» Jewish Applicants

Welcome from Rabbi Cassi Kail, Director of Jewish Life and University Chaplain

Thank you for considering Chapman University! You will find that Chapman not only has a vibrant Jewish community, but also a deep commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment to all Jewish students.

We are pleased to provide a wide array of enriching opportunities for Jewish students, through my office and the student Hillel and Chabad groups on campus.

As the Director of Jewish Life, it is my privilege to provide guidance, spiritual enrichment, and support for our wonderfully diverse Jewish community.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or your parents have any questions. You can reach me at kail@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2123.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Outside scholarships for Jewish applicants

While Chapman provides merit and need-based aid, other organizations provide scholarships specifically for Jewish students. These include:

• Joe H. Golman Leadership and Community Service Scholarship Fund: Awarded to Jewish high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership potential and community involvement.
  • Application deadline: February 10
• Saffran Family Scholarship: Awarded to Jewish high school seniors who have shown exceptional commitment to their community with their involvement in religious or community organizations.
  • Application deadline: February 10
• Eugene and Betty Friedman Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to Jewish students seeking to further their education in science, medicine, or technology.
  • Application deadline: March 1
• The Brandenburg Education Scholarship: Awarded to Jewish high school seniors or undergraduate students accepted to or currently enrolled in a course of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
  • To qualify, applicants must reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, which includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties.

For more scholarship options, Hillel International has compiled a list of outside scholarships specific to Jewish students. The list is updated regularly with application deadlines and scholarship amounts included. We strongly encourage Jewish students with financial need to apply.

Jewish life

We strive to build a close-knit community among Jewish students, so we invite you to explore the expansive Jewish life here at Chapman!

Jewish clubs and organizations

Chapman has several Jewish student organizations where you can find opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth through several religious, cultural and intellectual activities.

Many student activities and faith-based services occur in the Fish Interfaith Center, which is the central campus hub for supporting Chapman’s religious communities.

For more details, visit the Jewish clubs and organizations section on the Jewish Students page.

Observing Jewish holidays and traditions

At Chapman, you will have welcoming places to join in religious, social, and cultural programming regularly, including several major Jewish observances and celebrations.

For more details, visit the Observing Jewish Holidays and Traditions section on the Jewish Students page.

Religious accommodations 

Chapman’s religious accommodations policy ensures that all students have the right to utilize certain religious accommodations, allowing you to modify your schedule in accordance with religious observances.

Academic opportunities

We have several resources that support Holocaust education at Chapman. This includes:

• The Holocaust History minor allows you to study the origins and history of the Holocaust within the context of European and Jewish history, and explore the central themes and topics in Holocaust research.
• Academic courses: As a Chapman student, there are ways you can apply Jewish Studies to your coursework, pursue Jewish research opportunities, and work with associated professors on campus.
• Jewish internships and careers: There are internship opportunities in Jewish nonprofit work, social justice, spirituality, and education that the department of Jewish Life can help you get connected to as a Chapman student.

Jewish life in Southern California

In Orange County and the broader Southern California area, there are many Jewish organizations that provide opportunities for engagement, such as the Jewish Federation of Orange County and several local synagogues.

Visit the Jewish Students page for more details about local Jewish community organizations.