Throughout the High Holiday season, KU Chabad aimed to provide Jewish students at the University of Kansas a “home-away-from-home” holiday experience where they could celebrate together in a warm and welcoming environment
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, Director of KU Chabad, said that for Jewish college students who cannot be at home with their families, the holiday season — from Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur through Sukkot and Simchat Torah — can be challenging and even lonely. This inspired the many events that KU Chabad hosted throughout the holiday season.
Rabbi Tiechtel said that KU Chabad had a goal of ensuring that every Jewish student knew that there was a seat available and waiting for them. To achieve this goal, many outreach activities took place all over town, reaching unengaged students through Shofar workshops, holiday outreach tables across the KU campus and the on-the-go celebrations.
KU Chabad began the Jewish New Year with 120 KU students at its outdoor service and brisket dinner at the KU Chabad House, sponsored by the Gerson Family Foundation. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, many students joined KU Chabad services held on campus, making it convenient for students to attend whenever their schedules allowed.
In addition to the services, KU Chabad also hosted holiday meals for the students, including pre-fast and post-fast meals for Yom Kippur.
"It was incredibly inspiring to see so many new faces join us during the holiday season. So many college kids from all walks of life, celebrating together the joys of our heritage,” said Rabbi Tiechtel. "It is so evident that the Jewish students appreciate the open and welcoming atmosphere of Chabad as it provides a vibrant and warm Jewish home away from home for all Jewish students while so many miles away from home.”
Spencer Gibbs, a KU freshman from Houston, Texas, said, “It can be hard being away from home for the holidays, but Chabad made it so much easier. All the meals and services right on campus made it feel like home. I especially appreciated how engaging the service was, with me feeling like such a big part of it and not just a spectator. I’m very grateful to our Chabad for making this happen.”
In keeping with KU Chabad’s motto of “Judaism on the spot for people on the go,” Chabad also brought in two young rabbis who assisted during the holidays. During Rosh Hashanah, KU Chabad hosted a total of 14 events at various locations, including multiple dorms, Greek houses and a new year party on the roof of the Oread Hotel for upperclassmen.
KU parents across the country say they are reassured by knowing that their children have a place to be for the holidays.
“My husband and I are so grateful for Chabad and for the community Zalman and Nechama have built at KU,” said KU parent Sondra Galler from Golden Valley, Minnesota. “Our son attended high holy day services at Chabad and said they were inviting and engaging… Immediately, we felt comfort knowing that our son found his Jewish home away from home at Chabad.”
The holiday celebrations at KU are supported by the generosity of many KU Chabad parents, alumni and friends and by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
