Happenings at Chabad of Binghamton:

Seniors' Wine and Cheese Reception

Wednesday, May 17 2006

Lag B'Omer Celebration

Tuesday, May 16 2006

On Wed. May 17 Chabad held an elegant wine and cheese reception for the graduating class of 2006. The theme of the evening was "today's graduates are tomorrow's leaders." Dr. Roger Summers, VP for Student Affairs at BU offered his best wishes to the graduates on behalf of himself and the university administration. Linda Salamons, local Jewish community leader and activist spoke from her personal experience about the importance of getting involved in the Jewish community and taking a leadership role. The seniors especially enjoyed a slide presentation of pictures taken of them at Chabad events spanning their college career.

On Tuesday, May 16, in celebration of the holiday of Lag B'omer  Chabad and Hillel jointly held a BBQ at BU. Due to inclement weather the outdoor location and bon-fire component had to be scrapped and the festivities were held indoors at the Chabad House. Despite it being finals week close to 200 students participated in this last event of the academic year 2005-2006, enjoying good food, music and the sheer pleasure of being surrounded by friends, old and new.

Good Bye Shabbaton

Friday-Shabbat, May 12-13 2006

Chabad House's Superlative Programming Recognized with XCELsior Awards

Thursday, May 11 2006

On Friday, May 12, hundreds of students filled the Chabad House for the annual Good- Bye Shabbaton; to celebrate Shabbat together one last time and to honor the graduating class of 2006. The evening began with a cocktail party and the traditional senior class picture and included services and dinner. The highlight of the evening came when some of the graduating seniors delivered  brief but meaningful - sometimes funny, sometimes poignant - remarks focusing on their Jewish experience at BU. The party didn't end until close to 2am with students lingering for one last "Oneg" to sing songs and share that special Shabbat spirit. L'hitraot until next year!

The Chabad House Jewish Student Center won numerous awards at the eighth annual XCELsior awards ceremony, an evening of recognition showcasing the best of Binghamton University's programming and student talent. Chabad took home an award in the Promotion of Intercultural Understanding category for the Purim Carnival held this year in the face of a tremendous snow storm that closed BU. The carnival still managed to attract 1200 students, bringing together a vast array of student groups. In the category of Outstanding Community Service, Chabad House took home an award for the annual Mitzvah Marathon held in commemoration of the victims of 9/11. Chabad House was also honored for its year long fundraising efforts which allowed Chabad students to distribute over $7,000 to various charities. Honored with the Student Leader of the Year award was Jeremy Zenilman; while Oren Farber took home the award for a non Executive Board member of Chabad House. "Rivky and I are constantly inspired by the hundreds of student with whom we interface each year. Especially inspiring is our student leadership; young men and women who give countless hours and share their talents to enrich the experience of the Jewish community on campus and indeed the entire campus population," said Rabbi Aaron Slonim. "After two decades in this position we have been privileged to see a large percentage of our alumni assume leadership positions in their respective Jewish communities. We have no doubt that our student Executive Board, General Board and many other dedicated students who work together to bring such rich, diverse and successful programming to our campus, will join the ranks of the future Jewish leadership."

Final Women's Chodesh Circle Event of the Year at Chabad

Thursday, April 27 2006

Post Pesach Bagel Bust a perennial favorite!

Thursday, April 20 2006

Pictured are some of the attendees at the Chodesh Circle event marking the new Jewish month of Iyar with guest speaker Pat Chirumbolo RN, CNM, LMT (seated second from left) who spoke on Empowerment in Birthing. Pat, a midwife with over twenty years of experience kept the group spell bound for over two hours with an interactive presentation on the birthing process. The group also discussed the strength and determination of the first two midwifes recorded in the Torah, Yocheved and Miriam and how it was their example and the tenacity of the Jewish women in Egypt that kept the Jewish nation intact. Pat stressed that although most things have changed over the course of history, birthing remains essentially the same and that a woman's mind set is pivotal to the process and her experience. As a follow up, the group met again to screen the movie Out of the Ashes; the true story of Dr. Gisel Perle which is a made for TV documentary about a Gynecologist forced to use her skills in unthinkable ways in order to save lives in the concentration camp during the Holocaust.

