During move-in day at the dorms, the students were welcomed by KU Chabad, followed by the first Shabbat of the year. Even students who had never heard of Chabad came and brought their friends along.
Daniel Wachsberg, a regular at Chabad last year, brought his new freshmen friends along to Shabbat dinner. Sam Rubin, a freshman from Buffalo Grove, IL, said, “Moving to Kansas from Illinois was a bit of a different experience, but the family at Chabad was so welcoming at the first Shabbat of the year, and I will definitely be going back soon.”
Wachsberg added, “It felt great to come back to Chabad and the Tiechtels who are like family.”
On the first Tuesday of the semester, Chabad re-launched its “Jewhawk Tent” in the heart of campus, giving out “swag” and giveaways, along with holiday treats.
Junior Sam Sokoloff, who helped run the Jewhawk tent, said, “All of the students loved the giveaways, of course, but they also were so friendly and really wanted to get involved. It was fun seeing everyone from last year and meeting all the new faces.”
After the difficult year of Covid, students are excited to return back to campus with some sense of normalcy. While restrictions are still in place and all precautions are being adhered as per the CDC guidelines, there is still a great joy in being able to connect together in person as a community.
The school year kick off was topped off with a welcome back barbeque co-sponsored by Hawks Pointe Apartments. The event featured Jewhawk t-shirts, ring toss, hotdogs and hamburgers. Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel led a Shofar Blast competition.
“Schmoozing and noshing with the entire Tiechtel family, along with some student veterans, I was able to learn so much about the opportunities out there that will allow me to continue my exploration of Jewish education and culture. I am so excited for another great year of Shabbat dinners, Shabbatons, and socials,” sophomore Julia Shlozman said.
Learn more about KU Chabad and its many programs at www.JewishKU.com.