Something Positive Happens at Penn State

Warmth, joy, and appreciation were felt in the air as Penn State alumni, students, parents, supporters, and friends gathered to celebrate Chabad of Penn State’s 10 years of Rabbi Nosson and Sarah Meretsky’s Shlichus at Penn State.

This special gala dinner was conducted at Chabad of the Plaza District in NYC on Sunday November 13th/16th of Cheshvan. The New York City location was specifically chosen to accommodate most alumni, parents, and supporters who live in the metropolitan area.

In addition to mark ten years of Shlichus in the Penn State university, this dinner also served as an opportunity to thank and honor the people who have helped and supported the Meretsky family on the holy endeavor of bringing authentic Judaism to the Jewish college students of Penn State.

Marvin and Sandra Kohll of Omaha, NE were honored with the Heart of Excellence award as they have constantly and generously aid/ed the Meretskys both materially and spiritually.

Thomas and Heather Baumgarten of State College, PA were honored with the Community Pillar award. They are part of the local community and have been partnering with the Meretsky’s to strengthen Yiddishkeit amongst the Penn State students and the State College community since their humble beginnings. Heather has been in charge of many essential programs such as the weekly kosher meal plan, Jewish Women’s Circle, and holiday programming.

Nicole (Nikki) Hetchcop was awarded with the young leadership award. Nikki has “go getter” talents and was part of a Jewish sorority on campus. She used her talents and social opportunity and partnered with the Meretsky’s to begin a group called the Jewish Heritage group on campus creating huge Jewish parties infused with Yiddishkeit at fraternities. She would cook the food at the Chabad House to ensure the attendees ate only Kosher then the Meretsky’s would show up and give the students an opportunity to do mitzvos such as making a Bracha in the Sukkah, receiving Menorah’s etc. Amongst many other accomplishments, Nikki was awarded for recruiting the PSU Jews so we could share our heritage’s treasure with them.

There were also seven student leaders honored, Chabad Jewish student organization presidents, Maura Klonder and Bree Feibishkoff, past president, Jackie Kelly, board members Jason Cohen and Josh Frisch, as well as the new Jewish Heritage group chairs, Danielle Assur and Melisa Reizner.

Rabbi Nosson Meretsky spoke about some of the programs that have been accomplished at Penn State, and connected the 10 years with the 10 tests of Avraham.

Rebbetzin Sarah Meretsky elaborated on the concept of being tested as it related to her personally being a Shlucha with all the challenges a life on Shlichus can bring such as just remaining Chasidim and raising children to be Chasidim far away from a Frum Jewish community but nevertheless proving victorious even in the middle of Pennsylvania.

The victory being sharing the light of Chassidus and Mitzvos with many who have never lit a Shabbos candle, or for that matter, had any Shabbos or Jewish Holiday experience, or never learned Aleph Beis etc.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as each of Thomas and Heather Baumgarten’s (The community pillar honorees), children spoke of how their parents were incredible role models in ways of helping others, bringing light, and giving tzedakah. Heather Baumgarten elaborated on the concept of pillars and how some pillars have been squashed at Penn State recently, however the pillar that the Chabad House has erected remains strong as ever as many students take part in learning Torah and doing mitzvos.

The warmth of the evening touched all present who were inspired by the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s message to the alumni and their families, supporters and friends to always grow in their their Judaism wherever they are and share it with fellow Jews.

Photography by Bentzion Elisha: