Chabad on Fulton Jewish Student Center
Serving Vassar Students
From Turkey to Vassar, how you supported Pia’s Journey
Hear from Julia about how you helped her cope with the Covid semesters
Memorable Moments from the Fall Semester
come from, the role of women in Judaism, the layered meanings of the Torah, and the Jewish way of life.
I am grateful for the habits that Chabad has helped me install in my daily life, and feel more connected to my own family and Jewish identity.
Two years ago on a Shabbat evening, I showed up at the Chabad House not knowing what to expect. I was met by Dalia’s warm hugs, Rabbi’s welcome, the kids running in the background, and all the students excited for an amazing meal.
I was not used to having weekly Shabbat dinners, but quickly, I found my new family on campus and started going to Chabad events, holiday celebrations, and dinners.
My favorite Chabad memory is very difficult to pick, but Taste of Judaism Turkey was definitely a very special moment for me. Not only was I able to share my enthusiasm for Turkish food, but I was also able to share my culture with my friends and campus members.
It was very empowering to talk about my experience as a Jew from Turkey and be so supported by Dalia and Rabbi. I was so impressed by all the organizations that came together effortlessly, and the Chabad House’s respect and curiosity about different Jewish cultures.
My Judaism has developed profoundly while I was involved with Chabad. I now understand much more of where our traditions
The single best thing I’ve gained from being involved with Chabad is a community where I feel appreciated and free to explore spirituality in my own way. As an only child, I also feel like I get to experience being in a crowded family when I’m at Chabad.
Life without a Chabad House at Vassar would definitely be lonely, and I might not have met some of my best friends at Vassar who make my Vassar experience meaningful.
I would like to thank all the donors who support Rabbi and Dalia in organizing events, cooking delicious meals, and being active members of the Vassar Jewish Community.
The single best thing I’ve gained from being involved with Chabad is a community where I feel appreciated and free to explore spirituality in my own way.
And how you made that possible!Pia sharing her experiences as a Turkish Jew with her fellow students pre-covid.
Sunday Brew! Every Sunday, you energize students’ week with espresso and brunch in a warm, inviting Jewish communal space.
Every week, you are on campus tabling to share Jewish culture and thoughts with students. This picture is students making pickles!
Through your efforts, students can now safely light a Menorah every night of Chanukah in the Dining Hall. This is Jewish Pride at its
For the first time ever, the Campus had a public menorah lighting with President Bradley. The students’ felt supported and their identity validated. Thank you for making this happen!
By: Julia Segal
I became involved with Chabad in the midst of the pandemic, through outdoor holiday celebrations and Sinai Scholars lessons. As many people experienced, the pandemic brought a slew of challenges, including a lack of opportunities for connecting with other students. These events created the opportunity to do so safely, which I was, and still am, incredibly grateful for your help.
The fact that the warmth of the Sanoff family could be felt even through these outdoor and virtual gatherings is a testament to the welcoming environment that the Chabad house and have created.
Considering the past few semesters that I have been involved with Chabad, I would say that my favorite Chabad memories have been getting to prepare meals and bake for holiday celebrations. These experiences are always such a great way for people to come together and help out, and I think that making food really brings people together unlike anything else.
I also have loved getting to start off my Sundays at Chabad with Sunday Brew, which is a
newly instated program, because it is the perfect end to my weekend and start to my next week. It provides a low pressure environment where people feel like they can just come and enjoy themselves with some coffee and delicious food before getting ready for the week, and I feel like that has been so essential to maintaining balance while at school.
I think that if it weren’t for the Chabad house I would not have a lot of the same desire to stay involved in religious life while at school. Especially in the midst of the pandemic, it has been difficult to find safe and comfortable ways to stay involved in many spaces, including religious ones, but you have provided this space and have encouraged me to maintain a sense of spirituality and religious involvement in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable for me.
I would say the single best thing that I have gained from being involved in Chabad has been the opportunity to engage in a religious space where I feel that I can truly take what I want from the experience, without having to feel pressure or like I am engaging in the “wrong way”.
Overall, I became involved with Chabad because of the warmth and welcoming atmosphere that it creates, and I plan to continue with my involvement for the rest of my time here at Vassar because I want to give back to the community and to continue to make the meaningful connections that you foster.
You have provided a space for meaningful connection, friendships, and safe & comfortable Jewish experiences.
the uncertainty and loneliness that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic,
You have encouraged me to maintain a sense of spirituality and religious involvement in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable for me.
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