An interesting article in the Washington Jewish Week looks into the rising Jewish identity of five different fraternities and sororities. The article, “Jewish Fraternities, Sororities Return to Roots: But the Sailing is Not Always Smooth” notes that a number of historically Jewish Greek organizations have been reverting to their roots:

While remaining open to non-Jewish members, in accordance with federal law and their own nondiscrimination clauses, these Greek organizations are actively recruiting Jewish students, reintroducing rituals such as Shabbat meals, and promoting Israel’s cause on campus with a vigor not seen in years.

“We’re a Jewish sorority, and staying true to who we are keeps us strong,” says Bonnie Wunsch, executive director of Alpha Epsilon Phi, founded in 1909 as the nation’s first Jewish sorority.

After years of “Jewish was in, Jewish was out,” AEPhi has focused strongly on its Jewish identity for about a decade, Wunsch says. And it’s growing fast as a result ‹ three new chapters and two colonies, the precursor to a chapter, since April.

Has anyone noticed this playing out on your campus? Is rush getting harder as there are multiple options (AEPi, ZBT, and SAM) for students looking for a Jewish fraternal experience?

The vacation ran long, but the AEPi blog is back in action. There is a new post up above, and more coming soon.

For now, please let me know anything that you would want to read about. And if you want to help out or write something for this blog, please leave a comment or e-mail me at andyratto@gmail.com