3 minute read
Dubai: a destination for Jewish FGCU students?!
By Rabbi Mendel Gordon
Would you think that Dubai, an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, is a Jewish destination? I certainly would not have thought it was, but this past summer proved me wrong!
Five of our FGCU students went on an incredible trip they earned by joining and participating in an incredible Jewish learning program called JewishU.
College students are generally preoccupied with taking courses in their major preparing them for their future careers. But, sometimes forgotten, the most important “subject” for them to study is our holy Torah that will connect them to their soul and teach them about their Jewish identity.
JewishU is a program that offers students the special opportunity to learn Torah, thus learning all about who they are! JewishU offers many “mini courses” from which to choose, with hours flexible enough to fit any busy college student’s schedule.
Five of our students finished five courses and were able to join 150 other Jewish students from across America for a five-day trip to Dubai.
Dubai is known not just for its stereotypical sand dunes, camel rides and hot desert winds, but also for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and extravagant night life. But there is a whole other side. The students picked up an amazing Jewish feeling on this trip there.
“It’s amazing how you can be Jewish anywhere,” shared Nicole from Naples. She was impressed by how Jewish life in Dubai has flourished in the last few years.
Jack, a sophomore from Melbourne, Florida, said he was impressed by the beautiful synagogue built by the government in Abu Dhabi. He found it impressive to see how well respected the Jews are by both the locals and the government.
Of course, jeeping in the desert as well as going into the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper) were both unforgettable, but most impressive of all was the amazing Jewish pride with which our students returned.
We owe a huge thank you to Chabad on Campus International for arranging such an amazing trip for our FGCU students, as well as to our many local friends and supporters who make our students’ Jewish growth possible.
We are gearing up for another incredible year for Jewish life on campus. If you know any Jewish students at FGCU or other Southwest Florida colleges, please reach out to connect them with the local Jewish student community.
For more information or to help make that connection, please reach out to Rabbi Mendel at Rabbi@chabadfgcu.com or call 239-355-8481.
