High Holidays for College Students

Authored by Rachel Adlerstone, "High Holidays for College Students" addresses the complexities of observing the Jewish High Holy Days while navigating university life. This guide assists students in planning for religious observance without endorsing any particular level of practice as uniquely authentic. It outlines diverse options for services, including Hillel, Chabad, congregational, independent, and home-based possibilities, while encouraging students to verify local campus offerings. The book's approach emphasizes informed choice, helping students integrate their Jewish practice with their academic and social commitments rather than simply replicating family traditions.

The book provides practical guidance on various aspects of student life during this period. It includes email templates to facilitate early communication with instructors and supervisors, eliminating the need for students to justify their Jewish practice. Chapters cover topics such as dining hall considerations, medication, fasting safety, roommate dynamics, transportation, event tickets, and addressing antisemitism concerns. It also explores the decision of whether to travel home or remain on campus. Reflection exercises are included for apology and repair within relationships, particularly in situations involving residence-hall conflicts or power imbalances. The guide features distinct scenarios for first-year, commuter, graduate, international, and nontraditional students, and a budget page covers expenses like meals, transit, and potential lost wages. A final section helps students sustain a chosen commitment beyond the intense holiday season.