Finding Faith, Community, and Purpose: A Senior’s Journey Through Jewish Life at Georgetown

By: Jennon Bell Hoffmann

Zach Samuel (SFS’26) admits his decision to attend Georgetown was, at first, pretty straightforward. But it’s what he discovered after arriving—particularly through Jewish Life on campus—that truly shaped his experience.

“Honestly, Georgetown was the best school I got into,” he says, noting its professional opportunities and the energy of D.C. life. But there was also something more intangible—something a student on a panel said during his application process: “Everyone at Georgetown is always going somewhere.”

“Whether it’s going to office hours, a club meeting, a sports game, or just a study group, Georgetown students are very actively involved, and as a result, you’re pushed to do the same thing,” says Zach. “That’s what I think is probably the most unique characteristic of our student culture.”

In fact, on his very first day on campus, after moving into his freshman dorm, he attended a Shabbat dinner. Held outside in the picturesque Dahlgren Quad, it became a defining moment. “I met older students who welcomed me in, made themselves available for questions, and told me to come back. I did—and I never stopped coming.”

He soon joined the Jewish Student Association (JSA) as a freshman representative and has served on the board every year since. His experience highlights something JSA works hard to achieve: multiple entry points for Jewish students, whether religious, cultural, or social.

And while first-year students might be more ready to explore new communities, not every student gets involved with Jewish Life from day one, and that’s okay. “We’ve had students who don’t come to their first Shabbat until their junior year,” Zach notes. “There’s no wrong time to show up.”

Part of JSA’s mission is to ensure students can find them. They host many freshmen-specific events early in the year, but they also prioritize accessibility through interfaith programming and inclusive outreach. “We tell students to bring their friends—no matter their background. And if they’re nervous, we’ll meet them and walk in with them next time.”

One key distinction Zach emphasizes is that JSA is not strictly a religious organization. “You don’t have to attend a religious service to be part of the Jewish community,” Zach says. “We’re cultural and social. That lowers the barrier for students who might be unsure about where they fit in religiously. You could just show up to one of our cookie-decorating nights or karaoke events. It’s all about building community because we’re here for everyone.”

When asked about his most meaningful memory, Zach points to High Holiday services held in Gaston Hall—Georgetown’s iconic speaking venue. That convergence of generations and traditions, he says, symbolizes what Jewish Life at Georgetown is all about: continuity, connection, and shared purpose in a place of honor.

“When you walk into Gaston for Yom Kippur and see it filled, not just with students but with community members from D.C. and their families, it’s incredible,” says Zach. “Overall, Jewish Life has been far and away the most meaningful and influential aspect of my experience at Georgetown—it’s difficult for me to capture just how much the ministry and the Jewish community on campus have meant to me, and how different my experience would have been without all of those people.”

In addition to being a board member of the JSA, Zach also plays club tennis at Georgetown, is part of the eco-consultants through the School of Business, and leads tours. With graduation on the horizon, the Los Angeles native doesn’t have a concrete post-grad plan yet—but he’s okay with that. “I have faith that I’ll end up doing something fulfilling,” Zach says. “Whether it’s international relations or something else, I know Georgetown—its academics, its alumni, and its Jesuit values—has prepared me well and I’ll do something I’m fulfilled by.”

“I do say at the end of my tour sometimes that Jesuit values are my favorite part of Georgetown, and I think it’s because it’s connected to this wonderful opportunity that I’ve had to explore my own faith, and I feel very grateful to attend a school where I’ve had that opportunity.”  Zach adds, “I’m sad I won’t have that immediately available once I leave, but I also know that what I’ve learned here, I’ll take with me wherever I’m going.”

Zach Samuel (SFS’26) is studying Science, Technology, and International Affairs with a minor in Jewish Civilization and a Certificate in Diplomatic Studies.

Jennon Bell Hoffmann is a freelance writer and editor living in Chicago.