The Women's Chodesh Circle meets on the first evening of each Jewish month to celebrate womanhood and Jewish identity. Each program features a hands on activity or special presentation, interactive games, a learning component, refreshments and the sheer power of sisterhood.

Food at Chabad House over Pesach was not bad (for Pesach) say the students, but the bagels, shmears and pancakes were much better!
Chabad House was hopping post Pesach with Chametz starved collegiates hungry to re-calibrate their digestive systems; the party did not disappoint!

Shala Shudis & Friends: Let's go Mets!

Sunday, April 9 2006

Shabbat 1000: Wow, what a night!

Friday, April 7 2006

Shala Shudis itself takes place every Shabbos evening, and the joy of this weekly event at Chabad House carried into Sunday for the second time this academic year. On April 9, 2006, Shala Shudis groupies & friends congregated at NYSEG Stadium in downtown Binghamton for (B"H) a beautiful day out at the ballpark, with a clear-blue sky and a not-too-cold approximately 50 degree temperature. Many prizes were won, including two t-shirts snatched out of the air as they were fired from the field. Those at the game were able to race across the field (when a new standard for fast running was set), play some on-field blackjack, hang out with the mascots, and root, root root for the home team. The game ended up going for fifteen innings, but all of the group just stayed for nine or ten. An amazing time with unexpected participation in between-inning events was had, and all at the game look forward to the next Shala Shudis group event! Special thanks go to Daniel, Jamie, and Sandra for transporting everyone to and from the game.

Approximately 1100 students participated in the 12th annual Shabbat 1000 program, which took place Friday, April 7 in the University's East Gym.
Participants enjoyed a Shabbat dinner replete with ritual, song, spirit
and opportunities galore to socialize; "an unforgettable feeling of Jewish
pride and connection " was how many students described the most important
aspect of the program. Shabbat 1000, a National Chabad on Campus initiative,
was conceived at the Binghamton University Chabad House and is now
replicated on campuses nationwide.

BU Rocks and Rolls with Blue Fringe

Wednesday, March 29 2006

Why Date Jewish?

Tuesday, March 22 2006

Blue Fringe, the band dubbed America's foremost Jewish Rock Band, played at Binghamton University on Wednesday, March 29 and they did not disappoint. Concert goers enjoyed an evening of sensational music and fun - many leaping from their seats to sing and dance in the aisles.

On March 22, Doron Kornbluth, author of the best selling Surprising reasons for Why Jews should Marry Jews, spoke at Binghamton University. The crowd listened raptly as Kornbluth presented on Practical reasons for Jews to Date and Marry other Jews. The interactive presentation was followed by a lively question and answer period.

Hamantash and Rugelach Baking Inaugurates Purim Cheer

Sunday, March 5 2006

Extreme Purim Carnival Extravaganza takes Binghamton by storm

Thursday, March 2 2006

On Sunday March 5, several students brought in some Purim cheer by baking Hamantashen and Rugelach and delivering them to local nursing homes.

A snow storm that effectively closed BU - cancelling classes, sport games and all other activities - did not stop the 16th annual Purim Carnival from going forward. Well over 1,000 students braved the storm and enjoyed a night of fun and revelry. The Carnival, which is the largest student run event on campus each year, is spearheaded by the Chabad House together with Alpha Sigma Phi and Alpha Epsilon Phi and co-sponsored by a wide array of campus student groups, Greek groups and Residence Communities. The carnival featured great attractions, fun booths, Hamantashen til you Bust, great music, Hot Dog and Pie Eating contests, A Battle of the Bands, a Costume Contest, a great Kosher Food Concession Stand and an unbelievable Prize Drawing. And to top it all off, $3,000 was raised for charity. What a night!

Who Says Jews Can't Play Basketball?

February - March 2006

A Yeshiva in Binghamton? Oy Vey!

Sunday, February 26 2006

Chabad's Intramural teams have been going strong this semester, even managing to win Hillel in a little bit of friendly competition. Games have been drawing a healthy crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

BU guys got a taste of Yeshiva on Sunday, February 26 when nine Rabbinical
students came up from NY City to run Yeshiva for a Day which included
interactive Chevrutah study, lectures and delicious food for the body as
well. Chabad House was alive with the sound of Torah.

