Jewish Affinity Group (JAG) – Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Northeastern University has a substantial Jewish staff and faculty population employed throughout the global campuses. As a people with a shared history, traditions, culture, and heritage, we established this group to connect with each other in celebrating holidays, educate our fellow Northeastern community about the Jewish people and be able to work with senior leadership on advocating to stop antisemitism.

Mission

The mission of this group is to establish a supporting community of faculty and staff across Northeastern University Global Network who have an affiliation with being Jewish in their culture, peoplehood, religion, and/or heritage.

Objectives

Faculty and staff who join and participate in the affinity group will benefit in the following ways:

Increased social and professional connections across the university.
Increased opportunities to educate the university on Judaism, Jewish culture, heritage, and history.
Increased opportunities to advocate for the Jewish community.
Increased sense of community and belonging for individuals.
Increased ability to support efforts leading to the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff that identify as Jewish.
Foster interfaith and intercultural and understanding.

Goals

To celebrate Jewish holidays, traditions and milestones within our community.
To embrace Israeli culture, national holidays and be supportive of Israeli colleagues.
To network with each other for guidance and support in Jewish life.
To be a voice for Jewish staff and faculty with any concerns regarding antisemitism.

Events

During the 23/24 academic year, the JAG leadership brought together members for holidays, lectures, and discussions.

Our events included:

Hanukah Party with latkes and sufganiyot
Purim Mishloach manoat with Hamantashen, challah and oranges
Passover get-together with KFP desserts and wine
Conversation with iCenter on Jewish Identity
Israel Studies lecture with Arnon Degani
Shabbat Dinner with Hillel
Supported Jewish Studies Department speaker seminar
Discussion with Rotem Oreg, founder and director of the Israeli Democratic Alliance

For the 24/25 academic year, we plan on hosting these events and more!