The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University 420 Murray Hill Rd. • Vestal, NY 13850 607-797-0015 info@chabadofbinghamton.com www.JewishBU.com
Dear Friend,
A WORD FROM THE DIRECTORS
Like the industrial revolution (but on steroids), AI is changing everything. We are being cautioned against “hooking up the proverbial tractor to a horse,” letting old orthodoxies and their limitations hold us back. There is understandable anxiety surrounding job loss and more widely, curiosity tinged with fear of the unknown. As we better position ourselves for the future, it is our focus on what will not—what can never—change, that might prove to be most beneficial.
AI will no doubt bring great wonder into our lives and with it a new set of challenges. We should prepare to embrace it. Most importantly, we should remember that the invariable march of science and technology brings new tools, not a new playbook for life.
We are already seeing the price of forgetting this important truth. Exhibit A is the ill effects of AI apps designed to simulate human relationships. Therapy and companionship -- not repetitive cognitive tasks or mindless manual chores – have emerged as the top two reasons people use AI! AI chatbots offer empathy, nonjudgmental responses, and like GPS navigators, never lose their temper, even when we make completely avoidable errors. They always validate, they become your “best friend,” or more. And that’s a problem. AI cannot contextualize, give you subjective feedback based on common sense, see out of the box for a new solution, or be proactive. It certainly cannot give you moral clarity.
An AI relationship is to real life companionship what pornography is to intimacy. Seductive, addictive, satisfying in the short term, and wholly destructive in the aggregate. A reality in which the person “controls” all the pieces on the board, their own desires and needs as well as the exact responses they crave from the alleged other is the ultimate artifice. The most pernicious of all echo chambers.
As we approach Shavuot, we ready ourselves to stand again at Sinai. To reaffirm and strengthen our relationship with the Divine. To once more accept the Torah which maps out expectations and obligations—not borne out of our past experience, current reality, or personal preference – set forth by The Creator of the universe. These mitzvot transcend—or more correctly create-- the reality that governs our lives. The Torah is “our life and length of our days.” Our compass, our light, our eternal guide.
What is true about our relationship with God underscores the essential nature of every other alliance. No future iteration of AI, Large Language Model or other, can do the most distinctive and vital work of a human being. Our bonds with family, friends, co-workers and colleagues can be created and grown only with our minds, hearts, passion, grit and soul.
Volume 15, Issue 2
Published by CHABAD OF BINGHAMTON
Contact us at: Hakesher@JewishBU.com
Editor Rivkah Slonim
Staff Writer Alan Zeitlin
Administrative Assistance Ruth Shea
Proofreading Penina Kahane
Riva Neumann
Design Avrohom Weg
Photo Credits Shmuli Greenbaum
Adam Horowitz
Felicity Johnson
Shlomo Stobezki
The Cheins, Slonims Jr, and Ohanas, join us in wishing you all a safe and productive summer. To our graduates we say l’hitraot, never goodbye. We will miss you, but we watch you leave with a smile anticipating the important ways in which you will enrich our world. As you embark into the brave new world of tomorrow, remember not to confuse making a living with making a life! Mazel Tov upon this milestone; may you see the fulfillment of your every dream and prayer and keep sharing good news with us far into the future.
B’kesher, let’s stay connected and be in touch!
Hakesher Dedication
This
Mayy 2026, Volume 15, Issue 2 Hakesher is published two times a year by Chabad of Binghamton, 420 Murray Hill Road, Vestal, NY 13850. Postage paid at Newark, NJ post offices.
About the cover: Students enjoy the Lag B’Omer festivities. Photo taken by Adam Horowitz ‘26
magazine is dedicated in loving memory of Dovid ben Yitzchak Meir Zenilman on the occasion of his Yahrtzeit
Dr. Michael and Marilyn Zenilman and their children, - Jeremy ‘06, Elliot ‘09 (and Karen) , Daniel ‘09, Ariela ‘11 (and Jeremy) , Joshua, Dodi ‘15, Avital (and Emil), Shoshana (and Jonah) and Miriam.
Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory
Life is a Calling
By Rabbi Yanki Tauber
Grab a pencil and a piece of paper. This is one of those insta-quizzes that psychoanalyze your personality, improve your marriage and solve the world's problems — all in a single go.
Ready? Here goes: Write down the most negative sentence that comes to mind. It should be a short (3-to-10 word) common phrase you might use every day with no particularly malevolent intentions, but which does untold damage to your inner self and outer universe.
Examples: “I hate you.” “What’s in it for me?” “I couldn’t care less.” “Everyone does it.” “It’s hopeless.” You get the idea.
Here’s what I wrote:
“It so happened that....”
Sounds pretty benign, doesn’t it? But according to the Chassidic masters, these four seemingly innocuous words are at the root of the difference between the holy and the profane, and—ultimately—between good and evil.
Holiness is purposeful; profanity is arbitrary. In the realm of the sacred, actions and events have significance; in the realm of the profane, they are adrift in a void of futility. Goodness is the faith that life has meaning and the commitment to actualize it; evil is the denial of meaning and the absence of commitment..
The difference will often be quite subtle. Two people will look at the same set of occurrences, and one will see a splatter of coincidences while the other sees an intricate and purposeful process. Two people will contemplate an earth-shaking event; one will regard it as a hiccup of history, while the other discerns a milestone in the unfolding purpose of Creation. But they are really not that far apart: the merest shift in perspective will take one from one view to the other. Yet that tiny shift will make all the difference in the world.
In the Holy Tongue, this paradigm shift is represented by a pair of words: vayikar and vayikra. Vayikar means “and he happened upon”; vayikra means “and he called upon.” When G-d talks to the evil prophet Bilaam, the Torah uses the term vayikar--”And G-d happened upon Bilaam”; when G-d talks to Moses, it is in the form of vayikra--”And G-d called upon Moses.”
Two people will contemplate an earth-shaking event; one will regard it as a hiccup of history, while the other discerns a milestone in the unfolding purpose of Creation.
The difference between these two words hinges upon the presence of a single letter—the Hebrew letter aleph-which transforms vayikar into vayikra. In fact, in the opening verse of the Book of Leviticus, vayikra is written in the Torah with a miniature aleph, further emphasizing how ostensibly similar the two words are. Yet the apparent similarity enfolds within it a vast difference: the difference between arbitrary happenstance and purposeful engagement.
We all stand poised, every moment of time, on the cusp of these two faces of reality. At every juncture of our lives we face a choice: Do we surrender to the anti-truth of happenstance? Or do we embrace the divine calling of meaningful life?
Yanki Tauber is a chassidic scholar and the author of eleven books—including the groundbreaking Book of Jewish Knowledge—and hundreds of essays on Jewish and Hasidic thought. From 1999 to 2014 he served as content editor of Chabad.org, the world’s largest Jewish educational website. Tauber is currently a senior editor at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. He is also editorin-chief of The Book, a new translation and anthologized commentary for the Five Books of Moses.
