Overview

Distinguished by the diversity of its members, the University of Rochester welcomes people of various faiths from around the world. The Interfaith Chapel works to support the expression of this mixture of heritages and groups.

Chaplains and Faith Community Leaders

The University has many religious or spiritual groups or communities affiliated with the Interfaith Chapel. The Catholic Newman Community, the Protestant Chapel Community, Hillel, Chabad and Cru all have full-time chaplains or religious leaders who serve their student community, and three of those chaplains have offices in the interfaith chapel.

The Zen Meditation Group, URCF, Muslim community, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Agape are all served by part-time chaplains or religious leaders who share office space in the Interfaith Chapel.

The Hindu Students’ Association serves the religious and spiritual needs of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain students. They hold on-campus activities and sponsor trips off campus to the Sikh Gurdwara and the Hindu Temple. They are advised by the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.

The director, chaplains, and faith community leaders work together to respond to students’ needs in ways that meet present-day religious and spiritual realities. We strive to bridge boundaries that traditionally have divided people of different faith traditions, and of none at all. We encourage students to embrace the diversity that is so much a part of life in this University and our nation and to claim that diversity as a means for intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.

Communities

The chapel currently hosts the following faith communities:


Buddhist Students’ Association

Founded in 2022, the Buddhist Students’ Association (BSA) provides an outlet for Buddhist to practice their traditions, organizes events for religious observances, and hosts discussion and educational programs. We cater to all Buddhist denominations and are open to people of all religions. See the BSA website for more information.

Placeholder image.

Div Patel
President
dpatel30@u.rochester.edu

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Chabad House – Jewish Student Community

It’s warm and friendly atmosphere has earned the Chabad House a reputation as a “home away from home” for students, where a meaningful Jewish experience can be enjoyed. See the Chabad House website for more information.

Asher Yaras

Rabbi Asher Yaras
(585) 503-9224
ayaras@ur.rochester.edu

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Cru

Cru is a caring community, passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. Cru strives to create an environment where anyone can come dialogue and explore questions about faith and spirituality, as well as a place where Christian students can grow, mature, be mentored, and have opportunities to lead and live out their faith in Jesus Christ.

Mercy Gbenjo.

Mercy Gbenjo
mercy.gbenjo@cru.org

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Hillel – Jewish Life

Hillel is proud to be the catalyst for vibrant, pluralistic, inclusive Jewish life at UR: all kinds of Jewish, all kinds of Jews. Hillel strives to foster an environment in which every Jewish student feels empowered to meaningfully engage with Judaism and Jewish living while on campus, and in an enduring way long after. See the Hillel website for more information.

Joy Getnick

Joy Getnick
(585) 314-3707
joy.getnick@rochesterhillel.org

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Hindu Students’ Association (HSA)

The programs and spaces of the Hindu Students’ Association are designed to nourish the mind, body and soul. Worship services support collaborative spiritual engagement while prayer and meditation spaces offer an opportunity for quiet introspection. Lectures and discussions address classical and contemporary themes. Hindus and non-Hindus, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, post-docs, staff and faculty are all welcome to be a part of the vibrant Hindu community at University of Rochester.

Sanjay Mathur

Sanjay Mathur
(201) 757-2278
smathur6@ur.rochester.edu

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InterVarsity Graduate Christian Fellowship

We are a group of graduate students who are committed to developing a supportive community with the common goal of spiritual development, academic excellence, and Christian witness. Meeting times and locations based on the availability of interested students. Contact Eric Bean for details.

Eric Bean
eric.bean@intervarsity.org
615-476-2288

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Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) – Islamic Community

Two MSAs (undergraduate and graduate) serve the Muslim students on campus. They provide programming of interest to the Muslim community, conduct Jumma prayers on Fridays, and participate in interfaith activities on campus to educate the community about Islam. See the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) website for more information.

Zeynab Abdullayeva

Zeynab Abdullayeva
Advisor to Muslim students
(585) 275-8517
zmancini@ur.rochester.edu

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Newman Community – Roman Catholic Christianity

As people of Catholic Christian faith, we gather to enrich our relationship with God and one another by nurturing the link between intellectual and spiritual life. See the Newman Community website for more information.

Brian Cool

Rev. Brian Cool
(585) 275-8523
bcool@admin.rochester.edu

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Pagan Students' Association

Pagan Students' Association is a space for Pagan students of all paths and beliefs to practice our religion/spirituality, have community, learn from one another, and hold ritual celebrations together. Join our CCC group to stay updated!

Headshot of Sean Watson.

Sean Watson
B114 Sigma Phi Epsilon House
Rochester NY 14627
https://www.rochester.edu/reslife/
(585) 276-6839

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Protestant Chapel Community – Mainline Protestant Christianity

The Protestant Chapel Community is an open and inviting group of mainline Protestant Christian students who worship weekly and participate regularly together in programs of service, education, and fellowship. See the Protestant Chapel Community website for more information.

Headshot of Samuel Kinsman.

Rev. Samuel Kinsman
Protestant Chaplain 
skinsman@UR.Rochester.edu 

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UR Christian Fellowship – Christianity in the Gospel Tradition

The University of Rochester Christian Fellowship is dedicated to serving the University community by providing a Christian Protestant service in the spirit-filled gospel tradition. For more information see the UR Christian Fellowship website.

Brian White

Brian White
(585) 275-8517
bwhite8@admin.rochester.edu

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Zen Meditation Group

The Zen Buddhist Group provides an opportunity for students to explore Buddhism and other Eastern traditions through weekly meditation session, discussions, and traditional Buddhist ceremonies. Whether you are curious about Buddhism or a dedicated practitioner, you are welcome to join us.

Kristin Hocker

Kyle Trenshaw
kyle.trenshaw@rochester.edu

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