Staying Connected to Our College Students

By Debbie Sutin

Our joyous role is to deliver a slice of cheer during holidays.

With great pride, joy and maybe just a couple of tears, I joined the ranks of many parents before me when I sent my firstborn child off to college in September of last year. Getting used to this transition has been difficult at times, especially during the Jewish holidays. The reality is: Because my daughter is 956 miles away (but, who’s counting?), she will no longer be home to fully experience Jewish celebrations and the rich connection with the Temple Beth-El family that have always been an integral part of her upbringing.

There will likely be an empty seat next to me in the sanctuary during High Holy Days; my daughter may not be home to enjoy sufganiyot with friends at the TBE Hanukkah Oneg; and she will likely be at school during Purim festivities.

My family is not alone, as the same holds true for so many other TBE families.

Many of us came together to consider the question: “How do we, families of out-of-town college students, bridge that gap between campus and our spiritual home?”

Our answer: A brilliant TBE program started in December 2021 called College Connect, a rebooted version of the one other concerned parents have contributed to before us, including Sandy and Fred Gretch who ran the College Committee of Beth-El for many years.

College Connect is currently run by committee members

Danna Sobiecki, Felisa Myer, Lorin Ugolini Prince, Jill Ranieri and me, along with TBE Director of Engagement and Programming Joy Allen.

Our joyous role is to deliver a slice of cheer during holidays, as well at other times, to ensure that our college kids maintain a sense of connection to TBE and traditions.

The program currently has 18 college students enrolled— and it is growing quickly.

Several times a year, these students receive packages containing holiday goodies and greetings.

For Hanukkah this year, our college students received of them. For Purim, each student was given Mishloach Manot; and for Passover, they will get another festive package.

A WhatsApp group also helps the students stay connected with one another, as well as with TBE clergy. At different points during the year, Rabbi Stoller and Cantor Davis send meaningful video messages and holiday greetings through the student WhatsApp group.

I’m not sure if this program brings more joy to the smiling college kids who feel the connection when they open their packages and receive video messages or to us parents who are happy to witness and facilitate this gift of connection.

If you have not already signed up your child for the College Connect program and are interested in joining in the fall, stay tuned for emails with details. Any adoring adult, including bubbes and zaydes, can register a TBE college student to share this special gift of community and connection with them.