Welcome To
The Rova
College Hill's Observant Community
THE ROVA is College Hill’s one and only observant Jewish community. Founded by Brown University students in Spring 2021, we’ve been serving the Brown, RISD, and JWU Jewish communities ever since. From daily Shacharit and a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service, to weekly learning and much more, there’s nowhere better to be frum than here on College Hill! (except maybe Israel)
The Rova serves students at Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson and Wales University.
Kosher Dining
Keeping Kosher couldn’t be easier at Brown! In Fall 2023, the University unveiled a state-of-the-art Kosher Kitchen in the Sharpe Refectory, with both a meat and dairy side, and great food daily! Additionally, students have access to a kitchen in Wayland Hall exclusive for Kosher cooking.
Providence, known for its food scene, also has a variety of Kosher options city-wide, certified by Lighthouse Kosher.
Hillel & Chabad
The Rova is proud to be home to two great Jewish institutions: the Rohr Chabad House of College Hill and Brown-RISD Hillel.
Both are key pieces of Jewish life on campus, and we collaborate with them to provide the best experience for Observant Jewish students.
Catch Rovers at Hillel every morning for minyan or munching on some great food every Friday night at Chabad!
Learning
While we may not be a yeshiva, that doesn’t mean we don’t have amazing learning opprotunities! The Rova hosts a weekly Mishmar with good food and even better Torah, featuring guest speakers from around the Providence and New England areas.
Additionally, students reguarly hold their own chaburas, and the Rabbis at Hillel and Chabad are more than happy to learn with any student!
Minyanim
We’re proud to have a daily Shacharit Minyan every day (Mincha and Ma’ariv coming soon)! In addition to our weekly Shabbat Services, prayer in the Rova is always a lively and enriching experience.
There are no set roles — anybody is free to lead the service, leyn, or help organize!
All Rova services are conducted according to traditional Orthodox halacha, including a mechitza. Egalitarian and Reform Shabbat services are also available at Hillel.