Jewish students at the University of Kansas celebrated Rosh Hashanah at KU Chabad, which aimed to provide a holiday experience where Jewish students can celebrate together in a warm and welcoming environment.
KU Chabad had a goal of ensuring that every Jewish student knew that there was a seat available for them for High Holiday services and meals. To achieve this goal, many outreach activities took place throughout Lawrence, Kansas, including shofar-making workshops, holiday outreach tables across campus and on-the-go celebrations. KU Chabad’s team of three additional rabbis helped host 12 events at various locations, including multiple dorms, Greek houses and a Rosh Hashanah party on the roof of The Oread Lawrence hotel for upperclassmen.
For Rosh Hashanah, more than 100 students joined KU Chabad for a service and brisket dinner sponsored by the Gerson Family Foundation. High Holiday services were held on campus, allowing students to attend when their schedules allowed. Pre-fast and post-fast meals for Yom Kippur were also provided.
"It was incredibly inspiring to see so many new faces join us during the holiday season,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, director of KU Chabad.
“[KU] Chabad provides a home-away-from-home that I can cherish during the High Holidays and know that I can count on,” said Zac Kitay, a senior from Stamford, Connecticut.
Addison Brand, a student from Overland Park, Kansas, said, “I am so thankful to [KU] Chabad for hosting holidays on campus. It was my first time celebrating Rosh Hashanah away from home, and thanks to these events, I was able to feel right at home.”
KU Chabad extends its appreciation to the many local KU parents, alumni and friends who partnered with it to make its High Holiday events happen this year and to the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City for its generous support.
More information regarding upcoming events is available at jewishku.com or by contacting Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel at (785) 832-TORA.
