900 Students Arriving in Crown Heights

This weekend, Shabbos Parshas Vayeira, over 900 students and 100 Shluchim and Shluchos will be coming to Crown Heights for the largest open gathering of Jewish students in America.

The following is an open letter to all residents of the Shchunah from Rabbi Eli Moshe Levitansky, on behalf of the Chabad on Campus International Shabbaton Organizing Committee:

Being a Shliach on campus is fraught with its own difficulties, requiring mesirasnefesh as we battle the unique challenges inherent to college campuses. It’s at this time, however, that we’re reminded as Shluchim that we are not alone. As the people of Crown Heights open their homes to our students with unbelievable Hachnosasorchim, despite this coming so close to the whirlwinds of Tishrei, we are reminded that “Chassidim EinMishpocha” – you are all truly partners in our work.

On our returns back to campus, the students tell us how inspired they have become. While they love the classes and lectures, the visits to 770 and the Ohel, and the energy of spending Shabbos with hundreds of other Jewish students, they admit are often most affected by their hosts. Students are amazed as families open their doors to complete strangers with such warmth, serving them the finest Friday night dinner, and welcoming them as part of the family for the weekend. This is the true embodiment of the Chassidus we teach them, and makes the largest impact. Seeing people smile, offer help on the streets, and welcome them to their community, makes our students realize that their Rabbi and Rebbetzin don’t exist in a vacuum; they’re not just who they are because “it’s their job.” This is truly a way of life open to everyone.

Before we descend on the streets of Crown Heights this weekend, on behalf of Chabad on Campus International and every Shliach and Shlucha, I’d like to thank you sincerely for your hospitality and the great impact you have on our students.

Although this should go without saying, I’d like to touch briefly on an important point: The students we bring to Crown Heights are at varying stages of their journey towards Yiddishkeit. Most have a developing relationship with their Chabad on campus, and were prepared, to the best of the shliach’s ability, regarding the socially acceptable behaviors in our neighborhood. Please bear in mind: What these students gain most from the people they meet is the simple and straightforward Ahavas Yisroel that Crown Heights is built upon. If you witness any Halachically inappropriate behavior (smoking, taking a picture, carrying an umbrella on Shabbos, for example) please remember these people are still on a journey in their Yiddishkeit. While we do not condone these behaviors, we’d like to emphasize that positive, uplifting experiences help them grow while well-intentioned yet unwarranted instructions about Hilchos Shabbos or other matters have had long-lasting negative effects.

Another note: Today, universities and parents have drastically changed their attitudes towards students drinking alcohol. Most students remain under the legal drinking age of 21, and we respectfully remind you to refrain from serving mashke, particularly to those underage.

Again, Thank You! May all of our efforts be met with Hatzlacha, may they achieve their goal of bringing Nachas to the Rebbe, and may we immediately all together celebrate the ultimate kibutzgoliyos with the coming of Moshiach Now!

P.S. Shluchim are still looking for gracious residents who can host students for the weekend, for sleeping (Friday and Saturday nights) and/or Friday night dinner. If you have any space for either boys or girls please contact ndd@chabad.edu or (718) 510-8181. Thank you!