I transferred to Binghamton University at the beginning of my junior year, after taking a year off from school. During my year off, I reconnected with my Jewish identity and made a commitment to learn more and to lead a Torah observant lifestyle. I chose Binghamton primarily because of its known thriving Jewish community, and I can say definitively that it has exceeded my every expectation. I was nervous about coming to Binghamton because I did not know many people – but my doubts were soon erased as I made the decision to put myself in the thick of Jewish activity on campus – I became an intern for the Chabad House.
I showed up at the Chabad House one Thursday night, as soon became my weekly tradition, to help peel vegetables and set tables for the large-scale Shabbat dinner that Chabad hosts every Friday night. Through this simple “chore” I was able to meet and connect with dozens of other Jewish smiling faces, all united for the common purpose of serving a higher goal – the mitzvah of observing the Sabbath. Little did I know that it would be in this very kitchen, slicing carrots and potatoes, that I would meet and fall in love with my bashert, Andrew Sidi, who was the one man that Hashem had intended for me to love and live with all the days of my life. I knew within the first week of our friendship that we were meant for each other. This past March, Andrew and I were married in Long Island under the loving and G-d fearing gaze of Rabbi Aaron Slonim, the rabbi of the Chabad House.
For me and countless other students, the Chabad House of Binghamton has been a place to share joys, whether it be scoring well on a test, finally picking a major, or celebrating a special birthday. Those who have celebrated at Chabad also know that when, G-d forbid, something bad happens, those same arms that reached out to dance with you are also always there to comfort and offer guidance in times of need.
The truly remarkable thing about Chabad is its appeal to every Jewish student, regardless of background or Torah observance. Everyone is welcome. There is no hour of the day or night when the doors are closed. The two loving families who provide the backbone of this Jewish outreach, have dedicated their lives and careers to creating a positive Jewish atmosphere that embraces the values of the Living Torah. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be even a small part of this huge, warm, enveloping community of Judaism. And so, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for letting me peel your potatoes.