When I was younger, it was very easy to practice Judaism, as I lived with my parents who always made me go to Temple. My parents sent me to a Yeshiva for elementary school, in Long Island where I learned Hebrew and Jewish laws. In the sixth grade I started attending public school because my family lacked the financial means to continue funding my private education. It was then that my Judaism started becoming a proponent in my life that was only active while I was in Temple or while celebrating any holidays with my family. It seemed as though the older I got, the less interested I became in Judaism.
I decided to attend Binghamton, but never considered taking any courses in the Judaic Studies department as I was not interested in learning about my religion. I remember attending orientation where I selected my freshmen classes and I recall coming across elementary Hebrew in the course guide. I decided to take the course, as I figured I would receive an easy “A” based on my previous background in Hebrew. I signed up for the course and to my own surprise, fell in love with not only the language, but the people in my classes! I continued on in my Hebrew studies at Binghamton and decided to take advantage of Birthright Israel. After spending Shabbat in Jerusalem, and much time with Jews in Israel, I learned the deepest appreciation I had ever experienced for Judaism. When I returned from Israel, I realized how important and special the Chabad house was for Jewish students, as it provides a way to spend Shabbat and holidays with a family away from home, without being forced to do so.
Birthright Israel, religious courses and holiday services were most meaningful and enjoyable for me as a Jew, and that is all thanks to the Chabad House! If it weren’t for the Chabad House, I think that many Jewish students would become disinterested in the religion, as it is hard to practice without a comfortable place to do so. I think that Jewish life thrives at Binghamton University, and that is one of the reasons why I loved my four years here so much. My collegiate experience at Binghamton has positively affected my Jewish identity, which keeps growing stronger….