Our Mission

The Center for Jewish Living is an entirely student-run Jewish organization serving Cornell University's vibrant and diverse Jewish community. Since 1959, the CJL has been the epicenter of Jewish life and belonging at Cornell, from running daily religious services to providing kosher food, and organizing social programming. Most importantly, the house located at 106 West Avenue is our students’ home away from home, offering a residence hall with single and double rooms for rent each semester. Through our various Jewish resources, it is our mission to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive Jewish experience for you at Cornell.

Upcoming Events

What We Do

Name: Cornell CJL
Address: 106 West Avenue, Ithaca, New York, 14850, US
Telephone: (607) 219-3019

Housing

The Center for Jewish Living residence is a beautiful 1890’s building resplendent with hardwood floors, oak, and stained glass windows. The House has twenty-one large single and double rooms available for rent by upperclassmen. For housing inquiries, please email housing@cornellcjl.com.

Kosher Dining

The CJL is located adjacent to 104 West!, the kosher dining hall on campus. Also, on North Campus there is a kosher station in Morrision Dining Hall. Hot Kosher meals are served twice daily (lunch and dinner) every day of the week. The kosher certification is provided by the Star-K to Cornell Dining under the supervision of our full time Mashgiach. Click HERE to learn more about Jewish Life.

Events

The CJL hosts many exciting fun events all throughout the semester. From paintballing to wine and cheese night, the CJL makes sure to plan the best events for all students to enjoy! To stay updated with all events, join our newsletter, WhatsApp, and Membership.

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Experience the CJL

The CJL hosts many exciting and inspiring shabbatons all throughout the semester. These weekend getaways are open to all including to but not limited to: families, prospective students, travelers and students from other campuses. These weekends always leave visitors impressed and energized. To visit, fill out this form!

Gavi Schechter '25

Hello everyone! My name is Gavi Schechter, I hail from Woodmere NY, and I’m a junior (class of 2025) majoring in chemical engineering. I’m involved in The American institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and I was recently a TOM Fellow at Cornell. I love the CJL for many (many many!!!) reasons but especially because of Friday night lechaims and the fact that I’m always able to be my true self. I think my favorite CJL event has to either be the dodgeball tourney or karaoke night. The best hangout spot in the ceej is definitely the basement-nothing like watching hockey/football/basketball on the tv with my friends. Super excited for the year! Let’s go!!

Yael Schranz '26

I love the CJL because it is a home for all Jews at Cornell. After a year in Israel, I was worried about finding a strong Jewish community but the CJL gave that from the first day I arrived in Ithaca. I have made lifelong friends, grown as a leader in the community, and strengthened my Jewish identity. Every Jewish student at Cornell should come to a Friday night l’chaim to get a taste of the CJL experience! P.S. Purim party (my DJing was insaneeee)

Hyrum Edwards '25

Participating in the Center for Jewish Living at Cornell has given me a family away from family and a home away from home. Finding “your people” is a tricky thing to do in life, and I can say wholeheartedly that the CJL is where I have found that more than any other group in school. In a time of life where people tend to sort themselves by areas of interests, majors, etc., it is incredible to be in a club with mock trial members, engineers, artists, musicians, and everything in between.