Last week marked the culmination of KU Chabad’s 34th semester at the University of Kansas.
Led by Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel, the organization continues to welcome and serve new cohorts of students.
One such student, Ryan Furman of Valley Stream, New York, said he wasn’t really expecting to get involved with Judaism while in college.
“I first joined a non-Jewish fraternity on campus and was totally immersed in the college experience. I didn’t feel like I was part of the Jewish community,” Furman said. “But then I met Chabad by bumping into them on campus. That encounter transformed my year, brought me to so many new friends, and made me feel very connected to my Judaism like never before.”
KU Chabad’s mission of serving as a “home away from home” is implemented throughout its programs, including its weekly Shabbat dinners. These gatherings offer students company and homemade food, intended to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Rising antisemitism since Oct. 7 affected many Jewish students on campus, and KU Chabad remained a source of support.
“We never felt so much hate on campus ever before,” said Dori Jezmir, a KU junior from Overland Park, Kansas. “Whenever we saw a hateful sign on campus or experienced a negative comment in class, it meant a lot that we had the community to turn to for support. Chabad has been an anchor of stability amidst a year filled with confusion and struggle.”
“At Chabad we say that labels are for shirts, not for people,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “It is our goal that every single Jewish student should always feel that they are truly part of their family, they belong. That is why at Chabad, there are no office hours. We are always here, 24/7, to be a shoulder to lean on and a safe place to call home.”
For senior Cooper Plaster from St. Louis, Missouri, KU Chabad has been instrumental in his spiritual journey this semester.
“Chabad grounded me during my college years, teaching me virtues of forgiveness and goodness,” Cooper said. “It truly felt like a home away from home.”
A dedicated and diverse group of KU students met regularly to plan and implement many of KU Chabad’s programs.
“It felt great to be part of the student leadership this semester. Having the chance to plan and implement Jewish programming for my peers really trained me on how to be a better Jewish leader in the future” said Shayna Weinstein, a sophomore from Vernon Hills, Illinois, and member of KU Chabad’s Student Leadership. “As a result of Oct. 7, we had a much greater uptick of Jewish students getting involved, and that was amazing.”
KU Chabad also offered learning opportunities including weekly “Lunch ‘N Learns,” the Sinai Scholars program, the Jewish U platform and one-on-one sessions with the KU Chabad staff. Nearly 85 students completed the Sinai Scholars Society and JewishU program, a program of weekly learning and discussion on the core values and ethics of Judaism.
“During this year, Chabad has truly been a place where I can be myself,” said Shaina Wenk, a KU student from Chicago, Illinois. “Everyone present really made it feel like a second home. I have learned a great deal and will forever cherish these memories.”
KU Chabad’s programming is dependent on the generosity and support of the local community, parents and alumni. Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City has helped support these programs.
“My involvement with Chabad has been transformative,” said senior Ella Zeff of Phoenix, Arizona. “The lessons learned and experiences shared will resonate with me for a lifetime.”
