I wanted to share a few words with you guys tonight about my experiences with Chabad over the years as well as give some words of encouragement for those of you who are new to chabad or have only been a handful of times--particularly the freshmen, you guys really are the future of this place.
I’ll never forget the first time I met Rabbi Zev, moving into towers he greeted me with a warm welcome. When I asked how he knew I was Jewish, he jokingly pointed out the massive Jewish star hanging around my neck --I’ve been coming to chabad ever since.
I didn’t come around much at first, which I attribute to a misconception I had and I know many others share as well. I assumed Chabad was a religious organization designed for Orthodox Jews only. Here at UT that’s far from being the case. Whether you’re orthodox, conservative, reformed or not even an observant Jew everyone is always welcome here and I think it only takes one Chabad experience to realize that. As I look around me tonight, I feel just as welcome here today as an alumni as I did 4 years ago as a freshmen.
Although I have not been extremely religious throughout my life, keeping a strong tie to my Jewish identity remained a priority during college, and I am so thankful that Chabad allowed me to stay close to my Jewish roots.
I think for Jewish students here at UT, Chabad is by far the most underutilized resource that they have available to them. Not only is there Shabbat every week, with a delicious home cooked meal, but there so many other great events throughout the entire year; Chill’n n Grilln, holiday services, and even study snacks during finals are just a few great events that I attended during my four years in Austin.
No one really see’s all the hard work that goes on behind the scene to make nights like tonight possible. Rabbi Zev and Ariela are truly two of the most incredible people you’ll ever meet. I can proudly say that my college experience at UT was greatly enhanced by having the opportunity to meet and work with these two people and their positive, self-less approach to daily life is something I truly admire.
I guess my overall message is for everyone to keep coming back and to bring your friends. For all the work that is put into running this place, the only thing expected in return is for the students to show up to the events. Rabbi Zev and Ariela work extremely hard to make nights like tonight possible! Hope to see all of you again soon, and Shabbat Shalom.
Reegan wrote...