The Forward: Why should Jewish students attend Rutgers?


Why should Jewish students attend Rutgers?

Chabad House-Lubavitch at Rutgers University is the hub of Jewish campus life and “home away from home” for thousands of students here on campus. Chabad provides exciting Jewish programs and parties every night of the week, from weekly socials with live Jewish entertainment and a 24/6 coffee house and sushi bar to Shabbat and Jewish holiday experience weekends and our highly popular CLI Jewish Discovery Initiative Stipend Program, where students from every background and level of observance come together to learn classical Jewish texts and earn $300 per semester. Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes available, as well as chavrusas (study partners) and inspiring speakers. The Chabad House also boasts two synagogues: an Ashkenazi and a Sephardic synagogue for the many students we have of Syrian, Persian, Moroccan and Spanish backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, Chabad offers two state-of-the-art Jewish dormitories, one for women and one for men with workout and game rooms, together with an international food court and cafeteria. There are four rabbis on staff, a five (Jewish) star chef and sous chef and a full Executive Leadership Team of student activists who organize and direct the many programs at Rutgers, including the Israel advocacy groups, community service providing weekly hospital patient and nursing home resident visitations, special needs programming, and the RU Mitzvah Marathon. Oh, and don’t forget my wife’s program of challah baking every Thursday night! — Rabbi Baruch Goodman, campus director, Rutgers University Chabad House


Rutgers is a great place to be Jewish. We have the largest and most diverse Jewish undergraduate population in the country; the largest, newest and nicest Hillel building; an outstanding and diverse Hillel staff; an award-winning Center for Israel Engagement; and a multi-faceted, dynamic, welcoming student community that reflects the full spectrum of American Jewish life. — Andrew Getraer, executive director, Rutgers Hillel

If Rutgers is the academic environment you are looking for, the Jewish community is warm, inviting, and well equipped for all types of Jews. The new Hillel is beautiful and warm, and a great place to hang out with friends. There is a very warm, active Shabbat atmosphere, as well as multiple learning and social opportunities every day of the week. The presence of a Jewish dorm is very unique on a secular college campus and is a big attraction for many Jewish students. Rutgers can provide Jewish students for whatever Jewish infrastructure and services they are seeking. — Rabbi Tzvi and Tali Wohlgelernter, OU-JLIC educators

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