ALUMNISPOTLIGHT
DANIELLESKURNICK MIZRAHI ‘10
Perinatal Mental Health Social Worker Supports Women through the Emotional Journey of Family Building
By Alan Zeitlin ‘00
“You have a plan, a dream of what your family will look like. And then real life happens,” explains Danielle Skurnick Mizrahi. Danielle Skurnick found love in college; her relationship with Abie Mizrahi only strengthened through their shared involvement in Chabad leadership. When Abie proposed to her he lined a staircase with roses, but their journey towards parenthood was anything but a “rose garden.”
Mizrahi, who studied human development at Binghamton and is now a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), long looked forward to becoming a mother. But her path was marked by a series of setbacks. “My journey included it all: infertility, anxiety, trauma, and loss,” she said. Ultimately she and her husband were able to have three wonderful children. But her personal experiences over the years recently led her to shift focus as a clinician. About a year ago, Mizrahi received her certification as a perinatal mental health therapist known as a PMHC. Currently, she helps women deal with a range of issues including infertility, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, postpartum mood disorders, and a host of other traumas related to the reproductive lifespan.
and Postpartum OCD), and a significant percentage of women experience childbirth as traumatic.
“The childbearing years lead to a shift in identity, not dissimilar to a growing child going through adolescence. It rocks a lot of people’s worlds when they struggle with infertility or adjacent issues, and it means a lot to me to know I can make a difference.”
“When people decide to build a family, most don’t expect to have roadblocks,” she said. “But the statistics tell a different story. 1 in 6 people of reproductive age are impacted by infertility. 1 in 4 recognized pregnancies end in loss. 1 in 173 pregnancies ends in stillbirth. 1 in 5 women will experience a postpartum mood disorder (i.e. Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety,
With time there is less of a stigma surrounding these issues, but it still exists. Maybe, especially, in the Jewish community which is so child centric. And there is silent grief that can be difficult to process.
“One of my goals is to dismantle stigmas,” said Mizrahi.” I also hope to help women hold and validate their thoughts and feelings that have played a role through their journey. It’s necessary for the path to healing.”
Mizrahi said her time at Chabad of Binghamton was unforgettable and her favorite food was potato salad. She said she feels lucky to be a friend of the Slonims who have given her incredible advice.
“Rabbi and Rivky have been such important guides,” she said. “We were close during college but with the passage of years, our relationship with the Slonims has grown stronger. They helped us handle all that came our way, and reminded us that ultimately, it is all in the hands of Hashem.”
Alan Zeitlin is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in The Jerusalem Post, The Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Jewish News Syndicate, The Forward, The Algemeiner and The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, among others.
MAZEL TOVS
‘87 Michael and Lisa Fuller announce the engagement of their son, Ian, to Aviva Friedman ( see ‘25 for full details).
‘91 Howard and Halana Rothbort announce the upcoming marriage of their son, Zeke, to Liana Friedman (See ‘24 for full details).
‘93 Melanie (Cohen) and Amatzia Spigler announce the marriage of their daughter Eliana Spigler to Itai Louk, on May 6, 2026.
‘96 Robert and Jennifer Melstein announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son Max on December 6, 2025.
‘01 Adam and Jodi Weinstein announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Ella Riley, on January 11, 2026.
‘02 Kenny and Aliza Weiss announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Alex Weiss, on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
‘06 Justin and Rebecca Myrowitz announce the birth of their son Ezra Evan (Ezra Yehudah) on March 19, 2026. He was welcomed home by his big siblings, Penny, Shane, and Reese.
‘09 Nicky and Naomi Kolios announce the birth of their daughter, Tair Arielle, on February 22, 2026. She was welcomed home by big siblings, Adin Mordechai and Ella Tzofia.
‘11 Robert and Jamie Nussbaum announce the birth of their son, Jack Bennett.
‘12 Shlomit (Cymbalista) and Avi Cabessa announce the birth of their daughter, Aria Esther, on Purim, March 3, 2026. She was welcomed home by big sister, Libby.
‘15 Jonathan and Emunah Berns announce the birth of their son, Noah Theodore.
‘16 Noah Singer announces his marriage to Danya Ravid on November 15, 2025. Noah is a mechanical engineer; Danya is a school psychologist. They make their home in Boston.
Omer and Julia (Bover) Sultan announce the birth of their son, Liev Roy.
‘17 Zach and Corey Ungar announce the birth of their son Cooper Harrison (Kfir Zusya), on February 13, 2026.
David and Alana (Epstein) Choueka announce the birth of their daughter, Carter (Hadar).
Dvir and Anna Ofer announce the birth of their son, James Levi (Menachem Mendel Yakov)
Julia (Bover) and Omer Sultan announce the birth of their son. (see ‘16 for full details)
Matt and Monica (Berman) Zeiger announce the birth of their daughter on May 3, 2026
‘18 Risa Scharf announces her engagement to Roger Adelson; an August 2, 2026, wedding is planned. Risa works as a teacher at the Shefa School; Roger is an accountant with PWC. They will make their home in NYC.
Rebecca (Gabbay) and Jordan Anhalt announce the birth of their son, Andrew James (Elazar Yisrael), on January 11, 2026.
Alana (Epstein) and David Choueka announce the birth of their daughter. (see ‘17 for full details).
Lipa Mordechai and Ariel (Ingber) Boyarsky announce the birth of their daughter Yehudis. She was welcomed home by big brothers Dovid and Menachem.
‘19 Adel (Rubin) and Reuben Major announce the birth of their son, Moshe, on March 16, 2026.
Kerry Gunter and Gabe Lowey announce their engagement. A Spring 2027 wedding is planned.
‘20 Ben and Atara Brooks announce the birth of their son, Remy James (Yosef Avigdor Mordechai), on January 1, 2026.
‘21 Ayelet Rosenbloom announces her engagement to Menachem (Nachi) Feierman; a June 24 wedding is planned. Ayelet is an ultrasound technician with Rosetta Imaging of Northwell Health, NY, and Menachem is a collateral Analyst at ABL. They will make their home in Forest Hills, NY.
‘22 Danielle Kinches announces her engagement to Sam Schwartz: an August 30, 2026, wedding is planned. Danielle is a nurse, and Sam is a data manager at Endpoint Clinical while studying for the actuary exams. They plan to make their home on the Upper West Side.
Andrew Denis and Sophie Sandman announce their engagement: an October 10, 2027, a wedding is planned. Andrew works at the cottages with a Master’s in psychology, and Sophie is an RN at Mt. Sinai. They plan on making New York City their home.
Gabe Lowey and Kerry Gunter announce their engagement. (for full details see ‘19)
‘23 Ruth Silver announces her engagement to Josh Erber; a July 26, 2026, wedding is planned. Ruth is a registered nurse at Mt Sinai Hospital; Josh works in Real Estate. They will make their home on the UWS of Manhattan.
