December 2007

We hope you are enjoying this time with your children; we miss them already and look forward to the Spring Semester. We want to tell you just how much we have enjoyed getting to know your children and watching them grow and mature into their own. We feel privileged in that our work allows us to interface - and grow closer - with so many outstanding young people. We are especially proud of the ways in which students at Chabad learn to take leadership roles in our campus community and beyond. Chabad is all about your child; their dreams, talents, aspirations, challenges and strengths. Together, our students make up a wonderfully vibrant, supportive and always, pulsating community.

While we are officially on break, here at Chabad we are knee deep in preparations for the Spring Semester hoping to provide our students with an enriching, fun filled, educational and completely unforgettable smorgasbord of programming. Boruch Hashem, we enjoyed a stellar Fall semester. Because we know you care deeply about the goings on of Chabad of Binghamton and our constant growth and development we are pleased to present you with an end of semester report.
Enjoy!

Rabbi Aaron Slonim

P.S. You can still make your end of year contribution to Chabad House and help us reduce our considerable debt in the operating budget.
Click here to make a secure on line gift.

By the number

Chanukah at BU Stats:

23,445
candles lit by students during Chanukah from the Chanukah kits distributed by Chabad

690
Potato Latkes enjoyed at Chabad's Chanukah Extravaganza

490
Donuts devoured at the Chanukah Celebration


Shabbat at Chabad for Fall semester Stats:

1,460
bottles of Adirondack Soda chugged

1,435
Challahs inhaled

1,310
pounds of chicken consumed

845
pounds of Pasta Salad enjoyed



And still we managed:

768 hours of Classes

Ashkafardic Night: A Fusion of Jewish Culture

A big crowd of students came out on Saturday Night, November 17 for Ashkafardic Night. A huge celebration of Jewish culture, the night kicked off with a musical Havdalah ceremony - with both Sephardic and Ashkenazic melodies - to mark the beginning of a new week. Participants then enjoyed over twenty-five delectable dishes originating from all over the world in a candlelit atmosphere with background music from many world regions. Several students and Rivky told their families' stories, with a trivia contest interlude and the debut of the new Chabad sweatshirts (catch one at the Chabad table Mondays and Thursdays in the New Union!). Many participants took advantage of the henna booth as well. Everyone learned quite a bit about our multifaceted backgrounds in the warm atmosphere found in the amazingly transformed Chabad Great Room.

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BU Women Enjoy a Special Night

On Thursday, November 29, Chabad House held its annual Women's Dinner and Cabaret in celebration of the talented Jewish women at Binghamton University. Participating students sang a capella, performed instrumentals, presented dramatic monologues and comedic pieces, read poetry, danced, and even taught Tai-Kwan-Do to the enthusiastic audience. A gallery of original paintings, photographs, and crafts was on display as well. "The evening was special in so many ways. The talent of these girls never ceases to amaze me and the spirit of sisterhood engendered at this event is powerful and nourishing," said Rivkah Slonim.

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Let There Be Light at BU!

Over 1200 Chanukah Kits containing a Menorah, box of candles, gelt and a dreidel plus a brochure with the blessings for Menorah kindling and other Chanukah information were distributed at Binghamton University by the Chabad House. Students set up "Chanukah Kiosks" in the Dining Halls, Library, Union and Lecture Halls distributing the kits during lunch and Dinner hour. "The response to this campaign was overwhelming," said a student involved. "People were so happy that we made these kits available to them for free."

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You Can Light Up a Life!

The Chabad House in partnership with the sisters of Alpha Phi Sorority and brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon brought the Binghamton University community a unique Chanukah celebration with the "You Can Light up a Life" Menorah. The Menorah was created from $1800 worth of cans donated by BU students, and was disassembled after the ceremony so the cans could be given to CHOW, a local food bank. At the Chanukah Extravaganza, students enjoyed the Menorah lighting ceremony, hot latkes and apple cider, chocolate gelt, donuts, and a min-concert by the Crosbys. University President Lois DeFleur was on hand for the ceremony and expressed her pride in this great project.

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Chodesh Circle Events

Each month the ladies get together to celebrate the new moon. For Rosh Chodesh Kislev we enjoyed an enlightening presentation by Joy Mushabac, who traced the history of courtship and dating in America over the centuries. Thought provoking conversation flowed throughout the night. For Rosh Chodesh Tevet, which fell at the beginning of finals week, we enjoyed stress busters such as yoga exercises, face masks and smoothies. The best part of each part is, of course, the bonding!

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Spectacular Formal/Comedy Shabbaton

The last Shabbat of the semester was truly spectacular. First off, it was Shabbat Chanukah. Second, it was our very first Formal Shabbat with the Chabad House decorated, the menu and table settings all dressed up and most students dressed to kill! If that were not enough, comedian Mike Weiner entertained on Friday night and led a Non-Violent Communication workshop on Shabbat afternoon. Not a Shabbat we will forget!

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Midnight Madness

Just when everyone is completely stressed from finals, Chabad comes to the rescue to serve up omelettes, pancakes, smoothies, and more to rejuvenate the mind and body.

This semester's Midnight Madness took place on Tuesday, December 11, and featured a Menorah Lighting for the last night of Chanukah by Student President Abie Mizrahi along with a full range of breakfast foods to get everyone back up and running to ace their exams.

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It's a Bingo!

The Fall 2007 Chabad Cafe on Thursday, October 25 featured Bingo with a huge assortment of prizes including gift cards, t-shirts and free pizza at Chabad House. After bingo caller Bernie Sonenberg warmed everyone up with a few simple games in the style of famed Kutsher's "Bingo Man" Tom Barry, Master of Ceremonies David Shmookler's bingo-twisting antics kept the crowd laughing as everyone scrambled to become the first to call a hearty "BINGO!" Everyone who came enjoyed a great time of bonding and bingo, so make sure not to miss next semester's cafe nights!

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Knead a Break?

There is nothing as good for the soul as a good old fashioned Challah Baking Workshop.

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Shala Shudis Strikes Again

The Shala Shudis/Seudat Shlishit group took over Skate Estate on Saturday night, November 3. The approximately thirty participants roller skated and bladed around the rink and then relaxed while savoring delicious ice cream at the nearby Friendly's.

Shala Shudis/Seudat Shlishit is, literally, the "Third meal." It is a light meal that takes place prior to the end of Shabbat on Saturday evenings, at times that vary depending on the end time of Shabbat. The atmosphere is relaxed, and many people come each week to enjoy each others camaraderie as Shabbat draws to a close. The group always welcomes newcomers, so stop by and see what the buzz is all about!

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Go Team Chabad!

Chabad intramural sports teams are making headway this semester as they challenge many teams from the entire BU community. Below is a team photo of the soccer team. Contact Abie to participate!

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