KU Chabad has intensified its annual mezuzah campaign, doubling its efforts as students deal with the rising antisemitism occurring since the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel.
The campaign aims to ensure that every Jewish student has a mezuzah on their dorm room doorpost.
With this campaign, KU Chabad aims to inspire students to ensure that their response to antisemitism is to remain proud of who they are and even increase their Jewish pride more than before, displaying visible Jewish values and deepening connections to Jewish tradition.
Large majorities of American Jews are worried for their safety amid Israel’s war with Hamas and believe antisemitism is on the rise, according to a new poll commissioned by the Jewish Federations of North America.
At the same time, Jewish communities in the United States are also witnessing a huge surge in Jewish engagement, according to a new survey released by Chabad.org. The survey, conducted among Chabad rabbis across America, found that a majority of respondents have seen an increase in attendance at Jewish programs and services, as well as a heightened sense of Jewish pride, connection to Israel and stronger Jewish identity among community members.
At the University of Kansas, KU Chabad Directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel have also been witnessing a surge in Jewish involvement and the desire to connect to community and tradition.
“It is so heartwarming to see how many students have been reaching out to connect by coming to a Shabbat dinner, joining a Torah class, putting on tefillin, and even proudly displaying a mezuzah on their door,” Rabbi Tiechtel said.
“Putting up a mezuzah in my room is a nice reminder of my task and purpose in this world,” said KU freshman Jackson Jacobson from Overland Park, Kansas. “[It’s] something I see every time I enter or leave my room.”
KU Chabad staff say that placing a mezuzah can also promote Jewish awareness to an entire Greek house or dormitory, offering protection for themselves and their own home while bringing comfort to others.
“When I place a mezuzah on my door, it makes me feel protected from above, especially in college during these difficult days,” said KU junior Robbie Metz. “The mezuzah also reminds me of my deep-rooted Jewish heritage.”
KU Chabad says that its philosophy is that when faced with fear or doubt, it responds with action. “Mezuzahs are a great start, because that’s a connection we have between our homes and our creator. When a student walks past a mezuzah, he or she feels protected and empowered.”
The KU Mezuzah campaign is sponsored by generous donors and open to all current students. Those with children or friends at KU who need a mezuzah can contact KU Chabad or reserve one at jewishku.com.