ORIENTATION 2026
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Looking for more info about sending your student off to college? Check out our parent page here.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
SHABBAT SERVICES
Join us for your choice of services to usher in Shabbat at WashU! Please RSVP by Sunday, August 9 for Reform or Conservative options, subject to interest.
ORIENTATION SHABBAT DINNER
6:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Celebrate your first college Shabbat with your family and meet new friends at a festive Hillel dinner! Chancellor Andrew D. Martin will join us for this popular gathering along with other University friends. Dinner is free for first-years, $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are strongly encouraged by Sunday, August 9, as very limited walk-in space is available.
If cost is an issue, please email hillel@washuhillel.org. We would be pleased to welcome you.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
ORIENTATION SHABBOS MORNING MINYAN AND LUNCH
9:30am | 12:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Shabbos day at WashU Hillel is a special time for students to come together for davening, learning, and of course, food. First-year students and family are invited to get a taste of what has become the highlight of the week for our Shabbat observant students. Come for traditional services or just kiddush and lunch. Kiddush and lunch are free for first-years, $30 per additional family member. RSVPs are appreciated by Sunday, August 9.
If cost is an issue, please email hillel@washuhillel.org. We would be pleased to welcome you.
AFTERNOON OPEN HOUSE
3-5pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Take a break from move-in or stop by during your afternoon walk to grab a cool treat and learn about Jewish life on campus. Meet other new students, families, and the Hillel staff, and see our beautiful Hillel home. Refreshments served. No reservations required.
SEUDAH SHLISHIT WITH RAV SHLOMO AND KYRA ASHKANAZY (OU-JLIC DIRECTORS)
Time To Be Announced | OU-JLIC home (Address provided upon RSVP)
Come together at the end of Shabbat at the OU-JLIC home. There will be food, singing, and overall good vibes. RSVP HERE by Sunday, August 9.
MONDAY, AUGUST 17-THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
SWEET TREAT O’CLOCK
1-4pm | Hillel
Stop by Hillel any time 1-4pm for a sweet treat, a coffee/tea, to get to know Hillel staff and student leaders, or just take a break! The Hillel dogs will also be in the building each day and ready to play! Check out the WashU Hillel IG story for more details during the week.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
BEAR MITZVAH; A MIXER FOR WASHJEWS
9:30-11:30pm | Risa Commons on the South 40
Join new students to celebrate like it's your B-Mitzvah! Enjoy dessert, music, and more...you won't want to miss it! This event is always a highlight of the year—we can’t wait to see you there!
WashU has an incredible team of therapy dogs within the WashU Police Department. Two of their dogs, Bear and Brookie, will be at Bear Mitzvah – come meet them!
Text MITZVAH to 314-334-4080 to speed up check-in!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
FIRST YEAR SHABBAT DINNER
7:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Take a break from the hustle of Bear Beginnings activities and enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends, returning student leaders, and the Hillel staff. Come as you are (casual attire welcome)!
Walk over to Hillel directly or meet up at the South 40 Clocktower at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. RSVPs are strongly encouraged but walk-in space will be available – text FIRST YEAR to 314-334-4080.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
SHABBOS MORNING MINYAN AND LUNCH
9:30 am | 12:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Join us for student-led morning minyan, followed by kiddush and lunch. Please RSVP here
SEUDAH SHLISHIT WITH RAV SHLOMO AND KYRA ASHKANAZY (OU-JLIC DIRECTORS)
7:00 PM | OU-JLIC home (Address provided upon RSVP)
Come together at the end of Shabbos at the OU-JLIC home. There will be food, singing, sharing of Torah and overall good vibes. Please RSVP here.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
HILLEL BAGEL BRUNCH
12:00 - 2:00pm | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Join your Hillel community for the first Sunday Bagel Brunch of the year! Stop by anytime to enjoy bagels, schmear, and lots of lox.
Walking groups with student leaders will be meeting at the South 40 Clocktower at 11:45 AM and 12:45 PM.
WELCOME EVENTS
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
JEWBQ
5:00-7:00pm | LOCATION TBD
Join Hillel and Chabad for a kosher BBQ to kick off the year with Jewish students on campus. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Text JEWBQ to 314-334-4080.
WashU has an incredible team of therapy dogs within the WashU Police Department. Two of their dogs, Bear and Brookie, will be at Bear Mitzvah– come meet them!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
FYSHFEST: CARDINALS GAME!
5:15 & 6:15* PM | Clock Tower S40
Join friends, new classmates, and WashU Hillel student leaders to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals as they take on the Baltimore Orioles! We will meet up at the South40 Clock Tower to walk over to the Metro Station and travel to Busch Stadium together (bring your Metro pass!). The event is $18 per person and includes your ticket to the game and food voucher for dinner. Register by texting BASEBALL to 314-334-4080 by August 22. Limited tickets are available!
*A second group will meet at the Clock Tower at 6:15 pm. Please note you will miss the start of the game if leaving with this group.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
WELCOME BACK SHABBAT DINNER
6:00pm Optional Services | 7:00pm Dinner | WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd
Unwind after the first week of classes at Hillel's annual Welcome Back Shabbat Dinner! Schmooze with other first years and meet returning students over a delicious classic Shabbat meal. Groups will meet at the Clocktower at 5:45pm to walk over together for services, and at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner. Sign up requested – text WELCOME BACK to 314-334-4080.