‘24 Mia Raskin announces her engagement to Ilan Shields; a June 21, 2026, wedding is planned. Both are working in the startup ecosystem of Tel Aviv. Ilan is in Defense Tech, and Mia is working in Consulting. For now, they are making their home in Tel Aviv.
Jakie Birman announces his engagement to Kayla Wrotslavsky; an August 13, 2026, wedding is planned. Jakie is an accounts executive at AKA Foods; Kayla is a Senior Marketing Associate at Icarus Medical. They will make their home in Herzliya, in Israel.
Zeke Rothbort announces his engagement to Liana Friedman; an August 16, 2026, wedding is planned. Zeke will be working for M&A Consulting; Liana will be working as a graphic designer. They will make their home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
‘25 Ziva Kaye announces her engagement to Mordechai Moskowitz; June 11, 2026, wedding is planned. Ziva is earning her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at YU; Mordechai will be working as a Mechanical Engineer. They plan to make their home in New York City. Ariella Mero announces her engagement to Yosef Morrison; an August 16 wedding is planned. Ariella is a teacher at Alef Bet Preschool and Youth Director at Orach Chayim Synagogue; Yosef works in sales and trading at BNP Paribas. They will make their home on the Upper West Side.
Aviva Friedman announces her engagement to Ian Fuller. An August 9, 2026, wedding is planned. Aviva is pursuing a PhD in Statistics at Rutgers University, and Ian will be working as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin. They plan to make their home in Highland Park, NJ Leah Rosenheim announces her engagement to Isaac Smith. Leah is pursuing an MS in Biology, and Isaac is pursuing his Ph.D., both at Weizmann Institute of Science. They will make their home in Rehovot, Israel.
SYMPATHIES
Chabad mourns the passing of...
Mrs. Marilyn Lederman, Miriam Bluma bat Menachem Mendel, mother of Lori ’87 and mother-in-law of Marc’ 87 Ben Ezra, grandmother of Ilana ‘14 and ‘15, Rena ‘17 and ‘18, and Zack ‘22, on April 14, Nissan 27, 2026.
Mrs. Sara Rahmani, mother of David Rahmani ‘06, on November 18, 2025.
Ari Lifschitz ‘97, father of Dani ’29, on February 17, 2026.
Larry Spiewak, father of Ben Spiewak ‘04, on February 19, 2026
Dr. Daniel Cukor, father of Eli Cukor ‘26, March 27, 2026
May the families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Don’t see your occasion listed? That means we did not know! Please make sure to stay in touch!
STUDENTSPOTLIGHT
JASON
To Know Where You Are Going, Know Where You Came From
During his gap year in Israel, on most Tuesday evenings, you could find Jason Kwalwasser strolling back from the National Library of Israel to his Yeshiva in Jerusalem. This 19 year old dedicated his Tuesday afternoons to volunteering there, helping to grow the library’s collection. The National Library, Kwalwasser’s favorite spot in Israel, was the perfect place for this bibliophile. In fact, Kwalwasser has continued to research books related to Jewish topics that are independently printed or printed by small publishing houses.This is how the library is alerted to what materials exist. On his suggestions, the library has purchased over 150 books. He also collects materials printed by global Jewish communities to donate to the library’s archive.
As part of the Nitzavim fellowship, Kwalwasser was trained in Israel advocacy. It’s important to be able to debate in a civilized way.
Kwalwasser had volunteered in the Yad Vashem archives in Israel for the past three summers. He has translated, mainly from Hebrew to English, the notations on the backs of over 2,000 photographs as well as translating survivors’ testimonies. In addition, he has worked in the Acquisitions Department of their archives, locating different Holocaust related materials in other archives to be shared with Yad Vashem. As the great-grandson of 4 Holocaust survivors, the Shoah is something very much a part of Kwalwasser’s psyche. He is deeply aware not only of his familial connection, but of his Jewish obligation in continuing to remember the atrocities of the Shoah and its victims.
“Every printed piece tells a story. It’s one small square in the endless quilt of Jewish History,” he said.
Whether it is Gemara, another Judaic text, or a secular novel, he said you won’t catch him using a kindle or reading on his phone. “No way,” he said. “I need to feel the book in my hand.”
A graduate of SAR High School, Kwalwasser was a captain of the Model Congress team; an endeavor that stemmed from his interest in politics and political systems.
He is grateful to be at Binghamton where there is a robust Jewish community and little antisemitism. “People in this generation should know that they have an obligation to defend their ideas,” he said.
In addition, he has also volunteered for Operation Benjamin, an organization dedicated to rectifying the graves of American Jewish Soldiers killed in World War II. These soldiers were buried under Crosses and now will be buried under Stars of David. In this capacity, Kwalwasser compiled data about the soldiers, including many of their military records, for an app the organization is building, dedicated to the memory of these heroes.
Kwalwasser has also been interested in history, and particularly in Jewish History. From a young age, he has worked on his family tree, connecting with hundreds of relatives across the globe. “Listening to oral testimonies, sifting through photographs, and writing my ancestors’ stories make them come alive. They become so much more than names on a tree.”
“The community here at Binghamton is incredible,” Kwalwasser said, describing Jewish life on campus. “There are over 500 students at a Friday night dinner.”
“With such a big community, I was able to forge fantastic friendships and find an incredible Chevrusa (Jewish study partner). It is a great place to be.”
“You can feel the community everywhere you go. From seeing tons of people walking on the spine to always seeing a friendly face in C4, there is a palpable sense of community.”
One of the highlights of Kwalwasser’s year was attending the Mega Challah Bake with influencer Melinda Strauss.
He has enjoyed the JewishU courses he has taken at Chabad. He noted how easy it is to integrate Torah study in his schedule.
As he looks ahead, Kwalwasser hopes to continue bridging the past and the present, preserving the stories of those who came before while building something meaningful for those who come after. He noted, “History is not something that happened. It is something you carry with you, one book, one photograph, one name at a time.”
A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE
After 3, 4, or 5 years the graduates know it all!
We asked our graduates to share their thoughts, feelings and hard earned wisdom.
The Graduates 2026
Ron Alweis Just now
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering
MINOR: Music
FUTURE PLANS: Application Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric!
Ettie Berger Just now
MAJOR: Nursing
FUTURE PLANS: Oncology nurse
Ethan Bernstein Just now
MAJOR: Integrative Neuroscience
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Joseph Blumofe Just now
MAJOR: Music Performance
FUTURE PLANS: New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Touro University
Ellie Cukor Just now
MAJOR: Psychology
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing M.S. in Animal Behavior and Conservation
Chaya Finkelman Just now
MAJOR: Psychology
FUTURE PLANS: Making Aliya b’ezrat Hashem and pursuing M.S. in social work.
