KU Chabad and the Chabad Teen Network of KC (Cteen) jointly hosted a kosher summer barbecue event for incoming freshmen at Gezer Park in Leawood, Kansas.
The event was to provide resources, support and guidance to the graduating Jewish high schoolers heading to the University of Kansas and other colleges.
Cteen, supporting area Jewish teens through their high school years, aims to encourage students to take pride in their Judaism and deepen their connection with their heritage and culture. Rabbi Avremy and Mushky Baron, directors of CTeen of KC, are transitioning the support of the high school students to Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel, directors of KU Chabad, for their college years.
Rabbi Tiechtel said that the event was to instill confidence and ease anxiety of incoming KU students. The new college culture, schedules and expectations, along with leaving friends behind, are taxing on new college students, Rabbi Tiechtel said.
The recent uptick in antisemitism further worries Jewish students, Rabbi Tiechtel said. A survey conducted by the ADL in 2021 found that one-third of Jewish students on college campuses had personally experienced some form of antisemitism.
“We’ve invested so much into their Jewish pride and futures,” Rabbi Baron said. “It’s beautiful to see them enter a new chapter of their lives, still prioritizing their Judaism and ready to grow in their commitment to the Jewish community.”
Rabbi Tiechtel said that incoming freshmen of colleges throughout the country attended the event, many of whom will attend KU in the fall. Many students met future peers who will attend the same college. KU Chabad provided “Jewhawk” gear, and activities explored potential challenges that college students might face and gave resources and tools to support the students.
“It is so important to be there for the freshmen before college even starts,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “Knowing they have a supportive family waiting to welcome them with open arms gives them the comfort and assurance they need.”
“It was exactly what I needed,” said Alicia Goldberg, one of the barbecue attendees. “Seeing how dynamic Chabad on campus is makes me want to be involved in the fun.”