FAQ

 

 

Wondering more about Chabad? Chances are someone asked the question before you! 

Here are answers to more popular “keeps-me-up-at-night” questions.

 

Q: How active is Chabad on Campus?

A: VERY! Operating since 1985, Chabad is easily one of the largest and most active groups on campus. There is something going on all day, every day and all night, every night at Chabad. 

 Chabad provides Jewish students with:

  • An inclusive, joy filled community

  • Open hearts, listening ears and crisis intervention when needed

  • Cutting edge recreational activities on campus. 

  • Shabbat and Jewish holidays 

  • Religious resources, including koshering your dorm, kosher food, Minyan, Eruv, Mezuzah and tefillin

  • Resources for student life, including a housing board, ride board, job board 

Most importantly, Chabad is a home away from home; always there, always waiting, always accepting of those that come through its doors.

 

 

Q: Who comes to Chabad? Do you have to be religious?

A: Absolutely not! Chabad is a place for all Jews regardless of their affiliations or ties. Most of the students who come to Chabad are not “religious”, some come with more and some with a little less Jewish education, and others with none at all. 

One of the exciting things about Chabad is that there are so many different types of activities and so many different types of people that participate.

 

 

Q: Alright, but really, what kind of kids come to Chabad?

A: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Grad Students, Liberals and Conservatives, Greeks and Geeks, Party Animals and Book Worms, Introverts and Extroverts, Sephardim and Ashkenazim. Students on campus and students from off campus. Any Jew that moves!

 

 

Q: What happens if I don't know what to do at services or at a holiday celebration?

A: Don't worry, everyone is learning and one has to start sometime, and what better place than at Chabad? There is always someone willing to help you.

 

 

Q: I just want to have fun, what can Chabad offer me?

A: Plenty! Apple picking in the Fall and a Skit Trip in the Winter, Challah Baking, Mock Wedding, Ashkefardic night and the list of trips and recreational events just keeps going, But there is also helping out in the kitchen for Shabbat, Cafe and Jam nights, and visiting the elderly once a week. 

Actually, what do you think Shabbat and holidays are like at Chabad? Or our game room? Or the vibe in one of our many lounges when you hang out with friends?

 

 

Q: I am interested in Social Action and Leadership, what can you tell me?

A: Boy, do we have good news for you! Chabad is fueled by the ideas and hard work of students. We have a place on our student governing board for anyone who has great ideas or wants to contribute to our robust Jewish life or both.

Social action? How about our annual blood drive ( the largest on campus), our bone marrow drives, our annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit kids with cancer, our annual Fashion Show to benefit women with breast and ovarian cancer?

How about a weekly visit to the elderly and individuals with special needs through the Maasim Tovim foundation or helping out to get Shabbat ready for a few hundred? Get your sleeves rolled up, this is your destination.

 

 

Q: So how much time do I have to dedicate to Chabad activities?

A: As little or as much as you want. Chabad is like a big pool. Some people swim in the deep end, some in the shallow, some just want to stick their toes in and some want to sit poolside. You can change your level of involvement from semester to semester. Come to Shabbat dinner, or any event and stay as long as you want. 

If you wish to become very active and take on a leadership role, boy can we give you opportunities!

 

 

Q: But wait!! How much does it cost?

A: Nothing! Just bring yourself and lots of friends.

 

 

Q: All this is great, but how do I join? Where are you located?

A: Joining Chabad is simple! Just come on by. If you’re Jewish you already belong!

To join our mailing list just click here. To find directions from campus, click here.

 

 

Q: What does Chabad mean?

A: Chabad is a philosophy, organization and worldwide movement. The word Chabad is an acronym for Chachmah, Binah, Daas, which means wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The idea is to provide Jewish education, inspiration and experiences. 

While Chabad began in the small city of Lubavitch in White Russia, Chabad Centers can be found in every part of the world and in each one of those places Chabad is doing everything it can to help Jews be Jewish.