Looking for Friends and Finding Family
I came to the University of Hartford three years ago with two goals. One – of couse – was doing well academically, while the other was finding friends. I asked myself, what would be a good way to meet people? There were many organizations to choose from on campus, so I joined a couple. I had fun in those clubs and I met a handful of friends with whom I am still friends today.
One of them urged me last year to come to Chabad Chevra for services and dinner one Friday night. I didn’t think much of it, and went because I hadn’t been to services in a while and thought it might be nice to go again. When I walked in, I felt welcomed immediately. Many students came over to me and introduced themselves, and I did likewise. Then Rabbi Yosef Kulek introduced himself, and I have to admit, I felt a little intimidated. Maybe it was the black hat and long beard, but the truth of the matter is that I had never met, let along talked to, a Chabad rabbi before.
It didn’t take long, though, for me to feel at home.
Rabbi Kulek told me of the “Kosher Dinner Hour” that occurs every Thursday night. I decided to try it out, and boy did I enjoy it! The food, cooked by Dalia Kulek, the rabbi’s wife, was outstanding, but the best part was the people. The conversations were enthralling. I felt like I belonged.
At another event, a kosher barbeque – as you can tell, I really enjoy food – I saw so many of the other students working so hard to make the event possible. I wanted to help, so I pitched in by selling shirts that encouraged people to perform Mitzvot, such as putting on tefillin.
At a Chabad Chevra board meeting a few weeks later, I was given the responsibility to handle public relations. My job is to help publicize the group and its events.
When I look back at the past year, I realize that things moved pretty quickly. Remember, I had never met a Chabad rabbi before then, and here I am a board member of the Chabad House on my campus. But I attribute my involvement to the fact that not only is Chabad Chevra so welcoming, it is literally filled with energy: There is an event almost every day.
On Mondays, we have board meetings that all are welcome to attend. The weekly “Chat and Chew,” where the rabbi brings homemade sandwiches and talks about Torah, happens on Tuesdays. “Kosher Dinner Hour” occurs every Thursday, and needless to say, Shabbat services take place on Fridays and Saturdays, followed by meals at the Kuleks’ house.
And still, Chabad Chevra is growing. The Purim carnival this year attracted more than 100 people. With each passing week, more and more students turn out for events, making Chabad Chevra one of the most popular organizations on campus.
Since my first visit, I have learned so much about Judaism while having fun at the same time. Thanks to the food, I’ve also gained a little weight. I came to college looking for friends; I ended up joining a family in Chabad Chevra.
Evan Moskowitz just completed his junior year at the University of Hartford, and will be returning as the student president of Chabad Chevra.