Masks, masks everywhere at Rosh Chodesh Women's Circle

Tuesday, February 28 2006

How/Why was this Seder different?

Sunday, February 12 2006

At the Rosh Chodesh Adar Women's Circle event there was lots of laughter
and fun as participants enjoyed decorating face masks and facials plus an
interactive game about truth and lies and a Dvar Torah about the use of
veils and masks by some powerful women in Jewish history. In honor of Purim
the theme was Masks and they were everywhere! The Lemon Meringue Pie was
great too, so was the empowering music! See you at the circle event
for  Rosh Chodesh Nissan!

The Tu B'shvat Seder was well attended and offered delectable food for body and thought. Participants enjoyed a wide variety of fruits and nuts, grape juice and an outrageously fun chocolate fondue while learning ancient mystical teachings concerning this Jewish holiday and the various fruits eaten on this holiday.

Mayanot/birthright trip winter 2006 - simply incredible!

January 2 - 11 2006

Fantastic Super Bowl Weekend!

Friday - Sunday, February 3-5 2006

Lucky Binghamton students joined Mayanot/birthright bus #11 for the trip of
a lifetime this winter. The-ten day trip of non stop activity took
students all over Israel and introduced them to the many facets of life in
that country. Highlights included Shabbat at the Kotel, climbing Massada,
Jeeping in the North, Camel Riding in the South, the Mega Event,
interfacing with soldiers and soooo much more! We can't wait to get back to
Israel again!

BU students enjoyed a unique Super Bowl weekend with guest Alan Veingrad, member of Super Bowl XXVII. Alan wowed the full house on Friday night and Shabbat with his personal experience as a Jew in the NFL and his journey towards observance. He spoke with humor and honesty and shared how Everything I need know I l learned in Football. On Super Bowl Sunday Chabad House held a "different kind" of super bowl party featuring Alan's insights on the game, great food from Dougie's and a huge screen. The party was sold out and everyone agreed it was an unforgettable weekend.

Women's Chodesh Circle a Bloomin' Success!

Monday, January 30 2006

Midnight Madness Breakfast

Tuesday, December 13 2005

A wonderful crowd of women turned out for the first Chodesh event of the
semester in honor of Rosh Chodesh Shevat.
The girls bonded over introductions and a great game of interrupt, Marisa
talked about Rosh Chodesh and Rivky talked a bit about " our
roots."  Master chef/caterer led a workshop in creating stunning edible
centerpieces which was informative and great fun. The centerpieces turned
out gorgeous and delicious! See you at the next Chodesh event!

A huge crowd braved the Arctic weather and jammed the Chabad House student lounge for the end of semester Midnight Madness Breakfast featuring lots of great fun and food. The event was highlighted by the Raffle Drawing in which ten students took home great prizes but everyone who participated was a winner since Chabad students raised over $1,700 for the Chai Lifeline Charity!!! Yasher Kochachem, we are so proud of you.

Relationship Weekend with Dr. Edwin (Yisroel) Susskind

Weekend of December 3 2005

Women's Cabaret - WOW!

Thursday, December 1 2005

Dr. Edwin (Yisroel) Susskind of Rockland County spent the weekend of December 2-3 as the scholar in residence at Chabad House. Dr. Susskind's thought provoking and entertaining talks met with a warm reception both by the BU students as well as community members. On Friday night, Susskind spoke during Shabbat dinner to a full house on "The Heart is not an Involuntary Muscle: Falling and Staying in Love." He continued to speak with students individually and in groups until 1:30am . At Shabbat lunch Susskind spoke on Jewish Humor: What it tells us about the Jewish Psyche. After Mincha he held a workshop on Shalom Bayit specifically for students who are more observant than their parents and were seeking guidance in how to navigate tensions that arise between them and their parents. Finally, on Saturday night, Susskind spoke to community members on Living an Ecstatic Life; a lively question and answer session followed his remarks.