Elana Ginsberg Just now
MAJOR: Science and Nursing
FUTURE PLANS: Working as a registered nurse in the surgical unit at Englewood Hospital, NJ
Dafna Horowitz Just now
MAJOR: English and Psychology
FUTURE PLANS: Making Aliya, b’ezrat Hashem.
Benjamin Huppert Just now
MAJOR: Business Administration
MINOR: Graphic Design
FUTURE PLANS: Sports Marketing
Ruthie Isler Just now
MAJOR: Graphic Design
MINOR: History
FUTURE PLANS: Jewish Media & PR
Tova Kam Just now
MAJOR: Nursing
FUTURE PLANS: Working as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City.
A Jewish teaching I learned at Chabad that will guide me in my future is...
To transform this world into a םינותחתב הריד (Dira B’tachtonim) a dwelling place for the Divine. EB
The custom of saying the chapter of tehillim (Psalms) that corresponds with your forthcoming age, I really like it. DH
Think good, and it will be good. Whenever I am stressed about life, I just have to remember that all I can do is try my best and the rest is in Hashem’s hands. RI
Judaism values each individual effort toward mitzvot, not just the outcomes. Sometimes growth takes time, and setbacks can feel discouraging. However, G-d recognizes every stride we make, even the seemingly “small” actions. TK
Growth isn’t all or nothing. You don’t need to take on huge new obligations to become closer to Hashem. Taking on one new mitzvah can become so much more, with time and effort. AL
Everyone has their own path in Judaism. Being in a secular college, I’ve learned to take pride in choosing to stay connected and grow, even when it’s challenging. ER
All challenges are given to you for a reason, and it won’t be anything you can’t handle. JR
That even one small act of kindness or connection can have a ripple effect, you never know how much of a difference you’re making in someone’s life. MS
We all have a unique G-d-given gift that we must share with the world. EW
Chabad of Binghamton
The
biggest change in myself over the past four years is
...that I play less Fortnite.
...that I learned how to balance taking things seriously and allocating attention to important things in my life and also knowing when to take a step back and relax.
...coming to the realization that you can’t wait for others to create opportunities - if you have a passion or would like to explore a new interest, you must take action to ensure it becomes integrated into your life.
... that I learned how to connect to Hashem on a completely different level.
...becoming more proactive. I’ve shifted from waiting for direction to actively seeking out opportunities, asking questions, and taking initiative, whether in academic or professional settings.
... becoming more open to change. I used to be scared of it, but now I’m more okay with not knowing what’s coming next.
...becoming more confident in who I am and where I belong.
...understanding what or who I can rely on for support and choosing to invest my time in the right environments. I’ve become more intentional about being in places that are meaningful and grounding, especially within a strong Jewish community, rather than getting caught up in things that don’t really add long term value.
...learning that almost anything is possible if you are passionate and willing to work hard.
...my stronger confidence.
...how I utilized my time and learned to make the best out of every moment.
...learning to slow down and be more present. And appreciating the people and moments around me instead of always focusing on what’s next.
...that I’ve learnt to stand up for what I believe in no matter how uncomfortable that may be or how unpopular that belief is.
...that I became more responsible and organized, and believe
it was needed.
Ariella (Feld) Levine - ‘94 Mom of Michal Levine
David and Michelle (Ross) Shteingart 2000 Parents of Erin Shteingart
Jeffrey Bernstein ‘91 Father of Ethan Bernstein
The Graduates 2026
Joe Kornblum Just now
MAJOR: Business Administrator
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Michal Levine Just now
MAJOR: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
FUTURE PLANS: Working at Gift of Life
Arielle Levy Just now
MAJOR: Integrative Neuroscience
FUTURE PLANS: Medical school
Yaffa Lofstock Just now
MAJOR: Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Drawing
FUTURE PLANS: Get my degree in interior design
Esther Malul Just now
MAJOR: Business Administration
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing my MBA at Binghamton!
Benny Mizrahi Just now
MAJOR: Biology
FUTURE PLANS: Medical school and U.S. military
Abigail Nassimi Just now
MAJOR: Integrative Neuroscience
FUTURE PLANS: Study Abroad in Florence
Kayla Ozcakir Just now
MAJOR: Integrative Neuroscience
FUTURE PLANS: Touro Dental School with aspirations of becoming a pediatric dentist
Jeremy Rosen Just now
MAJOR: Economics
FUTURE PLANS: Consulting/ Sales
Matthew Rosen Just now
MAJOR: Integrative Neuroscience
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing a M.S. in Public Health
Nathaniel Rosen Just now
MAJOR: Accounting with a Concentration in Finance
FUTURE PLANS: Working at BDO
Elizabeth Rubin Just now
MAJOR: Psychology
MINOR: Graphic Design
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Eytan Saenger Just now
MAJOR: Political Science
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
The biggest misconception I had about Chabad before I came was…
that its just about tefila and food, and it’s obviously so much more than that. DH
that I would almost never spend time in the building. RI
that it’s just a huge place where nobody knows each other. Now, I’ve met so many people and made a lot of friends through Chabad. AL
that I would feel like just another nameless, faceless student in a room of 500 at Shabbat dinner. Huge misconception because they truly welcome everyone by name like their own children or grandchildren! YL
that it would be overwhelming and intimidating. My first Shabbos freshman year was on my birthday and it felt like a lot, especially with so many people, and I felt out of place. I’ve come to realize how welcoming it is, everyone creates such a warm, comfortable environment that makes you want to keep coming back, and it really starts to feel like home. ER
that it would feel too big and impersonal, especially Friday nights with so many people. I thought it might be hard to really connect. But once I got involved, I realized how personal it actually is. The relationships and sense of community are real, and people genuinely care about getting to know you. NR
that Chabad was a kiruv organization. DS
that I would not have the opportunity to connect with the Rabbis and Rebbetzins due to the size of the community. Thankfully, I was wrong. ES
that it would be a place I went to occasionally, rather than somewhere where I would meet new friends and make lasting memories. MS
that it was too big to actually interact and make personal connections with the majority of people. RS
that it was too big for anyone to be noticed individually. LT
The most important lesson/s for life I learned at Chabad is/are
…always have a rabbi you trust, so you can ask your halakhic questions. RA …always make time to learn. EB
…every Jew is holy, and our goal in this world is to make a Kiddush Hashem and uplift those around us. EB
…that a person is not better or worse off from any one experience. It is the culmination of many experiences, and what you choose to take away from them. JB
…to embrace diversity and appreciate people’s differences while valuing what unifies you. EC
…to be kind to everyone, because we are all sisters and brothers! CF
…to build and maintain friendships. These connections are some of the most valuable and important parts of life. BH
…always say hi, and be kind and friendly, because you never know who you are about to meet and what friendships you might make from a simple smile. DH
…never stop growing, and you can learn something from everyone. RI
…real community doesn’t just happen-you build it on purpose. Chabad showed me what it looks like when people genuinely care for each other. Walking into a huge room and knowing half the faces in it is one of the best feelings in the world. I’m spending the rest of my life trying to recreate that wherever I go. JK
…the power of showing up, for others and for yourself. Whether it’s a Shabbat meal, a quick check-in, or just being present, those small moments build real community and lasting impact. ML
…use your voice for good and don’t be afraid to stand out and be Jewish, even if you’re standing alone. YL
…how impactful a community really is. BM
…to have a community that gives you a place to grow while also supporting you in your journey, no matter where you stand religiously. ER
…never stop branching out - there are so many people to meet. Keep learning new things and trying new hobbies. Don’t knock something until you try it. JR
…mastering the art of pizza making. MR
…not to underestimate how important it is to be part of a Jewish community you truly feel connected to, and how powerful personal connections can be. Even one genuine relationship can positively impact so many aspects of your life. NR
…being Jewish is not something you do, it’s the core of who you are DS
…try to meet and interact with as many people as possible at shabbat meals. ES
…the value of community and consistently showing up for others, in both the good times and the hard ones. ES
…to love every Jew! RS
…you don’t need to look too far for support and love, it is quite literally all around you. RS
… the power of community. Being part of a place where people choose to show up, not out of obligation, but because they want to be part of such a special community, creates such a beautiful environment. We all show up and stay connected to our values, which builds a strong and meaningful community. GS
…that the people you meet, and the community you are part of, end up meaning a lot more than you would expect when you first get to college. MS
…there’s room for everyone. LT
…to see every Jew’s inherent value and goodness. EW
…how important surrounding yourself with good people, good friends, and good principles is. NW
…small things really matter! Every positive action, no matter how small, truly makes a difference and can build connections. Those small things are what keep me going and why I am pursuing social work too! DZ
Mazel Tov Leila!
