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Wisconsin - Madison
• Washington University
• Yale University
• Yeshiva University (Yeshiva College and Stern)