Chabad at Vanderbilt University Completes a Second Year

NASHVILLE, TN [CHI] — Chabad at Vanderbilt University under the direction of Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama Rothstein just finished an amazing school year replete with everything a Jewish student could dream imaginable from the weekly Shabbat dinners to social events to classes that match every Jewish student’s interest. Junior Allan Safdie says “It was another wonderful year of Jewish activities and it was SO much fun! Chabad does so much work and seemingly impossible, it keeps getting better and better every semester!”

The year began amidst the High Holiday season. With a “packed house,” Chabad at Vanderbilt led a full schedule of holiday services and meals. From hearing the Shofar to dancing with the Torah, the inspired students continued to come back to Chabad House for more of their Jewish programs.

Social activities such as roller skating, visiting the Tennessee State Fair, and bowling provided an opportunity for students to meet one another . Angelica Dahl says that “Vanderbilt Chabad has been a home-away-from-home for me. I was brand new to Nashville when I moved here and I hardly knew anyone, and I was far away from my own loving Jewish home, so I took the advice of my grandmother and connected with Chabad. I am very thankful for their presence here! Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama are two of the nicest, warmest, and welcoming people I have ever met. Every gathering is always something to look forward to.” Many students have noted that Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama are like having a Bubbe and Zaide right on campus!

For many students, Shabbat is the highlight of their week. From a Southern themed Shabbat to a Cajun themed Shabbat, students enjoy the incredible spirit that Shabbat at Chabad is known for. From student led services, delicious home-cooked meals, singing, and Jewish teachings, Shabbat is a time that Jewish students from surrounding Middle Tennessee schools gather with their fellow Jewish Vanderbilt Commodores. Meharry medical student Rebecca Pfaff noted that “ I find myself looking forward to the next Friday night Shabbat on Tuesday. It is not just the wonderful food, it was the fact that even though I am from Seattle, I have a place where I belong in the middle of the South.”

Sophomore Aliza Berger feels that “”Chabad at Vanderbilt is an incredible avenue for us to learn about and connect with our Jewish heritage. Shabbat dinners are the perfect place to get to know other students better and Shabbat services are absolutely beautiful. Although all of the social activities have been a blast, what I have enjoyed the most this past year have been all of the impromptu jam sessions and drumming circles after Havdalah and the singing and the learning. I feel so blessed to have such a fabulous Chabad on Campus.”

Sports enthusiasts were enthralled this year when NFL Superbowl Champion Alan Veingrad came to speak at Chabad at Vanderbilt. For many students, it was a chance to learn what it is like for a Jew to play professional football. Junior Jeremy Doochin said that “Veingrad’s message for students is clear. Just like he was a football champion, I and my fellow students must be Jewish champions!”

Chabad at Vanderbilt also hosted Passover Seder’s both nights with 250 people attending in total. For many students, including Freshman Sammy Krieger, it was their first time away from home on Passover. Krieger notes that even though “Rabbi Rothstein and his wife, Nechama have made the Chabad House into a welcoming environment for students campus wide. I was amazed by the intriguing seder Chabad led. The traditional Passover foods and great company made me and all the Jewish students from varying backgrounds feel comfortable. I even learned new insights about the Passover holiday.”

Krieger continues, “Chabad provides students with a safe haven to visit whenever they’d like. As a freshman this past year, I always felt welcomed at the Rothstein’s whether it was on Shabbat or playing with their two children after classes. I am looking forward to being a part of the Chabad executive board in the coming school year and helping it flourish.”

Nursing student Chloe Kiritz says, “I am truly lucky that I live across the street from Chabad. Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama are two of the most lovely and warm people I’ve ever met. They truly provide a home away from home for anyone looking for Jewish wisdom, services for all occasions, delicious food, friendship and great company. They make each and every visitor feel welcome. I particularly like Nechama’s weekly class for women.”

For many students including Neuroscience major Ashley Thomas, Chabad at Vanderbilt does not only contribute to their Jewish experience on campus but affects all their other activities on campus as well. She states that the “the family-style meals and welcoming atmosphere have enhanced my Vanderbilt experience beyond the scope of Judaism—I met some of my closest friends at Simchas Torah, Purim, and weekly Shabbos dinners. I guess the main point is that Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama and every student they interact with have become an extended family that makes me more comfortable at Vanderbilt—something I never even realized was missing until they arrived.”

Freshman Andrew Bromberg states that “the outdoor Purim carnival made me proud to be a Jewish student at Vanderbilt. From the megillah readings every hour on the hour, tug-of-war competition, to the live band, all students became aware of Judaism.” As the school year came to a close, Bromberg continued, “Chabad is a place where you can be yourself. You just come as you are.”

It is with this energy and excitement that Chabad at Vanderbilt looks forward to the upcoming school year with many more new and intriguing programs. Vanderbilt education student Matt Schatz and Middle Tennessee State University student Jon King both agree that “Chabad at Vanderbilt, in only two years, has truly become the center for Jewish life for Jewish students at Vanderbilt University and all surrounding Middle Tennessee colleges.”

For more information about Chabad at Vanderbilt University, please visit www.chabadatvanderbilt.org