The Chabad Club: Getting Past the Student Activity Hour

S. MONICA, CA — On a patch of grass next to the clock tower, Rabbi Eli Levitansky, advisor of the Chabad Club, stands in heated discussion with a few girls.

They argue points of Jewish belief, neither him nor the students letting go, as he gets into it, showing the students that he is passionate in what he stands for.

After that, he talks to a few more students individually, inviting one girl over for Friday night meal and assisting another boy find the prayer book he is looking for.

Rabbi Eli himself is born and bred in Santa Monica, and has been part of Santa Monica College full time since the fall semester. “It’s been an overall good experience,” he said.

The first Chabad outreach center began in UCLA in 1969, a center geared towards college students to teach the about their heritage. There are over 130 Chabad on Campuses, not counting internationally.

At SMC the Chabad club began years ago, but kept a low profile and mainly did events only for big holidays. It has now flourished into of the biggest clubs at SMC. There are about 20-40 members that participate in the Chabad club at SMC in events such as BBQ’s, Friday Night meals and baking classes. They also offer class twice a week, one on one study for anyone interested and weekend retreats with other Chabad on campuses. Lunch is served with each of the classes, giving the students another option besides from the cafeteria and vending machines.

“It’s a great way for us to get together with others that have the same heritage and background as us,” said Naomi Rahmani, President of the Chabad club, “I love it.” Students standing around her nod in agreement. They talk and laugh about different issues among themselves, relishing the time they all get to spend together.

One of the most popular things Chabad participates in is Birthright. Birthright is a completely free, 10-day trip, in winter and summer, to Israel. Chabad does it in conjunction with the Maayanot organization, and the only prerequisites to go on the trip are students that wish to participate must be 18-26, Jewish and have not been on a sponsored trip to Israel before.

Chabad also does another trip to Israel called Israelinks, which is a longer 3-week trip, with more focus on studies and learning.

Rabbi Eli loves being at SMC, and helping out his students, as can be seen by his dedication, coming to campus everyday, not just during student activity hour. “There is always a presence on campus for students to discuss anything,” he said.

He also praises ICC, calling them “helpful, supportive and understanding.”
The Chabad club is not just another club that meets for an hour once a week, but rather it is a home away from home, for students that are away from home. An inviting atmosphere with events, classes and activities every week, and constantly willing and ready to help out anyone who asks.