With voice levels and hot indoor temperatures that rival the shuk in Jerusalem, the student leadership of Chabad participated in the annual Rutgers Involvement Fair held last week at the start of the new fall semester at the Rutgers Student Center on College Avenue.  With over 300 clubs, fraternities, sororities, and departments participating, Chabad was there in full force welcoming in the over 9,000 incoming class of first year students, and showcasing the many daily Jewish experience programs and services Chabad offers.

Representing Chabad at Rutgers Student Leadership were President Jacqueline Roberman, Chabad CEO Josh Herzfeld Vice-Presidents and Community Service Directors Britney Plotnick and Chelsea Bayard, Treasurer Mitch Seigel, and Shabbos Directors Jason Nissenblatt and Ellen Trosman.  Torah giveaway bracelets, tzedakah charity boxes and mezuzahs for dorm rooms, as well as brochures spotlighting our new dorms, meal program, community service opportunities, and free Israel trips were distributed, not to mention kosher snacks.

To herald in the new Jewish year, Rutgers Junior and brother of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Mitch Seigel from Marlboro NJ sounded the Shofar above the noice of the overly crowded MPR in the student center, which was used as the alternate location due to inclement weather that day. Brothers from ZBT fraternity also helped welcome the many first year students to the Rutgers Chabad table, led by ZBT brother Jason Nissenblatt from South Brunswick, NJ.

“We were very impressed with the incredible enthusiasm of this year’s incoming class; every student we met was so sweet and excited to meet us and hear what Chabad has planned for this month!” exclaimed Student President Jackie Roberman. “I guess our hard work reaching out to the new students during the summer paid off!”