Campus Housing

Life at Chabad House: A Home Away From Home

Karen Kestenbaum, a past president, recalls her freshman year decision to live at Chabad House. After visiting the standard Rutgers dorms, her parents stopped by the Chabad dormitory.

“They were pleasantly surprised,” Karen recalls. “Compared to the Rutgers dorms, Chabad’s housing was downright palatial.” Still, she wondered whether she would feel at home there.“Then my parents and I were introduced to Rabbi Goodman, the Chabad House Campus Rabbi. He had such an outgoing nature, with a warm smile. His reassurance that observance level didn’t matter when it came to fitting in at Chabad House is what ultimately convinced me this is where I wanted to live. ”Karen lived at Chabad House for three years, becoming more involved in Chabad programming along the way. “This is the warmest, friendliest place—I can’t imagine my college experience without being here.”

Rebekah Loewenstein, another past dorm resident, discovered Chabad House after her freshman year at Rutgers. Following months of procrastination, she attended one of Chabad’s Friday night dinners and immediately knew she wanted to be more involved. “I signed up as fast as I could,” Rebekah remembers.

That first step led to a deep connection with Chabad House. She began attending weekly meetings, helped at Tuesday night socials, and never missed a Friday night dinner. Eventually, she became co-Vice President. “Chabad House truly became my home,” she says.

The Chabad House Advantage

During the formative college years, students need a supportive environment where they can grow in their identity. Chabad House provides just that—for all Jewish college men and women seeking an open, tolerant, yet deeply Jewish community. Located at 170 College Avenue, Chabad House sits in the heart of Rutgers’ campus—across from Alexander Library, Brower Commons, and the Rutgers Gym. This 90,000 sq. ft. facility includes a Sephardic synagogue (the first on a U.S. college campus) and an International Coffee House. The Kosher Dining Hall is just steps away, which residents especially appreciate during winter. The location is also just two blocks from a scenic park, offering a peaceful retreat from campus life.

A True Family Atmosphere

Every Shabbos and Jewish holiday, the Goodman family moves in, creating a genuine family environment. Over the course of a year, residents become a close-knit community—Chabad House becomes their home away from home. This special atmosphere brings an extra dimension to Shabbos and holidays that can’t be found elsewhere on campus.

Modern Living & Meaningful Community

Material comforts abound. Suites are beautifully furnished, rooms are ultra-modern with private baths, individually controlled climate, laundry facilities, elevators, student lounges, quiet study areas, and three kosher meals daily. Bus service right outside the building connects students to campus, train stations, and nearby shopping malls. Both the men’s and women’s dorms share amenities like a gym, lounges, and laundry rooms. Jeff Schwartz, a former student, shares, “Now that I’ve seen the spectacular events Chabad House offers, I’m excited to move in and participate more fully. Living in a regular dorm doesn’t compare.”

Creating Lifelong Impact

Rabbi Goodman sums it up perfectly: “Our continuing goal is to create a unique Jewish living experience that encompasses every aspect of a student’s life and provides them with the kind of comfort and support they would feel in their own home. ”Clearly, that goal is being met every day at Chabad House, as echoed by Rebekah Loewenstein: “All I had to do was walk into that castle-like building, and I felt like all my troubles were over.”