Photos & Videos 2007-08

Chabad Cafe goers enjoyed a spirite game of Whose Line while others
worked diligently preparing delectable foods and desserts for the
annual Ladies Nite Shabbat.

To mark the minor holiday of Purim Katan a debate about the virtues of Hamantashen vs. Latkes was held at Binghamton University. Students and Faculty alike enjoyed an evening of satire and refreshingly thought provoking (and often real belly laugh type) humor as this issue was seriously contested. Earnestly representing the Latke was Professor Allan Arkush, chair of the Judaic Studies Dept., while Professor Randy Friedman, Professor of Philosophy, argued passionately for the Hamantash. Professor Arieh Ullman, Professor of Management, moderated the debate. All three professors brought due gravity to this burning issue.

Lucky students who joined the Chabad Ski Trip enjoyed a great time together!

Students gathered at the Chabad House on the West Side to enjoy an evening of Chocolate fondue, cakes, and desserts highlighted by a discussion on love and relationships; the kaballah of soul mates. A lively question and answer session followed the presentation given by Rabbi Dan Lewin.

Chodesh event participants enjoyed ringing in the Jewish month of Adar I with wedding bells, Jewish ones that is. While noshing on "shmorg" food, an interactive discussion on various customs at Jewish weddings was enjoyed by all. To round out the evening, clips from Rivky and Rabbi's wedding were screened. Mazel Tov!

A big crowd gathered at Chabad for what was surely one of the best Super Bowls in recent history, shown on a huge screen. Both the New England Patriots and New York Giants were cheered (and booed) by many while everyone devoured the Super Bowl Special from NYC's Dougie's. Rabbi Lewin gave a special D'var Torah during halftime. Afterwards, the excitement was high as the tides of the game turned, leading to an incredible, close finish.

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.

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!

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.

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."

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.

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!