FAQs

THANKS FOR ASKING!

Is there kosher food on campus?

Yes! Stanford has invested very significantly in kosher dining. Kosher meals are now served seven days a week, three meals a day. The University employs two mashgichim (religious experts in kosher laws), to enable daily coverage and ensure impeccable standards of kashrut. The kosher kitchen is adjacent to one of the main dining halls on campus, in the Florence Moore dormitory (a.k.a. FloMo), so that students who observe kashrut can eat their meals in the same location as other students. In addition, Stanford dining provides kosher meals at Hillel on Friday nights and for Shabbat lunch. Learn more here.

I am Shabbat observant and considering attending Stanford. Will I be able to get into my dorm without an electronic key card? Are there other accommodations I should know about?

Yes! The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life works closely with Student Housing to ensure that students’ religious needs are met, including obtaining a manual key for any Shabbat-observant students who require it. But it is important that you make your need known when completing the University’s housing application form. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life also collaborated with Stanford Libraries to allow Shabbat-observant Jews to gain access to the book stacks on Shabbat.

Is there an eruv on Stanford’s campus?

Yes, the Palo Alto eruv includes all of Stanford campus. See the map here. For information about the eruv, call 650-796-4185.

What if I need to miss classes for Jewish holidays? Will the university support me?

Yes! The important thing to know is that you must request a religious accommodation in advance of the holiday by sending an email to your professor.

Who can I contact about Jewish observance questions?

You can reach Rabbi Ilana Goldhaber-Gordon, Associate Dean in the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life, at rabilana@stanford.edu.