Skip to main content

The Freeman Center for Jewish Life

Home Belonging Identity and Cultural Centers Jewish Life at Duke About Us Our Building

The Story of the Freeman Center

The story of a Jewish student center on Duke’s campus began in 1986 with Duke alumnus, Gil Scharf T’70, P’16, who sought a space for Jewish students, faculty and staff to call home. With the support of Duke’s then-President, H. Keith H. Brodie, and many other members of administration, staff, and faculty, a public announcement was made to build a center that would serve as a hub for Duke’s Jewish life. Learn more about the beginnings of the Freeman Center for Jewish Life on our blog by clicking below: 

Freeman Center at Jewish Life at Duke

The Story of the Freeman Center

Freeman Center Location

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

The Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Box 90936
1415 Faber St
Durham, NC 27705

MAILING ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS:

Jewish Life at Duke
Alumni & Development Records
Duke University
Box 90581
Durham, NC 27708

Planning a Visit? 

The Freeman Center for Jewish Life is open for drop-in visits and tours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm when classes are in session, and on an abbreviated schedule during the summer. Click below to learn more:

Student interns welcome families to event

Visit Jewish Life at Duke
The Freeman Center for Jewish Life
The May Family Reception Area
The Levenson-Lerner Sanctuary
The Sassower Library
The Sassower Terrace
The Tabek Family Commons Area
The Paresky Lounge
The Freeman Center has two classes rooms for student events
Expansive windows bring natural light to the space
The Heyman Dining Hall
The Scharf Commons
The Patio
The Freeman Center for Jewish Life on the Duke University campus
The commons at Jewish Life at Duke
The sanctuary at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
The library at Jewish Life at Duke
A patio at Jewish Life at Duke
A student lounge area at Jewish Life at Duke
A student lounge at Jewish Life at Duke
A classroom at Jewish Life at Duke
Inside the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
The Dining Hall at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
The Scharf Commons at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Patio at Freeman Center for Jewish Life

Booking the Freeman Center

How to Reserve a Space

Space rental is available for Duke departments only. The Freeman Center is no longer available for rental by outside (non-Duke) groups. We appreciate your understanding of this change in policy.

Questions? Email fcevents@duke.edu. 

Catering Policy

The Freeman Center is home to Durham’s only Kosher catering kitchen and is also a great option for halal, vegetarian and vegan diners. In the Sanctuary and Scharf Commons, all outside food must be vegetarian and approved by the venue. If the caterer is dropping off food and not staying for the event it is your responsibility to ensure all food and trash has been removed.

*Alcohol of any kind is not permitted anywhere in the Freeman Center*

Approved caterers include Duke Dining and Duke Dining’s vendors only.

Pricing and Additional Information

For information on pricing, vendors, facility policies, and FAQs, click below:

Freeman Center Rental Information

< Back to Homepage