You are an incredible woman and a source of pride for our family! We can't believe everything you accomplished. We love you!
Mom, Dad, Eliana & Eve, Jared & Riley
Congratulations Matthew!
Mazel Tov on your graduation!!
We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for your future.
With lots of love, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Sam
DJ, We are so proud of you.
Mazal Tov!
Love, Mom, Dad, Haylee, Harris, Dalia
Eytan, Mazal Tov on the occasion of your graduation. We are so proud of all your accomplishments and efforts over the past few years at Binghamton.
Your loving family Mom, Dad and Rebecca
Dearest Graduates:
You never graduate from Chabad. As you move forward, please remember to reach out to us with your new addresses (snail mail and email) so we can keep in touch!
If I had a million dollars to donate to Chabad, I would ask them to...
expand the building, so more people can enjoy it. RA, EB. JB, JR, DS make the great room bigger so Friday night dinner is less squishy, and to do a mock wedding every year! CF
first, purchase new pool sticks. Second, add new dinner options that rotate weekly for the Friday night meal. Third, expand the Great Room. BH make Jewish U available for alumni. DH make more sesame noodles! RI
buy all new kitchen equipment! (especially a larger mixer) EM
make sure that thanksgiving-style Shabbat dinners happen way more often because I’m convinced that’s when
everyone is at their happiest. ER invest in an ice cream machine (which honestly would be a huge hit, and probably way under budget) ES
invest in creating even more opportunities for students to connect. Whether that’s through bigger/larger events, trips, or just experiences that bring people closer together. MS
build an underground water park RS
Asian pasta every night. RS build more rooms! LT
…to upgrade the mitzvah hub to a mitzvah mansion with a pool and private chef please and thank you :) EW
Something I am glad to be graduating from (good-bye forever!!) is… exams, papers, and homework! RA winter weather in the Spring, and the endless homework and studying! EB Binghamton weather. BH sitting in class! RI not having a Trader Joe’s close by! TK the constant stress of balancing everything at once; classes, clubs, recruiting, and somehow still trying to sleep. ML
having to pump my own gas in New York. YL taking more than 20 credits in a semester!! EM
Binghamton’s wacky climate. Why is it 70 degrees one day and snowing the next?! KO Binghamton Winter. I’ve realized I do like the cold - just not Binghamton cold. I’ll take skiing weather, but walking to class and getting blown away by the wind has convinced me I’m meant for a warmer climate. ER economic tests JR Watson Wednesdays. DS long, cold winters and the distance from home. As much as my experience shaped me, I am looking forward to being closer to home. MS
The Graduates
Madeline Shalom Just now
MAJOR: Human Development
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing an M.S. in Social Work at Rutgers University
Rebecca Shapiro Just now
MAJOR: Biology
MINOR: Judaic Studies
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing my RN degree
Erin Shteingart Just now
MAJOR: Nursing
FUTURE PLANS: Working as a registered nurse at a hospital
Avigayil Simon Just now
MAJOR: Graphic Design
MINOR: History
FUTURE PLANS: A job in Graphic design
Gabrielle Stein Just now
MAJOR: Linguistics
MINOR: Speech-Language Pathology
FUTURE PLANS: Pursuing an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at Touro University
Daniel Stempel Just now
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Rebecca Szlechter Just now
MAJOR: Journalism and Public Relations
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Leila Tilem Just now
MAJOR: Philosophy, Politics and Law
FUTURE PLANS: Law school
Nadav Weglein Just now
MAJOR: Economics
FUTURE PLANS: Fund Analyst at SEI
The biggest mistake I made that you can learn from is
…not taking every gen ed with the Judaic Studies Department - wish I did, then I'd have an awesome (but useless) minor. EB
…letting one small negative moment define your entire day. Learn to move past it and stay grateful for everything good happening around you. BH
...I added a second major in my second semester of junior year, so I think the takeaway is to pursue the thing you're afraid to do, whatever that is. DH
…not realizing sooner that the people around me were the point. Chabad taught me that. You sit down for what you think is just a meal and three hours later you have friends who will be with you for life. JK
…not living in the moment. Everything works out in the end, so trust the process and enjoy it while you’re in it!! ER
…dwelling too much on what other people think. Be yourself!!
...never be afraid to fail. Any experience is a good experience. JR
Eiden Weinberg Just now
MAJOR: Psychology
FUTURE PLANS: Undecided
Daniel Weiss Just now
MAJOR: Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and MIS
FUTURE PLANS: Working on it (hopefully consulting or as an analyst)
Deborah Zeleny Just now
MAJOR: Social Work
MINOR: Education
FUTURE PLANS: Advanced
Standing MSW at NYU
…staying too quiet and keeping to myself early on. I learned that it’s worth pushing yourself to be more outgoing, even if it’s just starting with a simple hello. You never know where one conversation or connection can lead or how much it can shape your future. NR
…missing out on some of the unique experiences you get to have here. Life is too short to miss them. DS
…waiting too long to fully get involved and step outside my comfort zone. The more you put yourself out there, the more you gain from the experience. MS
Chabad of Binghamton
In
maximum Tweet length (280 characters), now that you are about to leave BU what would you advise incoming and remaining students?
