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Chabad House Welcomes 1,000 Students
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The Rutgers University Chabad House, the largest Jewish Student Center in the nation, is proud to be celebrating its most successful year with a "Shabbat for 1,000" students from Rutgers and across the U.S.A.
In search of a program that would end the year off with a bang, the Chabad student body, under the leadership of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Baruch and Sarah Goodman, decided to expand the warm, special Shabbat feeling that over 400 at Rutgers experience each week to as many college students as possible. Students and staff have been working around the clock to reach all students and especially attract those who have never experienced a Shabbat, inviting them to participate in what is feted to be the greatest Jewish experience on any state university campus.
On Friday, March 24, 2017, representatives from the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Monmouth University, Middlesex County College, Stern College, Rockland Community College, Baruch College, Princeton University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Yeshiva University, Queens College, and The College of New Jersey will pour into Rutgers and be invited into the homes and dorm rooms of welcoming Rutgers student Shabbat hosts.
That evening, they will enjoy candle lighting, lively services, a speech by the Rabbi, and a complete Shabbat meal featuring Kiddush, home baked Challah, Gefilte fish, Israeli salad, chicken soup, exquisite main courses, and Viennese desserts. They will sing, tell stories, and befriend hundreds of Jews in the non-judgmental, community-based Chabad atmosphere. The program will continue with a Saturday Shabbat luncheon, workshops, and night time performance by the student band “Geulah”.
Rabbi Baruch Goodman, Campus Director of Chabad House-Lubavitch stated, “My wife and I, as well as our Chabad campus colleagues Rabbi Shaya and Chayale Shagalow, are very proud of our students’ accomplishments and relentless efforts on behalf of the Jewish community here at Rutgers. We hope that the light, warmth, and Jewish unity brought out uniquely on Shabbat will reawaken the spark of Judaism inside each of our 1,000 plus guests. To impart a love for Jewish unity and celebration to over 1,000 students is truly astonishing and groundbreaking.”
According to Chabad Student President Jessica Yenk from Marlboro, NJ, a Rutgers College senior, “We are counting down the minutes until we kick off the event with those familiar phrases, ‘Good Shabbos!’ and ‘Shabbat Shalom!’ What better way to end such an incredible year than with 1,000 of your closest, newly-made Jewish friends? Thanks to the leadership of Nicole Collins, "Shabbat for 1000" Director, Arielle Greenspan, Chabad’s Shabbat Director, and a power-packed team of student leaders, we are reaching new heights of student involvement not only within the university, but among Jewish students across the country.”
Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, Founding Rabbi and Director of Chabad House-Lubavitch, stated, “The dreams and aspirations of our supporters have truly come to fruition with this “Shabbat For 1,000” program. Its coordinators are seeking to make the event a living tribute to the memory and accomplishments of long-time friend and benefactor, Mr. Les Turchin, obm., and to all our wonderful friends and supporters. Since our founding days in 1978, we have striven to bring the life and love of classical Torah Judaism to the college campus. Now we see results like never before! ”
All college-aged men and women are invited, regardless of background, level, of observance, or affiliation. For more information, to make a reservation, or to help dedicate and sponsor the event, contact Chabad House at 732-296-1800 or email info@chabadnj.org.
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