O-Minyan at University of Michigan

s soon as you know about a conflict, that you will be missing class or that you need to move an exam for a holiday. The University is required to accommodate religious observance and they have the following policy: “Although the University of Michigan, as a public institution, does not observe religious holidays, we encourage faculty and students to work together to help students avoid negative academic consequences when religious obligations conflict with academic requirements.” In the unlikely event the professor or GSI is being uncooperative a student can contact the University Ombuds or a staff member at Hillel for assistance. Occasionally, professors ask for written documentation of your religious observance conflicting with class, which you can request from Rabbi Lisa Stella ([email protected]), Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel. Campus Life:
- Is there Kosher food? South Quad dining hall provides Kosher food. If you aren't staying in South Quad, you are still given access to the Kosher dining. Hillel also has a meal plan for students. The menu and hours of operation can be found on the website.

- Is there an Eruv? There is an Eruv that is checked weekly. More information including a map can be found on the website. Housing:
- How do I ensure that I live close to Hillel and have manual keys my first year? Students are able to fill out a form to request to live in walking distance of Hillel and additionally they may ask for manual keys so they do not have to use keycards. More information and the form can be found on the housing website. Jewish life:
- Is there a daily minyan? We have Shacharit every morning at 7:20 for regular days and 7:15 for Torah reading days. 8:30 am Sundays. Minyan is held at Hillel Monday through Wednesday and it is held at Chabad Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Mincha and Ma’ariv locations and times vary.

- What types of learning options are there? There are shiurim held by the Orthodox Rabbi, the Rebbetzin, as well as student-led shiurim. There tends to be an organized learning event at least once a week.

- What if I want to learn on my own, or with a chevruta? Glad you asked! There is a campus initiative called "Michmar," in which you are paired with a partner or a few partners and can learn as frequently as you want, about whatever you are interested in.

- What types of events does O-Minyan have? O-Minyan hosts various types of events for holidays and Shabbat and for regular weekends. Some of the events for holidays include candy Sukkah decorating, Hanukkah parties, Hamantashen making and more. Other events that O-Minyan has had include hockey games, ice skating, pizza parties and more! Check out this page to see some pictures! Shabbat and Holidays:
- What does a typical Shabbat look like? Friday Night: Every week there is Kabbalat Shabbat at Hillel followed by Hillel dinner. Afterwards, students may hang out and snack at JRC(Jewish Resource Center). At least once a month there is an oneg hosted by some of the students in O-Minyan. Shabbat: Shacharit is held at 9:30am at Hillel and is followed by Kiddush. Shabbat lunch varies -- students may be invited to community member’s houses, occasionally Hillel will host a lunch and learn, or students walk to JRC where there is Shabbat lunch almost every week. After lunch students may go to Bern’s park to play frisbee, football, soccer, etc. or they may hang out at a student’s home. Mincha is held roughly an hour before Shabbat ends and is followed by Seudah Shlish*t which is held downstairs at Hillel and Shabbat is concluded with Ma’ariv and Havdallah.

- Do students go home for holidays? Do they stay on campus? Many students choose to stay on campus for holidays, and others choose to go home. There are services and meals hosted by Hillel for all holidays. Additionally, some students may go to community member’s houses for meals, or host each other in their homes. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to
Elana Abramowitz - Prospective Student and Freshman Coordinator ([email protected]),
Shayna Lopatin - Associate Prospective Student and Freshman Coordinator ([email protected]),
Jared Hurwitz - President ([email protected]), or
Sara Deichman - Vice President ([email protected])!