The annual Women's Cabaret held on Thursday, December 1 at Chabad House brought BU Jewish women together for a special night of female bonding
which included an elegant Kosher Chinese dinner, a cabaret Show featuring song and dance, poetry, prose and music, and a luscious dessert buffet. The evening also featured a display of students' original art, photography and
hand crafted jewelry as well as a talented magician and a special
appearance by The Pegs, BU's all female a cappella group. The evening coincided with Rosh Chodesh Kislev and also served as a Women's Chodesh circle event. The Chodesh circle meets each Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the Jewish month); participants enjoy a different activity each month and share a few words of inspiration. In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, participants spent a few minutes learning about the Chanukah Heroine, Yehudit and reflecting on how she used her feminine energy to bring about the Chanukah victory we celebrate each year.

Chabad Cafe features Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

Thursday, November 17 2005

Yeshiva for a Day comes to Binghamton

Sunday, November 20 2005

The stakes were high as students enjoyed the Chabad Cafe featuring Texas Hold 'Em.

BU guys enjoyed a day of intellectual stimulation and camaraderie at Yeshiva for a Day when seven Yeshiva students from Brooklyn came up for a day program that included lectures and Chevruta study (not to mention a great lunch and dinner). People are already looking forward to Yeshiva for a Day during the Spring Semester!

Chabad celebrates Siyum Sefer Torah

Sunday, November 6 2005

Chabad Shalashudis Groupies

Saturday night, November 5 2005

Hundreds of students took part in an historic event at Binghamton
University on Sunday, November 6, 2005: a Siyum Sefer Torah, the completion of a new Torah Scroll. New York based philanthropist Yossi Sternberg commissioned the writing of the scroll by a scribe in Israel; it was completed in a spectacular ceremony at BU, where the Torah will remain on loan to the Chabad House Jewish Student Center. The festivities began at 2pm in the elegantly bedecked university Social Hall where students as well as the other guests assembled had the opportunity to watch as the scribe inscribed a letter in the scroll in their honor. Guests were treated to a sumptuous bagel brunch as well as warm, thought provoking greetings by University President Lois DeFleur, Student rep. Michelle Bloom, Rabbi and Rivkah Slonim and Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the scribe. An emotional cry of Mazel Tov rang out as the last letter was written and a new Torah "was born." Midst the strains of Mazel Tov V'Siman Tov, participants watched as the Torah was raised for the first time, giving each attendant the chance to find the letters of their Hebrew name in the scroll. The Torah was then wrapped and finally crowned by donor Yossi Sternberg. Participants then each kissed the new Torah and the fabulous Torah Parade Procession began! BU never saw such a sight as the procession began to wind its way from the Old Union to the Chabad House. Hundreds of students -- singing and dancing -- followed the banner, the specially designed Mt. Sinai float, the torch bearers, the Chupah (marriage canopy) under which the new Torah was borne as well as the wonderfully festooned cars. Jewish music and song filled the air as students expressed their joy and Jewish pride. At the Chabad House, the existing Torahs were taken from the Ark to welcome the new Torah to its home midst great jubilation. The spirited Hakafot rocked the house after which  Mincha was recited and a Kosher Chinese celebratory dinner was enjoyed by all. It was a day that will not be forgotten for a long, long time.

Who says the fun has to stop when Shabbos does? Not the Chabad Shalashudis group, no siree! They took in a movie after Shabbos and topped it off with a trip to Friendly's. They are a friendly bunch and welcome you to join in the fun too. Each Shabbat about an hour and fifteen minutes before Shabbat ends they are hard at work enjoying the food, the divrei Torah, the songs and each other's company under the watchful eye of Bernie.

Women's Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Soiree

Thursday, November 3 2005

Chabad goes Go-Karting -

Sunday, October 30 2005

The Rosh Chodesh Women's Circle met in honor of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan and under the guidance of our own Orlee Costo enjoyed making beaded necklaces. A fun time was had by all and the necklaces are gorgeous!

Loads and loads of fun was had by all who joined in Chabad's annual
Go-Karting event.

Lulav Action! -

Thursday, October 20 2005

Sukkot Preparations -

Sunday, October 16 2005

Hundreds of students performed the Mitzvah of "taking the Lulov and Etrog"
in the Sukkot on the Spot for People on the Go set up by Chabad House at
convenient locations around campus.

With hundreds of people expected for every one of the holiday meals in the Sukkah dedicated students banded together at Chabad to prepare for the holiday by placing the schach on the Sukkah, decorating the Sukkah and cooking up a storm. Not to mention painting large signs to advertise the upcoming Simchat Torah Bash!  Binghamton has the best Jewish life and the warmest and most dedicated group of student activists! Yasher Kochachem- more power to you all.

