Chabad at Penn Campus Update - Spring 2021

‫בס״ד‬

WINTER

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2021

CHABAD HOUSE AT PENN PERELMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE

Campus Update Adapting to the New Situation As Penn announced its closure to in-person classes last spring, Chabad at Penn went into high-gear, creatively finding ways to support students during the unique and unchartered situation in which the world found itself.

For the students still on campus, in place of our signature Shabbat dinners, we offered Shabbat-to-go, a box filled with Shabbat candles, grape juice, Nechama’s homemade challah, and a full, delicious and wholesome dinner, including dessert (all homemade!). The box included a how-to guide for making your own Shabbat dinner, the blessings for candles, kiddush and challah, as well as the Birkat Hamazon and a Dvar Torah about the weekly Torah portion.

Students were exceptionally grateful for the “taste of home,” the “feeling of being cared for” and even the ability to break up the week by getting out and having an outdoor, socially distanced, and masked chat with Rabbi Levi while picking up their personalized boxes. As one student wrote, “The Shabbat-to-Go boxes have been a light in a time of darkness. I am so grateful.”

Passover 2020 With the approach of Passover, seeing that Chabad’s large scale seders were not possible, Chabad kicked into gear to provide seder catering for students who weren’t able to travel home, Passover food to go, as well as pre-Passover Zoom sessions. Yisroel Haskelevich, age 13, taught a session on the laws of Passover, in addition to Rabbi Levi’s pre-holiday inspirational message. For students celebrating at home, Chabad sent hand-made Shmurah matzah to over 250 families. This made it possible for students to fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah with intentionally made matzah, ideal for performing the mitzvah. We also published the Penn Haggadah, which included commentaries written by students and staff on various passages of choice. The Haggadah was a beautiful addition to over 300 seders across the country.

When High Holidays Left the Synagogue Sansom Street, plus the option for Holiday-to-go boxes for those who preferred to stay at home.

Chabad also took the Holidays to the streets, coordinating outdoor, distanced Shofar Services across more than seven campus locations at different times throughout Rosh Hashanah. Students who were otherwise not attending services in person were able to fulfill this very important mitzvah, safely and conveniently.

As the High Holidays approached, many wondered how they would celebrate without the familiar large-scale services to which we have all become accustomed. Students who were living around campus joined together for unforgettable outdoor and distanced services.

Our large, open-sided tent in the Chabad House parking lot was filled to safe capacity, as many students did not travel home for the holidays due to Covid safety.

“Chairs spilled out onto Delancey Street to accommodate the crowds of students who appreciated the sense of safety and community that Chabad provided."

Chairs spilled out onto Delancey Street to accommodate the crowds of students who appreciated the sense of safety and community that Chabad provided, particularly during the unsettling times.

To abide by the state restrictions, Chabad offered three options for Rosh Hashana dinners: an undergrad dinner in the Chabad House tent, a grad student outdoor dinner at a satellite location on

From the Students: Staying at Penn » MAX TANENBAUM W'22

“During the pandemic, Chabad helped out from the start, and they have been there for students when they needed support and traditions the most.”

» LINDSAY EVANS V.M.D. '22

“Chabad at Penn has given me an opportunity to feel community in such an isolating time. Their events have become the highlight of my week.”

» JAMIE BAUM L'22

“Chabad has been a place that students can rely on for genuine connection and care.”

» JOELI ERTEL W'21

“Chabad leaned in to these strange times and sought creative new ways to engage students. They remind me how grateful I am for my vibrant Jewish community.”

» VIKKI KALBACHER SP2'21

“Thank you so much for my Chanukah care package, and for always making me feel special and loved.”

» ILANA GITLIN V.M.D. '22

“Chabad at Penn remained steady. No matter what, I knew that I had a warm and loving community to spend holidays & Shabbat with in a safe way.”

Ever Heard of a Sukkah Village?

How About a Sukkah Bike?

This fall, the University limited gatherings to 25 people (distanced). Chabad came up with the idea not just to provide a sukkah for students to cele-

brate, but to create a whole village of sukkahs to accommodate as many students as possible.

In the empty lot across Spruce Street, Chabad built four large, and “Covid safe,” open-walled sukkahs, each able to safely host 25 students at a time. The first night of Sukkot saw over 80 socially distant participants across 3 sukkahs, each served individual meals by a team of waiters. Over 350 students joined sukkot events.

On other days and nights of the holiday, Chabad hosted group specific events, such as a Freshmen BBQ, Law Students BBQ, MBA students dinner, Grad students mixer, Sushi in the Sukkah event for AEPI, JHP and more. The sukkahs were constantly filled with people and individually packaged food, truly creating a village feel right in the middle of student living.

Once again, Chabad’s innovative talent surfaced in providing the opportunity for over 120 students to bless the lulav and etrog by building a sukkah bike, bringing the four kinds and a sukkah right to the students’ doors, known as Lulav Prime.

PORTRAITS OF

RESILIENCE Chabad provided an array of Zoom classes and guest speakers, including Portraits of Resilience (created by the BICEP Chabad Collaborative), Israeli actor and screenwriter Lior Raz best known for Fauda, and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. and Penn alumnus, Ron Dermer.

Addressing the current pandemic lockdown, Dr.

Dr. Edith Eger Finding Focus Amidst a World in Turmoil

Dr. Edith Eger, known as the Ballerina of Auschwitz, was forced to dance to survive by Joseph Mengele, but she was free in her mind. Born to Hungarian Jewish parents before the Holocaust, she still practices psychology at the age of 93.

As a survivor, she specializes in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Her memoir, entitled The Choice: Embrace the Possible, published in 2017, became an international best-seller. She has appeared on CNN, The Oprah Winfrey Show and is an inspiration all over the world.

Eger shared with the students—who Zoomed in from across the country—her journey through the Holocaust and how she came to the realization that one does not need to remain damaged by the past—we all have the power to choose not to be victims. “While we cannot choose our circumstances, we can choose how we react to them,” she said.

“As Jews, we know that life has its clouds, but we know how to ride the storm and find the blue sky that was always there, just hidden from view.” she reflected. “Our ancestors wandered in the desert for forty years but never gave up. We, too, should never give up hope.”

Addressing the current pandemic lockdown, Dr.

Eger told the students, “It’s not what happens—it’s what you do with it. It is okay to be alone—use

the time to do the things you always wanted to but never had the time.” Her positive attitude and em-

powering message formed a refreshing paradigm shift for the students during this difficult time.

Nissim Black Black & Jewish: A Raw Conversation

Nissim Black, a former rapper and current hip hop star, converted to Judaism and currently

lives in Jerusalem. Black, quite

the anomaly, talked about inter-

sectionality from his unique vantage point.

When asked about how to bring

different cultures closer together, he discussed the importance of

empathy and open dialogue to break down walls between eth-

nic groups. He said, “If someone is crying out, it’s because they are feeling pain. We need to acknowledge that.”

He also talked about how much the black and

Jewish communities have in common. “Jews and Blacks have both suffered at the hands of oppressors over the course of history,” he said.

He also reminded his listeners that, “It’s important not to give in to victimhood—we can choose a different future than our past.”

Discussing his passion for music, Black talked about his desire to spread light and positivity through this medium that he loves so much. His message was we can all be ambassadors in whichever field we find ourselves.

Black’s journey from Islam to Christianity and finally to Judaism, from the inner-city gang life to raising a Jewish family, was enthralling. His tremendous breadth of study, which led him to find the truth of Judaism, moved and inspired students to deepen their own Jewish knowledge base.

Dina Hurwitz Woman Warrior Rebbetzin

Feeling inspired and uplifted is not the way one would expect to walk away from a talk by a woman whose husband has been completely paralyzed by ALS. But that’s Dina Hurwitz, with raw emotion and self-deprecating humor, Dina shared the story of her struggle when her life took a completely unexpected route.

With grace and warmth, Dina told of how her faith in G-d helps make her challenges become bearable.

She discussed her choice to refrain from becoming bitter and consumed with anger. “Pain is inevitable,” she said, “but suffering is your choice.”

And that is what she has done; in caring for her husband, raising her seven children, and giving herself the space to do the best she can under her current circumstances.

Addressing the topic of resilience during difficult times, she likened it to a muscle. “The more you practice using it, the stronger it will become,” she

said. “You need to be honest with yourself about the difficult time you’re going through and find tools that help you manage, such as leaning on good friends, helping other people...and a little humor is also helpful,” she shared.

As Leah, a participant from California, wrote, “The Hurwitz's unshakable, top-of-the-charts trust and faith in G-d brings so much hope not only to them, but to the entire world. I would love to hear this again and again to fully digest her every word.”

Izzy Ezagui Lessons in Resilience

Izzy Ezagui, a decorated squad commander in the Israel Defense Forces, is the only soldier in the world who lost an arm in combat and returned to the battlefield.

Through sheer determination, he retrained himself to do everything from tying his shoelaces to unpinning a grenade, with only one arm. Propelled by his dream to defend the Jewish homeland and its people, he told every military official and politician who came to visit soldiers in the hospital that he wanted to return to combat, until one finally agreed. In 2011, former President Shimon Peres awarded him one of Israel's highest military honors. While he continues to serve in an elite reserves unit, Izzy delivers inspirational talks across the United States and internationally.

When asked what advice he would share with people going through challenges such as his, Izzy told the students, “Humans are generally resilient and finding meaning will give you the drive to persevere.” He talked about how he struggles with mundane day-to-day annoyances, but it is a constant process that you have to keep working at.” “Cut yourself some slack if you’re not always in the right head space,” he said, “Because the sooner you realize that life has its ups and downs, the sooner you’ll be able to handle them.”

Chabad Zoom Program Highlights Left: Ron Dermer, Israel's Ambassador to the US and Penn alum Right: Lior Raz from the Netflix series Fauda

Senior Reflections: A Virtual Sendoff This year’s Senior Sendoff event went virtual.

have many amazing times, along with bumps and

from their own homes, coming together to share

that what is happening is what G-d wants for us, it

Using Zoom, graduating seniors joined virtually L’chaims for reaching this milestone in their lives,

to share reflections on their times at Penn, and to

laugh at their fondest memories from Chabad. Two Penn alumni also joined and shared the do’s and don’ts of moving on to the next stage in life.

