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Jewish Dorm Essentials 101

Have A Child That's Heading Off To College?

While prepping to go off to college, you’ll want to take some Judaica essentials along with your shower tote, book boxes, and dorm decor. There are many choices of portable and pocket-sized items that will help you practice daily Jewish rituals without sacrificing youthful style. We’ve put together a short list of all the necessities a practicing Jewish student might need. If you’re shopping for a student, you may wish to add these to your list as well!

The Big Three

1. Jewish Calendar

Get off your phone and have fun with a very Jewish calendar that is riddled with Yiddish slang and Jewish jokes. Or, if you enjoy adult coloring books, try out this calendar full of kabbalistic themes, abstract patterns, and familiar Jewish symbols. There’s no app for that.

Shop all our calendars here, or browse our favorites below:

2. Self-Stick Mezuzah

The campus apartment managers probably wouldn’t be thrilled to find that you drilled holes in the doorway. Good thing these easy-to-mount mezuzahs come with double-sided tape attached!

This Abstract Lines Mezuzah is designed to be sleek and discreet, for times when the campus might be feeling a little unfriendly in the Jewish department (an unfortunate reality at some colleges).

A modern Mezuzah in dusty rose gives the illusion of an open edge that will have your friends doing a double take when passing by your door.

This original ceramic Origami Mezuzah Case is designed by Tel Aviv-based Studio Armadillo. It features a shin embossed in gold or silver.

This futuristic rocket-like Aluminum Mezuzah Case by Yair Emanuel comes in five color choices, from classic silver to turquoise and even purple. Great price too.

Shop all our self-stick mezuzot here, or browse our favorites below:

3. Tzedakah Box

A Tzedakah Box crafted from natural wood such as this one by E. Cohen Designs brings an eco aesthetic to your dorm room. Each box has its own unique look according to the differing qualities of the wood used.

For a more multicultural vibe, this intricate design of this Tzedakah Box was inspired by New Mexico’s landscapes and the artist’s mixed heritage of Native American, Anglo, and Spanish ancestry.

Shop all our tzedakah boxes here, or browse our favorites below:

Shabbat & Holiday Basics

It’s handy if there’s a Hillel or Chabad House on campus that you plan to use as a resource, but there will be plenty of weekends when you’ll discover that personal Shabbat items are a must. Will this list, you’ll be able to plan your own Shabbat dinners and lunches, invite a few friends, and be set with everything you need.

Shop all our Shabbat basics here, or browse our favorites below:

Shabbat Lamp

Welcome a peaceful day of rest with this fun Alice in Wonderland-esqe Shabbat Lamp. Perfect for hosting a few friends for Shabbat dinner, catching up on studying, or just enjoying a good book. For a more utilitarian option, here is a plain, more camping style lamp.

Candle Holder

Kiddish Cup

You may still be pouring grape juice, biding your time for the day you can start buying wine… but you’ll still need a kiddush cup if you plan to observe Shabbat. These choices are made of metal so you won’t have to worry about them breaking easily like porcelain or glass.

This simple polished pewter “Windsor” Kiddush Cup, made in Sheffield, England, will lend your room a whiff of royalty while having the benefit of being indestructible.

This Anodized Aluminum Kiddush Cup by Yair Emanuel is similarly resilient, and also comes in several fun color combos. If you want to invite friends to celebrate with you, you can get the same style as a Kiddush Set.

Challah Board & Knife

The natural wooden striped Bamboo Crumb Catcher Challah Board is a classic piece, and will fit nicely in your suitcase. The accompanying challah knife makes travel easy, and conveniently slides into a built in spot at the bottom.

Challah Cover

We love the modern graphic mauve pattern of this practical Floral Cover by Dorit Klein, made from cotton and polyester for easy care. If you wish to coordinate the whole look for your room, it has a coordinating, lightweight challah board, knife, and even pepper and salt shakers (for salting the bread … and your microwaved meal…)

Havdalah Set

The Ring Travel Havdalah Set is just what you need to end Shabbat. Includes a havdalah candle and spice box that fit together in a silver metal hammered tube, perfect for a small dorm room and also for traveling.

Travel Menorah

If you will be alone for some or all of the eight nights of Chanukah, you can still bring the holiday lights to your dorm window. No need to scrounge or beg for a flimsy throw-away tin menorah (which by the way, are a fire hazard). Light the candles safely with these choices:

Take this Pocket Travel Menorah from room to room or wherever you’re lighting that night’s candles! It folds basically in half and features clean blue or multicolored stripes across hammered aluminum. Here’s another travel menorah that’s a fan favorite.

Check out this Aluminum Menorah that folds neatly into a dreidel. A funky, unique piece that will get your friends talking for sure. Available in several color schemes.

Chanukah Candles

Your holiday isn’t complete without a set of blue hand dipped Safed Hanukkah Candles.

Tip: If you’re sharing a room or apartment, find out whether any of your roommates are also Jewish. If your dorm space is small, they might consider splitting the essentials with you.