In the midst of the current situations of students on campus, KU Chabad hosted its third annual Mental Health and Wellbeing Retreat.
The event aimed to allow students to connect, support and strengthen each other in a safe environment.
With the rise of antisemitic attacks worldwide — especially on college campuses — the KU Chabad staff work not only on students’ spiritual growth but also their emotional wellbeing. KU Chabad continues to increase the impact of its “ReJOYvination 360” program, an initiative to create a full spectrum of emotional support for Jewish students at KU.
With the support of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Community Foundation Legacy Fund and generous donors, this program has grown with a variety of safety net support services and programs catering to the needs of the students.
The retreat, one of the ReJOYvination 360 programs, was held at Circle S Ranch just outside of Lawrence, which offered activities like wagon rides, ATV trails, horse grooming, canvas painting, nature walks and a relaxation lounge.
The students also participated in mental health workshops led by Charles Goldberg LPC, NCC, CAADC, a clinical psychotherapist specializing in mental health and addictions and KU Chabad alumnus. Also featured was Dr. Melissa Hoffman, APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric nurse and mental health advocate, and KU Chabad Directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel.
Workshops covered topics ranging from “hacks” to manage stress to a candid conversation about body image and self-perception. There was a panel discussion about finding and maintaining healthy relationships and a facilitated nature walk about emotional wellness. Students explored the Kabbalistic approach to serenity with insights into mystical Jewish meditation.
There was a special program for members of AEPI, a Jewish fraternity on campus, focusing on brotherhood and exploring tools to deal with the challenges that being part of a fraternity can lead to. This was dedicated in loving memory of fraternity brother Michael Keleti, of blessed memory, who passed last spring.
“All of the brothers who joined had a wonderful time and gained so much from the open and engaging conversations,” AEPI member Logan Rosengard said. “It was special to get away from the buzz of campus and focus inwards with each other.”
“This was my first retreat, and I really loved it,” said Brenna Gross, a KU freshman from Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Having the chance to take a break from it all, enjoying the outdoors, the activities, and connecting with friends is very helpful.”
“So many students today feel lost and alone,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “We feel fortunate to be able to help them tread the murky waters of stressful college life and show that they have someone to support them.”
Shayna Weinstein, a KU sophomore from Vernon Hills, Illinois, said, “At times like this, it made me realize how much we can gain from hanging out with fellow Jews and taking a break from all the stress.”
This mental health retreat is another step in KU Chabad’s ongoing efforts to provide support and an embracing community for Jewish students at KU.
“As Jewish leaders on campus, we are the on-the-ground first responders,” said Nechama Tiechtel. “During this difficult time for all, we cannot rest until we ensure that every single student knows that they are not alone and there is someone who truly cares about them and their wellbeing.”
Sammy Grofsky, a KU senior from Los Angeles, California, said, “There is nothing like spending a day with my friends in a beautiful place and taking a much-needed break.”
