Wow! My four years here at Binghamton have gone by so fast, I can’t believe I am now writing for the graduation issue of Chai Times. Throughout my four years here, Chabad House has played a major role in shaping my Jewish identity. When I began here at Binghamton in fall of 1999, I found a group of students who went to Chabad most Friday nights for services and dinner, and I decided to join them one time. My first experience was amazing!
Of course I didn’t want to be late, so I got there a few minutes early and I thought I would be the only one there for the night! Rabbi Slonim and Rivky quickly introduced themselves to me and invited me to sit down and wait for a minyan. That night, I learned my lesson – services begin at least 20 minutes after the time stated in the weekly e-mail!
That night, I really felt welcomed. I didn’t know many people, but I found people to eat dinner with and really enjoyed my evening. During the two years I lived on campus, I eagerly attended services and dinner, knowing that I would stuff myself with the challah and pasta salad amongst other things!
Whether I attended the challah baking workshop in the kosher kitchen my freshman year, the Purim Carnivals, or walked by the table in the Union, Rabbi Slonim always came up to me and said hello, how was your week, etc. Over the summer of 2001, when I had a loss in the family, Rabbi Slonim found out a few days later and was quick to call me after Shiva. It meant a lot to me that the Rabbi took time out of his busy schedule to speak to me as well as my mother on the phone for over 30 minutes He really provided me with guidance during the tough times and made me feel a lot better.
Through all of my experiences at Chabad and discussions with the Rabbi, I became motivated to seek out Jewish Communities around the world when I studied abroad during Fall 2001 on Semester at Sea. I soon took an active role within the shipboard community and became the leader and organizer of Shabbat and high holiday services.
Furthermore, when we docked in Japan, Singapore, South Africa, and Cuba, I sought out the local Jewish Communities there and interacted with the Rabbis and congregants. In Singapore, I attended Sukkot services and was able to shake the lulav and etrog and in Cuba, I led the Kiddush after Friday night services over matzah (rather than challah due to a lack of rations to bake challah). If it wasn’t for my activities during my first two years at Chabad of Binghamton, I would have never have taken such a leadership role on the high seas!
When I returned to campus following my experiences, I became more involved in community service events through Chabad. I took an active leadership role as the CHOW man during the Mitzvah Marathon and during the Chanukah Canned Goods Menorah building. I take great pride in knowing that over three tons of food was donated to CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) through the combined efforts of students and members of the Binghamton community under the guidance of Chabad and Hillel.
I moved to the West Side of Binghamton after my return from abroad and learned that there would be West Side Friday night services and dinner each month at the Ramada Inn. This is when I met Rabbi Creeger and his wife Dina. Again, I felt very welcomed to the West Side services and enjoyed getting the calls on Thursday night at
11pm from Dina asking how many people I would be bringing to the Ramada! I was also assured that there would be plenty of pasta salad.
Before I entered college, I never expected to attend Friday night Shabbat services fairly regularly as well as be involved in so many religious activities. Chabad House plays a very important role within the Jewish community of Binghamton University and the Binghamton community and has inspired me to do more within the Jewish Community. I am very thankful and grateful for all of the work that both the Rabbis and their wives do to make every student feel comfortable in a home away from home!
To everyone whom I have shared a Friday night dinner with or Jewish discussions, thank you. I have met so many people throughout my four years with the help of Chabad House and every single person has had an impact on my life.
Best of luck in the future to all of the Graduates of the Class of 2003!