Bringing together the local Jewish student community

By Rabbi Mendel Gordon

Spring semester at Florida Gulf Coast University has been full of Jewish pride and joy for the students, with full houses every week for shabbat and an exciting welcome back barbecue.

A big Challah Bake on campus was full of fun and laughter, as students learned new challah braiding techniques and tried to compete on the best challah topping. And, of course, food for the soul, as we explored the significance of the challah ingredients and discussed how lots of other fun things are crazes and fazes, but being Jewish is who we are and with us for life.

The girls had two amazing craft nights. They designed gorgeous mezuzah cases using resin, which they can use to beautify the doorways of their dorm rooms and illustrate a masterpiece of Jewish connection.

In honor of Tu Bishvat, they put together fruit charcuterie boards, exploring the fruits of their Jewish involvement. They went beyond the basics and put in extra effort to make our connection with Hashem sweet and enjoyable.

Our weekly minyan for Israel, which the guys host in the dorms, has been going strong, making every part of campus a holy place.

Lots of amazing Jewish learning has happened, where students go above their busy class schedules and explore their heritage. So far this semester, we have had mini courses on:

• Jewish tips to happiness

• Secrets to success

• 10 keys to a purposeful life exploring 10 basic mitzvas

• Soul maps, learning Jewish mysticism and using that to overcome life’s challenges

We are looking forward to large student Passover Seders this year on April 12 and 13. Please reach out if you know of a local Jewish student looking for a place for Seders.

Chabad services Jewish students of all levels of observance at Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern and other college age students in the area. If you know any Jewish students at FGCU or other nearby colleges, please reach out to connect them with the local Jewish student community.

For more information or to help make that connection, contact me at Rabbi@ chabadfgcu.com or call 239-355-8481.