Yom Kippur's End-

Thursday , October 13 2005

Eve of Yom Kppur -

Monday , October 10 2005

 

Over 500 students participated in the Chabad services on campus throughout the holiday of Yom Kippur. After the blowing of the Shofar, students ( as hungry as they were) prayed Maariv, the evening service, heard Havdallah and only then enjoyed the break fast!
Way to go- guys! You really did start the year off on the right foot!

Some students observed the ancient pre- Yom Kippur ceremony of Kaparot using live chickens!

Blood Drive-

Tuesday, October 11 2005

Chodesh Circle - Tishrei -

Wednesday, September 28 2005

Almost 150 patients aided by Chabad's Blood Drive

Girls attending the first Rosh Chodesh event of this year enjoyed an evening of female bonding while cooking and baking up a storm of Rosh Hashana goodies and learning of the many customary foods eaten on Rosh Hashana in both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions. There is great anticipation for upcoming Rosh Chodesh circle events- keep tuned for details!

Piaker Memorial Lecture -

Thursday, September 22 2005

Glow-in-the-Dark Ultimate Frisbee -

Sunday, September 18 2005

 

RitaKatz, author of: Terrorist Hunter: The extraordinary story of an American Woman who went Undercover to Infiltrate the Radical Islamic Groups Operating in America , was this year's  guest speaker at the Piaker Memorial Lecture. Many students took advantage of this opportunity and joined the hundreds of community members who came out for this spellbinding lecture

 

..And a great time was had by all at the Glow in the Dark UltimateFrisbee
game held on Sunday, Sept. 18!

FamilyFeud at Cafe Chabad -

Thursday, September 15 2005

Challah Baking -

Tuesday, September 13 2005

 

Fun and games and laughs ( and some hysteria) filled the Chabad great room
cum Chabad Cafe at which contestants squared off in an intense game of
FamilyFeud. The Pastries, coffees and ice cream were great too!

 

Got Dough? Get it at Challah Baking!
The Challah Baking workshop was loads of fun for happy participants who
learned how to mix, knead, shape and bake one of the world's greatest
wonders: Fresh, home made Challah. Participants also learned about --and a
few performed --the great Mitvah of "taking Challah."

Mitzvah Marathon -

Monday, September 12 2005

Supper With Soul / Study With a Buddy - Wednesday, September 7 2005

 

On Monday, Sept. 12, the fourth annual Campus Wide Mitzvah Marathon was
held at Binghamton University. Over fifteen hundred students and faculty
members participated in commemorating the victims of 9/11 by doing a
Mitzvah or pledging to do a mitzvah in memory of one of the fallen. Pledge
cards filled out by participants were attached to papers with the names and
pictures of victims and a few lines about their life. These sheets of paper
were then strung on a wall of remembrance which filled up with each passing
hour creating a visible reminder of the losses suffered. Participants
approached a pavilion set up outside of the Student Union which offered
various Mitzvah options including : donations to various charities, most
prominently for the victims of Katrina; the opportunity to donate school
supplies to children affected by the Hurricane;the opportunity to donate
food to CHOW; the opportunity to donate blood through the Red Cross, the
assembling of Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for the homeless, the
sending of New Year cards to troops, the saying of a prayer, donning of
Tefillin, volunteering to visit the elderly in area nursing homes etc.
The program was spearheaded by the Chabad House Jewish Student Center and
co-sponsored by Hillel and the Jewish Heritage Program.

 

Hungry for food -- for body and soul-- an enthusiastic group of students enjoyed Supper with Soul, held each Wednesday in the Chabad Great Room. Supper is served from 7-7:30pm followed by Chevrutha- Peer Study from 7:30-8:30pm. Come down and join us for this delectable event.

Welcome Back shabbaton - Friday, August 26 2005

Welcome Back BBQ - Wednesday, August 31 2005

Almost two hundred students braved the Katrina generated torrential downpour to attend the traditional BBQ which was held at the Chabad House. The food was great, the people were cool and the evening was FUN!

Freshmen welcomed to Chabad with Pizza Night

- Thursday, August 25 2005