Try new things! You never know what you'll end up enjoying! RA
Get an on campus job! They have a few jobs in which you can sit at a desk and get paid (i.e: Resource Manager or Guest Services) EB
College is an amazing opportunity to focus on growth - in Torah and mitzvah observance, in knowledge of and appreciation for Hashem’s world through your courses, and in your relationships with friends and Rabbis/Rebbetzins. Take advantage of the bracha! EB
Push yourself to participate more than you normally would, and say yes to things that might be out of your comfort zone. You get a lot more out of your time here when it’s heavily saturated with different events and experiences and you’ll be able to make amazing memories. EC
Use your time here to the fullest! Go to all the Chabad events and learning opportunities. Whatever you put into your experience is what you get out, so have a positive attitude and take part in as much as you can! CF
Make the most of your time at Binghamton, especially within Chabad and the Jewish community. Get involved, show up, and don’t take any moment for granted. Go to events, build real friendships, and create lasting memories. You’ll grow more than you expect and leave your own impact. EG
It never hurts to ask. Don’t hesitate to speak up when there’s little risk. Opportunities and answers often come from putting yourself out there, and the worst outcome is usually just a no. I’ve been nervous before, but when I asked, it often worked out well. BH
Do JewishU. Honestly it's the thing I might miss the most from Chabad and college. It gives you structured Jewish learning that you need to attend which is so nice. It's also an awesome way to travel and make friends. I can't recommend it enough. DH
Time is precious. Time allows you to grow, to learn, and so much more. Utilize the time you have here, because it is a period in your life like none other. RI
Chabad offers soup each day of finals, and you should take advantage (every soup is so good!). Freshman year during December finals, I trudged through the snow over the little bridge by Newing just for a cup. A core memory! TK
Run for something. Start something. The worst they can say is no. Binghamton rewards the students who show up, raise their hand, and take up space. Do it early, and not senior year. JK
Say yes more than you say no. Show up to things, even if you don’t know anyone. The people you meet and the moments you almost skipped will end up meaning the most. And don’t rush it, these years go faster than you think. ML
Sounds cliche, but enjoy every second!! It goes by so fast (especially if you're an Israel Freshman doing 3 years). Take advantage of everything Chabad and Binghamton has to offer you, whether it's a meal or a chance to catch up with friends, make the most of it all! YL
Having a strong community is so, so important! Classes and grades will always shift and change but having a strong support system to fall back on will ensure you are able to handle anything life throws at you :) EM
Say yes to as many opportunities as you can! If you look for it, there are incredible experiences — like concerts, rafting, snowboarding — and amazing people to meet here. Seek them out! AN
Looking back on my time at BU, Chabad stands out as one of the most meaningful parts. The connections, friendships, and support you’ll find there are invaluable and will last a lifetime. We’re so lucky to have it, so show up, get involved, and make the most of it! KO
advantage of the amazing Jewish community here, stay present, and trust that everything will work out the way it’s meant to. ER
Cherish your time in college. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Even though most of you will be here for 3-4 years it will fly by like that. Make the most of it!! JR
Don’t take your years at Binghamton for granted- it’s really a special place with a lot of special people. Just make the most out of it, have fun, meet new people, and definitely attend all Chabad events. Good luck to everyone! You got this! MR
Get involved early and don’t stay in your comfort zone. Say hello, build real relationships, and find a community you genuinely connect with. The right people and environment can shape your entire experience more than you think. NR
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! I have been involved in so many amazing things here because I wasn’t afraid to say yes. There are so many great opportunities here to get involved, whether in Jewish life or on campus. AS
Make the most of your time here, these are the most influential years of your life. DS
Embrace your goals and interests on campus; there's so much you can do and be involved in, which you should take full advantage of. Time moves way too quickly, and before you know it, it will be your turn to graduate and leave this treasured institution and community behind. ES
Work hard, but also have fun, college goes by fast! Go to events, try new things, meet new people, and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. And also, take a class with Rivky, you won’t regret it :) ES
It is so important to get involved, show up, and surround yourself with like-minded people! The connections and relationships that you make will completely shape your college experience!! GS
Say yes to opportunities, even if uncomfortable. Find your people, build community, and don’t hesitate to get involved. Time flies, so make it meaningful while you can. Slow down and be present. The best memories came from the moments you almost talked yourself out of. MS
While enjoying all of the fun and exciting parts of college don't forget to continually work on your own growth and become the best version of yourself.
RS
Don't blink. Soon enough, you will be ordering your cap and gown, wondering where the time went. TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY! Meet new people, take challenging classes, join clubs, go on every trip, mission, and event that Chabad offers, and work hard. I promise you won't regret it. You are extraordinarily lucky to be here; take advantage of that before it's too late. RS
Remember to have fun and not take life too seriously. You should participate in as many aspects of Binghamton as possible. College isn’t just about academics. LT College is a time to make friends, memories and have a great time. Actually classes are also important but as long as you know deadlines, are organized, and try’s bit, you will be fine. DW
My advice is to live life fully. We're blessed to have the opportunity to help people, make each other laugh, learn new things, and grow in countless ways. Appreciate these few precious years at Binghamton by truly living each day. Make the most fun memories with friends, go on random side-quests, and pour your heart into our beautiful Jewish community. EW
Show up early, stay late, and say yes more than no. Build real relationships, your GPA is not everything. Try things you’re not “ready” for. Make mistakes and learn. NW
Trust the process!! Adjusting to college isn’t easy, but it truly gets better. Take
The Love, the Spirit, the Chaos
Captured and Written by Adam Horowitz ‘26
Mincha on campus, surrounded by the quiet protection of nature and community.
This image captures the comfort Chabad students have built within the heart of Binghamton’s campus: a minyan standing naturally among the trees, buildings, and rhythm of student life. The vibrant greenery and open space frame the moment beautifully, symbolizing both Hashem’s protection and the warmth of a community that feels fully at home wherever it gathers.
Work Hard. Play Hard.
On the mountain, Chabad becomes more than a place - it becomes an experience. We’re blessed to be part of a community that doesn’t just bring us together, but takes us on adventures, pushes us beyond our comfort zones, and turns every challenge into a shared memory.
Rabbi-Student Bond
This moment captures the one-of-a-kind connection between Rabbis and students at Chabad: personal, genuine, and full of love. In the middle of a busy campus walkway, the embrace says everything. Chabad is not just a place students go, but a family that sees them, supports them, and welcomes them home.
The beautiful chaos of Chabad.
This photo captures Chabad at full volume: loud, alive, and impossible to fake. In a room overflowing with song, dance, laughter, and Jewish pride, you can feel the spirit that makes this place so special: a community that doesn’t just gather, but erupts with joy.
