When a student is far from home and their parents are miles away, who do they turn to when they’re sick? A parent could console them through the phone and tell them things will be alright. Watkins Health Center could help diagnose the issue and get the student some medicine. But only a dedicated Rabbi and Rebbetzin can be there to deliver the best cure: a steaming hot bowl of fresh matzah ball soup.
Unlike calling home and getting seen by a doctor, matzah ball soup touches the soul and provides that tight, warm hug that the student is looking for. For this reason, Chabad at the University of Kansas has been successfully running a matzah ball soup delivery system for the past 15 years. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic now being felt across campus, this crucial service is even more relevant and vital.
Throughout the school year, all Jewhawks on campus are given a magnet to put on their fridge. It reads, “Sick?? Oy Vey!! Call The Chicken Soup Express! Free chicken soup delivery right to your door...for you or a friend!”
Rain or shine, night or day, the soup express delivers. They are pretty quick too! As KU parent Anne Greene-Hicks said about her child’s soup delivery, “My son had strep throat and was so miserable. I stumbled across KU Chabad’s chicken soup program and true to their word they brought some amazing homemade soup to my son and their self-proclaimed ‘Jewish Penicillin’ really did the trick. I was so touched by this kindness, even in these contentious times.”
Sometimes Chabad’s soup service can work wonders even when a student isn’t sick. With their parents hundreds of miles away, students turn to the Chabad House when they are in crisis or just need an emotional boost. Most recently, junior Emily Brownstein from Chicago was having an overwhelming week. It was ice-cold out and she had back-to-back classes, plus lots of schoolwork all week long. With the absence of much of a social life due to the COVID-19 reality, Brownstein was feeling a bit in the dumps. It was then that Nechama Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad, came by with a delivery of hot and delicious matzah ball soup. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as this was exactly what she needed to boost her spirits and feel loved and embraced.
“After a freezing cold day filled with classes and work, Chabad’s matzah ball soup was exactly what I needed. It was so yummy, and it turned my stressful day into a much better one. I’m so thankful,” said Brownstein.
One segment of the KU community who greatly benefit from this program are the freshmen who are just getting accustomed to being away from home and adapting to college life. As KU parent Simone Elkeles shared, “My daughter, a freshman at KU, was sick and unfortunately I live in Chicago and couldn’t care for her. It’s hard living so far away from my child when she’s sick. To my complete amazement, Nechama brought her homemade chicken soup directly to her dorm! It warms my heart to know that the Chabad at KU fills in with this amazing and free service. They don’t ask for anything in return … just for the students to feel better and feel cared for. As a mother, it warms my heart and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
The “Jewish Penicillin” program is part of KU Chabad’s ReJOYvination 360 Safety Net initiative that is generously supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and other supporters. Working together, KU Chabad is aiming to achieve its goal to always be right there, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for every Jewhawk, for any need.