Jews grow in faith at Chabad

Well into her first year at Western Washington University, Elizabeth Setlow wanted to learn more than what was taught in her college classes. She also wanted to learn more about what it means to be Jewish.

“I had sort of a secular upbringing” on Whidbey Island, Setlow said. “I always identified myself as Jewish, but I never had the opportunity to do anything about it.”

Setlow, 19, got that opportunity late last year when she spotted rabbinical students in full Hasidic attire at Bellis Fair mall. She struck up a conversation, figuring they could probably help her learn more about Judaism in Bellingham.

The students got her in touch with Chabad, an international outreach organization devoted to helping Jewish people like Setlow learn more about their heritage.

At the time Setlow was searching, Rabbi Levi Backman was preparing to establish a Chabad House here.

Since the rabbi and his wife, Hadassah, moved here from Brooklyn, N.Y., in late February, their North Forest Street home has become a small-scale Jewish cultural and education center. They’ve held holiday gatherings, Torah readings and weekly Sabbath candle lightings. They’ve taught subjects ranging from Hebrew to challah-making.

“If they’re Jewish and want to learn more about their heritage,” Hadassah said, “we make it accessible for them.”

Setlow is now a regular at the Backmans’ home. Sometimes she’s there for a formal Sabbath dinner or study session.

“Anytime I’m over there, I’m learning something new,” she said.
Other times, she’s just there to hang out with other Jewish students or play with the Backmans’ infant son, Meir.

“Hadassah’s always good for a bowl of kosher chicken soup,” she said. “Little things like that make you feel like you’re a part of something greater than yourself.”

Chabad events aren’t meant to replace or compete with other Jewish organizations or synagogues, the rabbi said, but to add to what’s already happening in the Jewish community.

The Backmans, in keeping with Chabad tradition, are Hasidic Jews who keep kosher and strive to live by the laws in the Torah. But Chabad tradition also teaches that Jews are Jews, members of the same family, the rabbi said, no matter how they practice their religion.“I am not trying to make more of me,” he said. “I am trying to educate Jews so they can find out more about how they are as Jews.”

Growing and learning in faith is important, the rabbi said, no matter how devout you are.

“It’s like an escalator going down,” he said. “You have to keep taking steps up. You always have to grow.”