More than a place on campus, Chabad is an experience - one filled with warmth, meaning, and unforgettable connection. This photo essay captures the love, spirit, and beautiful chaos that make Chabad feel like home. Through moments of prayer, learning, laughter, adventure, and Jewish pride, these photos tell the story of a community that brings students together and helps them grow.
Proudly Jewish, proudly American - turning memory into mitzvah.
Framed by American flags and the Spine of Binghamton’s campus, the Mitzvah Marathon captures the power of Jewish pride expressed through action. In commemorating 9/11, Chabad transforms remembrance into goodness - honoring the past not only with words, but with mitzvot that bring more light into the world.
A room full of voices, questions, and learning.
This photo captures the intellectual energy of Chabad: students gathered around the table, engaged, curious, and part of the conversation. Surrounded by books and guided by the Rabbi, the room becomes more than a library; it becomes a living space for Torah, discussion, and growth.
Tradition in the making
This photo captures the hands-on energy of Jewish life at Chabad: students gathered not just to learn a tradition, but to experience it together. The tight framing, movement, and focus on the work itself make the moment feel alive, intimate, and beautifully real.
Supper & Study…. & Smiles
They may show up for the food, but they stay for the Torah - and the smiles make that clear.
Adam Horowitz is an engineering major who has taken tens of thousands of photos of Chabad events during his time in Binghamton. Adam is an avid photographer, cook, musician, traveler, and sportsman.
Celebration
• Shabbat - the Heart and Soul of the Jewish experience at BU includes Services, Friday Night Dinner, Shabbat Lunch, Seduah Shlishit, and Havdallah
• Daily Minyanim
• High Holiday Services
• Rosh Hashanah Dinners
• Yom Kippur Break-Fast
• Festive meals in the Sukkah
• Pop-up Sukkahs and Sukkah Mobiles providing Mitzvahs on the spot for people on the go
Jewish Tomorrows
One student at a time!
BY
THE NUMBERS
10,050 hours of Torah study unique students engaged in Torah study
Eruv Checkers
• Rock 'N' Ribs - the annual rib and music fest in the Sukkah
• Simchat Torah Hakafot, procession, block party, and midnight dinner
• 'You be the Light' campaign on social media
• Mega Challah Bake
• Purim Carnival Extravaganza
• Megillah readings held at on and off campus locations
• Purim Feast
• Post Pesach Chametz Party
• Lag B'Omer Bonfire Celebration
• Shabbat 2400, the largest Shabbat dinner to take place on any campus
• Girls Night Out, monthly celebrations in honor of Rosh Chodesh
BY THE NUMBERS
2,500 10,000 3,000
3,000 400 10,800
450 20 150 56 $53,000
Hours of Eruv Checking
Mezuzos
raised for various charities
314 2,500
daily Minyanim
8 3 45 hours volunteered average attendees (men and
Education
• JewishU
• Beit Midrash/Supper and Study
• Sinai Scholars
• Sinai Plus
• Chevrutahs, one on one study sessions
• Constant learning in the Beis
• JGC study sessions
• Pizza and Parasha
• Project Likkutei Sichos
• Scholars in Residence
• Educational games: Panoply and Master Chef
• Yimai Iyun for High Holidays and Purim
• Pre-Pesach halachik seminar
loaned through the Mezuzah Bank
pairs of Tefillin gifted unique student leaders
women) at Shacharis
The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University
Recreation, Friendship, Community
• Jew'au
• Tier One welcome Freshmen events
• The Welcome ChaBBQ (Fall) and Sushi, Soup, Soiree (Spring)
• Challah and pastry workshops
• Apple Picking
• Pegisha!
• Ski Trip
• Midnight Madness
• Finals TLC
• Cholent and Dessert competition Shabbat
• Farbrengens
• Women's Tish/Cholent and Chill
• Women's Talent Night
• Metropolis Deli
• Pizza Cafe
• Fitness Center
• Guys Night Out
• Cooking for Shabbat
• Water Pong Tournament
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bash
• Mega Challah Bake
• Bubble Soccer Tournament
2,100
1,400 1,700
BY THE NUMBERS
19
2,650
BY THE NUMBERS
unique students attended Chabad events, with hundreds participating in scores of events each semester
310 events/gatherings/touch points (small, big and huge)
unique visits to elderly members of the local Jewish community through The Barry Raff Maasim Tovim Mitzvah Corp volunteers
177
Leadership and Social Action
• Chicken Soup Express
• Students visit the elderly weekly through the Barry J. Maasim Tovim Foundation
• Campus-wide Mitzvah Marathon to mark 9/11
• Chanukah Toy Drive to benefit Chai Lifeline's winter holiday toy distribution program
• The largest blood drive in Broome County
• Purim prize-drawing charity drive
• Fashion for a Cure, raises awareness about breast cancer and benefits Sharsheret
Chabad Downtown
• Shabbat dinners
• Shabbat lunch and farbrengens
• Shabbat minyan services
• Sinai Scholars
• Sinai Plus
• Torah n Tso
• Holiday events
• Mezuzah affixing
+Class of 2026 Spotify Wrapped
By Eiden Weinberg
| 2 Days into College - Aimee Carty
• This song went viral right about when we started our time at Binghamton. It’s all about feeling lost in a new place. I’m sure we all felt lost when we first began here, but we've come a long way!
| Stick Season - Noah Kahan
• The classic long country drive song we all know the words to. If you haven't blasted this tune up the winding roads to Bing, what have you been doing!?
| Acheinu
• Toward the very beginning of our college careers, life took a dramatic turn. In the wake of 10/7 we cried together, prayed together, and sang together. Acheinu, a song about supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel and all over the world, brought us together and uplifted our spirits.
| Am Yisrael Chai
• We faced backlash and protests, but that did not shake us. We kept singing, and we will keep singing this song - Am Yisrael Chai!
| Balbeli Oto - Kobi Peretz
• Binghamton seniors have a love for Israeli pop. When this came on at Ashkafardic night, the room went crazy. And of course, it’s a Kaskeset classic ;)
| Where is My Husband - RAYE
• A question we’ve all asked at one point or another at Bing! To all of our engaged couples, we are wishing you a HUGE mazal tov! And until then, for everyone else, we’ll keep dancing to this hit!
| Yom Hashishi - Omer Adam
• If we know how to do anything right at Binghamton, it is singing a beautiful KabShab. To get into the spirit, we all jam out to some Friday afternoon Omer Adam - it's the ultimate pre-shab bop.
| Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
• Something we couldn't get through without during busy finals season! This was the top pop hit over our years here, and boy, was it always stuck in our heads!
| Don’t Leave Me On My Own - Zusha
• A beautiful message and the catchiest tune! This song is about always needing Hashem and looking for Him in our darkest moments. This song has become a defining song during our time at college.
| Defying Gravity - Wicked, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
• We will always hold space for the power the Wicked franchise had over us during our time at Bing! If there’s anything we’ve learned from the Wicked press tour, it’s that some friendships bring us to tears. This is how we all feel, leaving the friends we've made here that have changed us for good.
| Ad Bli Dai
• Rivky’s fav and an end of women’s tisch classic! This song has been sung at so many celebratory events at Bing! We ask Hashem to send us overflowing brachot that don’t stop. We pray that our lips should become tired from asking G-d to stop the overwhelming goodness. Looking back on our time at Bing, we realize all of the good Hashem sent our way! From new friendships to religious growth, and fun at every corner, we appreciate all of the moments. We will continue singing this song, asking Hashem to send endless blessings our way in each of our next chapters.
