Once a week, Jewish students at the University of Kansas have the opportunity to attend KU Chabad’s “Lunch & Learn” on campus at the KU Memorial Union.
This program gives students the chance to eat a kosher meat lunch as they explore the weekly Torah portion. KU Chabad’s Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel says the program is lunch “with some nosh for the soul on the side.”
Now in its 16th year, the weekly “Lunch & Learn” has built a strong following, even though it takes place in the middle of the school day. A different Torah portion is studied in depth every class, and its relevance and meaning for the student's lives is explored.
“[‘Lunch & Learn’] has become the highlight of my week,” KU senior Ethan Geller said. “[We] spend time with Rabbi Zalman and fellow students having good conversations and giving me some things to think about. We also like to schmooze and catch up during that time, which is always great."
Some students stay after the class to wrap Tefillin or to discuss personal matters with the rabbi because, for many of the students attending, it is their only Jewish experience that week.
“Growing up in a smaller Jewish community, I had minimal opportunities to learn about my own Jewishness,” KU sophomore Paige Feinbloom said. “Tuesdays have become my favorite day of the week, and the ‘Lunch & Learns’ are the highlights that keep me going during the stress of college life.”
To learn more about KU Chabad’s educational programs on campus, contact Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel at or visit www.JewishKU.com.