Rabbi's Corner

“The world stands on three things: on learning, on devotion, and on doing good in the world.”
-- Mishnah Pirkei Avot

“Rabbi” means teacher, a teacher of Jews. The role of the Rabbi at Duke is to bring Jewish people together into a conversation with one another, with their tradition, and with their history so that all Jews can achieve their full potential as Jews.

 “What does it mean to be a ‘learned’ Jew”? A Jew is someone committed to the lifelong study of what it means for her or him to be a Jew.  Learn more about Jewish learning opportunites offered by Jewish Life at Duke.

 “What does it mean to be a ‘devoted’ Jew?” Religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist—all Jews were born with a certain disposition with regard to the question of God. It is the job of the Rabbi to cultivate healthy and comfortable ritual life at Duke and to help each Jew to be the best Jew he or she can be regardless of affiliation. Learn more about Jewish ritual life at Duke.

“What does it mean for a Jew to ‘do good in the world’?”
As a Jew, our tradition mandates that we make a commitment to making the world a better place.  Jewish Life at Duke provides opportunities for students to contribute to the Jewish community, the Durham community, as well as the global community. Learn more about how you can join other Jews in repairing the world.