I especially enjoyed viewing the Chabad website. The influence of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in the Jewish world has increased tremendously over the last few years. This may be because many Chabad individuals agree to travel and live in places all over the world where very few Jews live. The Chabadnicks have a tremendous level of tolerance toward those who are non-observant. They seem to have unconditional love for every Jew, regardless of their degree of Jewish knowledge and observance. It is their mission to reach out to all Jews wherever they are, regardless of their background, and to teach them about Judaism, their faith. One of their big tools is Chanukah. Chabad sets up a large menorah in public locations and attracts many people to the lighting of the menorah.
Personally, I have found the Chabad people extremely friendly and hospitable and they give off a true feeling that they care about others. I had several Chabad teachers at the Jewish Day School I attended and I always found them very warm and tolerant to others. They invited their students to their homes for holiday celebrations and they showed interest in their students. Recently, Chabad has opened new Chabad houses on many American college campuses. Here at NYU, Rabbi Korn, the Chabad Rabbi, and his wife, Sarah, are very warm and personable. Chabad provides free delicious meals on Friday night at the Chabad house that Rebbetzin Korn prepares herself. Each Shabbat there is another food theme- Good ol’ Shabbat, American Shabbat, Hawaiian Shabbat, Sushi Shabbat, Italian Shabbat, Sephardi Shabbat, etc. Rabbi Korn recites Kiddush for everyone and goes around pouring each and every person wine. Everyone washes, makes Hamotzi over bread, and partakes of the meal. Then, there is a short Torah thought given on the week’s Torah portion (parsha) and people mingle with each other in a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere. Many unaffiliated Jews are attracted to the Shabbat dinner and everyone is made to feel comfortable. The Shabbat dinner gives these individuals the opportunity to learn about Shabbat and spend several hours with their fellow Jews socializing and enjoying the Shabbat spirit. It is a great opportunity to be part of this warm and welcoming atmosphere.
On Wednesday nights, many people gather at the Chabad house for Café Chabad/Hookah Night. It is a get-together that consists of a discussion on Jewish philosophy, together with socializing and an open forum to discuss ideas and ask questions. Of course, refreshments are served and there is Hookah. I, personally, have not gone to this, but lots of people love it.
Rabbi Korn is comfortable mingling with all students at NYU. Often one can see him sitting outside Weinstein offering hot apple cider and other goodies to the students. He’s the guy with the long black beard, saying “Are you Jewish?” He draws students into conversation and invites them to participate in Chabad activities, which include a ski trip, concerts, etc. More information about Chabad at NYU can be found at www.jewishlifedowntown.com.
I am not on the Chabad board, nor am I Lubavitch, so I have no selfish reasons to promote Chabad. However, Chabad at NYU, and Rabbi Korn, specifically, are truly awesome. He’s just…amazing and down-to-earth. He met his wife at a Grateful Dead concert. Can’t get much cooler than that. posted by Lisa
Personally, I have found the Chabad people extremely friendly and hospitable and they give off a true feeling that they care about others. I had several Chabad teachers at the Jewish Day School I attended and I always found them very warm and tolerant to others. They invited their students to their homes for holiday celebrations and they showed interest in their students. Recently, Chabad has opened new Chabad houses on many American college campuses. Here at NYU, Rabbi Korn, the Chabad Rabbi, and his wife, Sarah, are very warm and personable. Chabad provides free delicious meals on Friday night at the Chabad house that Rebbetzin Korn prepares herself. Each Shabbat there is another food theme- Good ol’ Shabbat, American Shabbat, Hawaiian Shabbat, Sushi Shabbat, Italian Shabbat, Sephardi Shabbat, etc. Rabbi Korn recites Kiddush for everyone and goes around pouring each and every person wine. Everyone washes, makes Hamotzi over bread, and partakes of the meal. Then, there is a short Torah thought given on the week’s Torah portion (parsha) and people mingle with each other in a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere. Many unaffiliated Jews are attracted to the Shabbat dinner and everyone is made to feel comfortable. The Shabbat dinner gives these individuals the opportunity to learn about Shabbat and spend several hours with their fellow Jews socializing and enjoying the Shabbat spirit. It is a great opportunity to be part of this warm and welcoming atmosphere.
On Wednesday nights, many people gather at the Chabad house for Café Chabad/Hookah Night. It is a get-together that consists of a discussion on Jewish philosophy, together with socializing and an open forum to discuss ideas and ask questions. Of course, refreshments are served and there is Hookah. I, personally, have not gone to this, but lots of people love it.
Rabbi Korn is comfortable mingling with all students at NYU. Often one can see him sitting outside Weinstein offering hot apple cider and other goodies to the students. He’s the guy with the long black beard, saying “Are you Jewish?” He draws students into conversation and invites them to participate in Chabad activities, which include a ski trip, concerts, etc. More information about Chabad at NYU can be found at www.jewishlifedowntown.com.
I am not on the Chabad board, nor am I Lubavitch, so I have no selfish reasons to promote Chabad. However, Chabad at NYU, and Rabbi Korn, specifically, are truly awesome. He’s just…amazing and down-to-earth. He met his wife at a Grateful Dead concert. Can’t get much cooler than that. posted by Lisa
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