May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a national monthlong celebration and recognition of the contributions and achievements of American Jews. The University of Nevada, Reno is proud to partner with Chabad a campus nonprofit organization for Jewish students
For over three years, the Libersohns have been here at the University making sure Jewish students, faculty and staff feel a sense of belonging and community on campus. Chabad at the University is a self-funded nonprofit organization whose mission is to become a home for every Jew at the University, regardless of background or religious affiliation. Chabad provides a warm and comfortable environment for all. While the organization does put on a number of events with weekly programming and special celebration events, that is not the main focus of Chabad.
“We’re here to provide a support system and a safe space for Jewish students on campus,” Rabbi Dani Libersohn said. “We are a home away from home for Jewish students on campus. While that sometimes does include programming, it also means so much more like providing late-night meals, giving students a place to talk and get advice, or do their homework. The events are a side project, not the focus.”
Located near campus, Chabad is a convenient gathering place for students that allows community building in an accepting environment. Some of the services provided for students include Shabbat dinners on Fridays, Torah Tuesdays with Torah study, DIY projects, and free food, holiday celebrations like Passover, the bagel, lox and tefillin (BLT) club, and other weekly events like lunch and learn sessions each Wednesday at the Joe, serving home-cooked food.
The welcoming community that Chabad has been building through the years seems needed now more than ever. The number of students, faculty and staff involved in programming and using the services Chabad provides has nearly doubled in the last six months.
“People are searching for a safe space,” explains Rabbi Dani. “And they’re finding it here. People have become stronger, prouder and more outwardly vocal. They love the opportunity to be part of this community. It goes to show the need and urgency there is to have this place to support students on campus.”
About three years ago, Rabbi Dani and Rochel came to the University and started Chabad.
“We started in a little house and grew out of it in less than a year,” Rabbi Dani said. “We now have a larger house where we can host about 80 people. For our Passover celebration, we basically outgrew this house! We are looking to find a forever home soon and become more established at the University.”
Providing this support network and community for students and putting on the weekly and holiday celebrations and programming is all completely free for students. Everything Chabad does is funded by generous donors who include community members, faculty and alumni. If anyone would like to learn more or to donate, you can do so through .
