As the world is experiencing a time of uncertainty, there is much fear and concern about this state of instability. The University of Kansas has announced the transition of all courses to online learning and the cancellation of all in-person classes. This drastic change of semester plans has created much concern and uncertainty among the KU student community.
Many unanswered questions are starting to arise about what this means for the thousands of KU students, and the KU Chabad Jewish Student center is committed to continue to be there for the students every single day, sharing light, love and community.
There is a teaching of the Chasidic masters that “Happiness breaks down all boundaries.” No matter how far we may be from one another, if we choose to take on this challenge with joy and happiness, then the boundaries that keep us separated will not exist. It is with this in mind that KU Chabad has launched a special website with an online virtual platform to host many programs, classes and events to keep the Jewhawk family connected and strong.
Chabad is very proud to be launching this interactive website so that students as well as community members can still get the Chabad experience from inside their own homes.
The virtual classroom is a platform in which students who are already involved in Sinai Scholars and JewishU classes can continue to learn through Zoom teleconferencing. There will also be classes available to the public, so anyone can learn to bring the ancient wisdom of Judaism and its teachings into the modern world.
The website will also be home to the Mega DIY Shabbat. This program will mail to every participant a DIY Shabbat Kit that has all the Shabbat essentials, such as a Kiddush cup, candles, two challah rolls, prayers and a D’var Torah to share. Each student who will snap a selfie of his or her Shabbat along with #KUDIYSHABBAT will get a chance to win a $20 gift card each week.
Other things accessible through the website will be shows like “Talk to Charlie.” This is a weekly show hosted by KU alum and licensed clinical psychotherapist Charles Goldberg, M.Ed., where you can hear engaging conversations and survival tips to help overcome anxiety and fear in the spirit of Torah. A virtual Passover seder will happen before Passover with songs, stories and insights to enhance your seder wherever you will be. You can also find current and previous episodes of “The Schmooze,” a weekly radio show hosted by Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel talking about life, Judaism and just about everything else under the sun.
At this challenging time, KU Chabad believes that the Jewish community at KU is not just a physical place; rather at our core we are a community and family. This continues wherever one may be.
By joining together to give support, love and connectivity, we will make it through these challenging times and embrace a brighter future ahead. To participate in any of these online virtual programs visit the brand new site: www.VirtualKUChabad.com.