Kosher Food Not Far Away at Fraternity Gatherings
For the historically Jewish college fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi and its brothers across the nation, regional conclaves offer an opportunity to connect and build leadership skills. But because the events usually coincide with Shabbat, they also rely on many campus Chabad Houses for kosher food and traditional hospitality.
Kosher meals were at the ready at AEPi’s Mid-Atlantic conclave last weekend at Virginia Tech, where Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Zvi and Chani Zwiebel offered kosher meals and opened their homes to out-of-town guests.
“There’s a strong connection between Chabad and AEPi,” said the rabbi, who also addressed the brothers before one of their sessions. “Both Chabad and AEPi brothers are prepared to do anything just for the sake of another brother or another Jew.”
Students, such as Dickinson College senior Yaakov Grossman, got in touch with the Zweibels through their own Chabad Houses.
“I’m going to be spending a lot of time with Rabbi Zwiebel during the conclave,” Grossman said before the conference. “It’s critical for me that Chabad is there, because there’s not much of a Jewish community where the conclave is. The Zwiebels’ presence during the conclave is so important. I’m really excited for it.”
Yosef Amrami, a sophomore pre-med student from the University of Minnesota, attended the Midwest regional conclave last month in Ohio.
“Chabad on campus is so important and is there for people no matter what,” he said. “They really fit a much-needed niche, and are so good to have.”
Rabbi Yossy Gordon, executive vice president of the Chabad on Campus International Foundation, explained that such efforts come as part of a national partnership between AEPi and Chabad Houses across North America.
“It’s vitally important for Jewish students to know that no matter where they are, they can always find a home away from home,” he said.
Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein, director of the Tannenbaum Chabad House at Northwestern University and an AEPi international rabbi, agreed.
“The partnership between AEPi and Chabad on Campus is continually evolving in many directions,” said Klein, an honorary AEPi brother and liaison between the Chabad on Campus International Foundation and Greek life organizations, “in order to be able to nurture a Jewish cultural life within the brotherhood.”
A Hokie Turned Frum
Go Zvi and Chani! I can’t imagine what my college experience (or the AEPi fraternity) would have been like if you had been there when I was at VT. Keep up the great work!
Traveling jew
Chabad house in Blacksburg ,Va, does an amazing job!!!Their warmth and hospitality is outstanding!!
Much Hatzlocho!
Keep it up Zvi Yaakov and Chanie!!!
Much Hatzlocho in your shlichus!!!
You guys are amazing!
hope to c u soon
keep up the good work tzvi yakov and fam.
your family in c’h
Fan
Zvi Yakov and Chani , you should have continued success in all of your work and in making a difference in the lives of others.
Car man
Where is the Chabad House in Ohio that Mr. Amrami referred to in the article?
anony
University of Cincinnati AEPI had a recent conclave. People went to the University of Cincinnati Chabad House rub by Rabbi and Mrs. Creeger.
Friendsfrom overseas
Well done Zvi Yaakov & Chanie. We’re very proud of you. You are true examples of what Sh’lichus should be.