Jewish Mysticism Now Served with Chopsticks

NEW YORK, NY — Jewish life at Baruch College is flourishing. There are many ways the students can get in touch with their Jewish roots. Recently, a new learning initiative called the Baruch College Torah Center, created by the Chabad Club, has had success in motivating to learn topics relating to Judaism.

The program, called “Study with Sushi,” takes place every Thursday during club hours in VC 3-240. Anyone can come to learn one on one about Jewish mysticism, philosophy, law, Torah, or just to talk about topics they find important, while delighting in a full array of freshly delivered sushi. It’s a great forum to find out more about the things you find puzzling in Judaism, questions that are unanswered, and topics that interest you, in an open and welcoming environment.

“The Baruch College Torah Center provides an environment full of inspiration and insight amidst all the noise and distractions of everyday life,” says Jack Gershkovits, senior. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day business of going to college, but its also important to take a step back and nourish yourself – whether with food or with learning.

However, learning goes beyond, and delves into myriad deep aspects of Judaism. Rabbi Levi Stolik and his wife, Sara, the directors of Chabad at Baruch, conduct the program. They provide learning partners for everyone to facilitate learning in an intimate setting.

Seth Steinmetz, the student coordinator who jumpstarted the program, relates his personal thoughts. “It gives me a real learning experience where I develop my learning skills just like I’m at an authentic learning institution full time,” he says. The program has flourished in recent weeks. Be sure to come prepared with questions, an open mind ready to learn and an appetite for good sushi, but even more so, an appetite for knowledge.

Chabad is a philosophy within Judaism that believes in intellect, mysticism, and service of G-d through joy and acts of kindness, which will help bring about the coming of the messiah. This is all based upon the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rabbis, a tradition that dates back over 250 years. Chabad can be found in over 100 college campuses.