Faculty and Staff Resources

Support and Education for Duke Staff and Faculty

Jewish Life at Duke offers a variety of resources for Duke Faculty and Staff, including trainings on understanding Jewish identity and antisemitism, building rental information, and ways for Jewish Faculty and Staff to build community.

Jewish Life at Duke offers Antisemitism 101 trainings for Duke faculty and staff. This in-person, interactive, in-depth session explores Jewish identity and diversity as well as dives into the roots of antisemitism, how it manifests today, and what we can all do about it, to help you as you support Jewish students in your schools and program. As a result of the training, trainees develop:

Awareness of the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity and the diversity among Jewish people, particularly college students.
An understanding of the definition of antisemitism, and the ability to identify when anti-Zionism and anti-Israel activity crosses over into antisemitism.
The ability to identify at least one way in which they can support Jewish people and address antisemitism on campus.
Increased awareness of services on campus that support Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Workshops take place several times per semester in the Freeman Center for Jewish Life and are open to any Duke faculty or staff who register in advance, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attend an Antisemitism Training

Curious how you can support students observing Jewish holidays? We encourage our Duke colleagues and student groups of all identities and faith traditions to reference our Jewish holidays calendar resource when scheduling programs and events in order to avoid planning events on major Jewish holidays. Taking into account these dates helps create an inclusive climate for the Duke Jewish community. Questions? Contact us at jewishlife@duke.edu.

Calendar of Jewish Holidays

The Freeman Center Café is a Kosher establishment located in the Freeman Center for Jewish Life, which also houses Jewish Life at Duke, and serves Duke students, faculty, staff, and the public. The Café is under the rabbinical supervision of Duke's Campus Rabbi, Rabbi Elana Friedman, and operated in partnership by Duke Dining and Jewish Life at Duke. All items are prepared in our Kosher kitchens.

Chef Sebastian Marcet serves up made-to-order kosher deli classics, Mediterranean-inspired meals, non-dairy coffee beverages, desserts, and more, catering to a wide range of dietary restrictions including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Looking to offer kosher options or complete kosher catering for your campus event? The Freeman Center Café can provide catering!

Contact freemandining@duke.edu with your request, and the Freeman Center Café team will work with you to meet your event needs.

Learn More About Kosher Catering

Need a location for your next staff, faculty, or student event? The Freeman Center for Jewish Life is available as an event rental for both large and small gatherings.

The Freeman Center is available for rental by Duke departments and groups only. Rentals are not available for private or outside (non-Duke) groups. We appreciate your understanding.

Click the button below to view our space rental information.

Questions? Email fcevents@duke.edu.

RENT THE FREEMAN CENTER

The JLD Team is Here for You!

Jewish Life at Duke is a key resource for all Jewish students on campus; we are also a resource for you, the Duke faculty and staff, as important partners in the university who are on the front lines of realizing our institutional values and ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for Duke's campus community.

Meet Our Staff

Additional Resources for All Faculty & Staff

Jewish Holidays

We encourage our Duke colleagues and student groups of all identities and faith traditions to reference this resource when scheduling programs and events in order to avoid planning events on major Jewish holidays. Taking into account these dates helps create an inclusive climate for the Duke Jewish community.

Jewish Holidays Calendar

Religious Exemption Form

Do you have a test or assignment that conflicts with a Jewish holiday? You can support your students in their Jewish identity and observance by providing the appropriate information for them to request religious exemption. Learn more about the policies!

Attend a Jewish Life at Duke Event

Duke faculty and staff are invited to attend Jewish Life at Duke events alongside students. Consider attending a weekly Shabbat (Sabbath) prayer service and Shabbat dinner every Friday night (during the academic year) at the Freeman Center to interact with Duke's Jewish student community, or learn from one of our many educational programs including public lectures and guest speakers. All Duke faculty and staff, regardless of faith background, are welcome.

Follow Jewish Life at Duke on Instagram and Facebook for regular event updates and invitations.

Plan Your Next Meeting at the Freeman Center Café

Meet with a colleague or 'flunch' with a student at the Freeman Center Café, open during the fall & spring semesters. Enjoy made-to-order kosher deli classics, Mediterranean-inspired meals, non-dairy coffee beverages, desserts served up by our Chef, Sebastian Marcet. Our menu caters to wide range of dietary restrictions including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Resources for Jewish Identifying Faculty & Staff

Bi-Annual Events with Jewish Life at Duke

Jewish Life at Duke provides opportunities for Jewish identifying faculty and staff to connect with each other and the broader Jewish community at Duke University. We host an event in both the fall and spring semesters. During the holiday of Sukkot we host a free, kosher, faculty & staff lunch in the Freeman Center sukkah, with a lulav and etrog on hand for those who wish to perform the mitzvah of Netilat Lulav. During Passover we host a free matzah brei meal.

Jewish Faculty & Staff Listserv

Jewish-affiliated faculty and staff are invited to join the Duke Jewish Faculty & Staff Listserv. To join, click here (or search: "jewishlife-dukefriends" at lists.duke.edu), and then choose "Subscribe" on the menu on the left hand side. Questions? Email jewishlife@duke.edu.

Jewish Employee Resource Group (ERG)

Currently in formation (April 2024), the Duke Jewish Employee Resource Group is dedicated to building a supportive community where Jewish employees can connect, engage, and thrive. Our primary goals are to create connections, facilitate networking and support, promote awareness and understanding of diverse Jewish identities, experiences, and perspectives, stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination, and serve as advocates for members of the Duke Jewish community. Through our efforts, and in partnership with Duke and other ERGs, we will strive to help strengthen a Duke community committed to shared values, inclusivity and belonging. Learn more and join.