Jonathan Schottenstein W’04, President &

challenges along the way, and when we remember will help us through those times.

Jason Ostheimer W’04, co-founder and partner of Advancit Capital, shared his appreciation for what Shabbat has brought to his life. He recalled his years of working crazy long hours, often until

3:00 am, and how observing Shabbat created an

COO of American Signature Furniture, shared

island of peace within his week. Shabbat has

students the most important thing in life is their

what is important.

thing one does. He told the seniors that life will

mail and were profiled on Chabad social media.

his fond memories from his time at Penn and told

given him a time to take a step back and reflect on

faith in G-d, and how that truly centers every-

Graduates received a parting gift from Chabad via

NOAH WERKSMAN W'20

“Chabad was always a home away from home for me. Going there provided an opportunity to get my mind off the stresses of school. I'm grateful to the Haskelevich family for being a second family to me and all the students.”

GABRIEL BEN-JACOV C'20

“Chabad is truly special—it is amazing to have been a part of such a vibrant community at Penn. Thank you for encouraging me, and all of us, to do more mitzvahs and to be more involved.”

JAIME MOREINUS W'20

“Thank you to Rabbi Levi and Nechama for opening up your home and being there for us so many times. Sinai Scholars explained so much about real life and practical things—that was really unique, and I’m so grateful.”

DANIELLE COLLINS C'20

“I spent a lot of time at Chabad, which was such a great decision. I was there for every Shabbat meal, and each one was special. I’m so grateful to be a part of this Chabad family and will be forever!”

BRITTANY LEVY C'20 “When I first came to Penn, I was a lot less into Judaism

than I am now. As soon as I got accepted to Penn, Rabbi Levi reached out for a warm welcome, and I got involved at Chabad freshman year. The experiences I had and the people I met impacted the rest of my Penn journey. I spent a summer in Israel after Birthright with Chabad, which changed my relationship with Judaism forever. I am eternally grateful!”

Joseph Safra Memorial Service A memorial service was held for Mr. Joseph Safra ‫ע"ה‬, on Thursday, January 7th in the Beit Yaacov Synagogue of the Chabad House at Penn. Mishnayot were studied in between the Mincha and Maariv services, corresponding to letters of the name Yosef. Rabbi Ephraim Levin shared some deeper insights from the teachings of Chassidus regarding those Mishnah passages, as well as the memorial commemoration in general.

Mr. Safra was the founder of the Beit Yaacov Synagogue together with his sons, Jacob, Alberto, and David. May the soul of Yosef ben Yaacov ‫ ע"ה‬have an elevation and bring blessings and success to his family in the merit of his tremendous kindness and generosity towards the Jewish community at large.

, 4032-34 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Rabbi Menachem & Chava Schmidt Executive Directors Rabbi Ephraim & Flora Levin Directors

w www.LubavitchHouse.com G /Lubavitch House c 215.746.6115

Rabbi Levi & Nechama Haskelevich Campus Rabbi, Directors of Programming

Not Going Back to Normal At Chabad, we look forward to emerging from the cur-

Dear Friends,

While many are looking forward to life ‘getting back to normal,’ Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidism taught that “every descent is for the sake of an ascent.” Every challenge that we endure must propel us to emerge stronger and better off than we were at the outset.

When we find ourselves in the midst of difficult circumstances, G-d provides us with greater strengths to overcome those challenges. Those strengths stay with us. They help us emerge even stronger and capable of doing better than we did before.

rent circumstances much stronger—with the abilities to broaden and deepen our reach.

Thank you to all the students, parents, alumni and friends who partner with us every day to support the

Jewish students on campus, and to shine the beauti-

ful light of Judaism now and always. Please enjoy

a brief sampling of your impact at Penn over the past year.

Wishing you and yours unending joy, light and success in your lives,

Rabbi Levi and Nechama Haskelevich

Why We Support Chabad at Penn Jennifer & Eli Gross, Locust Valley, NY College is a huge adjustment and transition for many students. For some, it is their first time away from home, and their first step towards independence. It is also a time for exploration and identity formation.

Most millennials are exposed to social media and are often left feeling isolated, looking for a personal connection. The Chabad at Penn was a visible presence that offered our son an environment to invest himself.

The Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Chabad at Penn offered so much more than a Friday night meal. Chabad at Penn proved to be a home of life-changing opportunities, both spiritually and socially. This connection was what our son was searching for. Our son was able to go to Chabad during his free time and spend quality hours with friends in a comforting and casual manner. He knew that their doors were always open, whether it was for a Passover Seder, or just a regular weekday afternoon.

We support Chabad at Penn so that other students can have the same opportunities for knowledge and spiritual connection. The anchor Chabad provided our son will keep him grounded for life.

To support the work of Chabad at Penn please go to: www.LubavitchHouse.com/Donate