Eiden Weinberg ‘26 chaired the Women’s Talent Night, three years running, held leadership positions in Kaskeset (Music Director, Vice President and Social Chair), and was an avid women’s Tish/ Cholent and Chill participant.
For a full gallery of pictures of these events and others, please visit: www.JewishBU.com/photos
LEADERSHIP
The Executive and Gboards, the Eruv Checkers, the Gaboim and the Gabait, the Kitchen Kabinet, the students of the Raff Maasin Tovim Foundation; these amazing students make the world of Chabad go round and round!
Local politicians gather to mark Education and Sharing Day USA 2026. Established by the United States Congress in 1978, this annual observance honors the Rebbe's lifelong dedication to education, morality and ethics. President Jimmy Carter signed the first proclamation, and it has been commemorated annually on the Rebbe's birthday, Nissan 11, by every president ever since.
THANK YOU THANK YOU
SHABBAT 2400 RUMINATIONS ON BEING PART OF SOMETHING LARGER.
by Keren Glicksman ‘26
This year’s Shabbat 2400 came at a weird time for me. I had flown back to New York from Israel earlier that week, having traveled there for what was meant to be a weeklong family trip, but had turned much longer when war had broken out with Iran. I ended up in Israel for nearly a month, back and forth between bomb shelters and latenight Zoom classes. So, finally back in Binghamton and still catching up on boatloads of homework, I gathered in the Events Center with close to two thousand other Binghamton students to enjoy Shabbat as a community.
As the programming began, Rivky introduced this year’s guest speaker, Segev Kalfon, who was held captive in Gaza for 738 days. He explained that while in Gaza, he dreamed of release incessantly. Once, after catching a glimpse of the humiliating Hamas-run “hostage return ceremonies” on TV, he resolved that if and when it was his turn, he would shout the words of Shema Yisroel from the stage. By the time he was released from captivity, Hamas was no longer staging these events. We had the privilege of giving him the chance to fulfill his dream on our stage, and he led us in the recitation of Shema. As the Events Center rang with words so integral to my faith, I should have felt the enormity of the moment. Instead, my mind was preoccupied—all I wanted was to hear Segev tell his story in full.
He told us about being taken into Gaza, the enjoyment his captors seemed to get from his pain, his time in the tunnels, and the other hostages he met there.
When airstrikes hit Gaza, he explained, the whole tunnel would shake. Everything would be covered in dust and sand. Having just returned from a warzone, this was particularly moving for me to hear about. I can now call myself familiar with the sounds of air raid sirens, the ninety-second rush to the shelter, the booms of intercepted missiles, and sometimes news of casualties or property damage from a direct hit nearby. I am not familiar with the fear that comes from living under rocket fire in Gaza, without protection; no sirens, no shelters, no Iron Dome. Only shaking walls, falling dust, and a prayer.
Candle Lighting has always been my favorite part of Shabbat 2400. A jam-packed Events Center with booming speakers, pumping music, and dancing is great, but when the candles light up and silence falls over the room, the peace sets in. That’s what Shabbat really is. I had a lovely meal with my friends and connected with people I hadn’t seen in a while. But the really meaningful meal came the next day, at lunch, when Segev told his full story to hundreds of students in the Chabad Great Room. I have heard many guest speakers at Chabad throughout my time at Binghamton. I have never heard the room this silent. We hung onto Segev’s every word, and the pain in the air was palpable. Anyone would have been able to feel it. Segev relayed his experience at the Nova Festival—the rockets, his friend who was injured as they fled together.
When Segev had finished speaking, I went up to him, introduced myself in Hebrew, and told him how meaningful it had been to hear his story. But what could I possibly say to someone who had lived through something so torturous?
Having recently gotten a taste of what war is like for the Israeli people, I felt a certain level of connection to Segev’s story. I also felt an immense distance—like I would never be able to understand what he had been through—a feeling which I am sure is far more isolating from his end.
But somehow, I think that’s what Shabbat 2400 is about; gathering people of vastly different life experiences, united in their connection to the Jewish people. In Hamas’s tunnels, the thing that kept Segev going was remembering that he was part of something. His survival was not just his own. It was the survival of a nation and a larger history. Shabbat 2400 is a far-reaching opportunity for people across campus and beyond to take an active part in that history. We celebrate Jewish existence by coming together, dancing together, eating together, and bringing in Shabbat together. Regardless of where we are coming from, we connect.
Keren Glicksman ‘26 is a Creative Writing major and Sound Technology minor. She served on the Executive board of the BU Poetry Club, and is the Associate Producer and editor of the What Came After podcast.
Segev Kalfon addresses those gathered at Shabbat 2400.
Fun. Fun. Fun.
For
Fun. Fun. Fun.
So many ways to have a blast with Chabad: Jewish Pride night at a Bearcats game Mixology for Seniors
Paint Night for First year students Stuffed cookies making Ski Trip
Twins Event
Welcome Back Sushi Soiree
Winter Wonderland Challah Baking and so much more.
Purim Hamantashen Baking
Purim Carnival
Purim Seudah
Pre-Pesach Chocolate Seder
Post-Pesach Chametz "Break- fast"
Lag B'Omer Fest
At Yeshivat Binghamton there are hundreds of students learning in:
Personal chevrutahs and Chaburos in the Bais (almost 24/7)
Dine and Divine
Jewish U
Supper and Study
The Rebbe's Sichos
Pizza and Parasha
Hilchot Nidah and Kisui Rosh
Sinai Scholars
Sinai Plus
JGC Learning Sessions
not to mention the Master Chef educational game, the Yimei Iyun, the Sinai Excursion, the Mitzvah Hub, and the Gentlemen's Night on Mikvah.
CHABAD DOWNTOWN
• Sinai Scholars and Sinai Plus
• Dozens of Purim Celebrations
• Shmura Matza distribution
• Torah and Tso
• Shabbat Dinners, and so much more
For
GNO Events included a Charm Bar, Focaccia Art, and Pilates. Women's Talent Night, Women's Cholent and Chill
