About Chabad At Lehigh

With the vision to open the doors of Judaism to all students and faculty at Lehigh, we have established The Chabad House, a place where Jews of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy exploring their heritage in a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment.

Philosophy

Chabad Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement, and an organization. In fact, it is considered to be the most important force in Jewish life today. Today, 4,000 full-time emissary families apply 250 year-old principles and philosophy to direct more than 3,300 institutions dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide. Chabad on Campus currently serves over 140 schools worldwide.

As an important part of this movement, the focus of Chabad at Lehigh is on the spiritual and social needs of Lehigh University's Jewish students. The organization is dedicated to the furtherance of Jewish education at all levels in the hope that it will inspire exploration of ones heritage and strengthen overall Jewish connection. Acceptance of every Jew regardless of background or prior experience is the hallmark of our philosophy.

Values

Why are we here?  Because we care.  The values that lie at the heart of Chabad at Lehigh are embodied in Torah and Jewish tradition.  They include:

  • A commitment to the growth and success of our students because to us, they are family
  • Dedication to the campus community to ensure Jewish continuity
  • An overall goal of helping one single person many times over because we strive to view each individual as just that, an individual

Impact

Our efforts to engage the unaffiliated, and increase the opportunities for the affiliated, have been met with incredible success. For many, Chabad at Lehigh has been their first positive Jewish experience. Leaders on campus have expressed wonder at Chabad's ability to seamlessly bring together a diverse community of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and Jews of all backgrounds on an ongoing basis. Thousands of students have had their connection to Judaism deepened because of the work of Chabad. Being that we interact primarily with a student community, we provide all our programs and services free of charge. No one is ever turned away. The support for our programs comes solely from alumni, parents and friends.

Who We Are

Chabad at Lehigh is a meeting place for social, religious, educational, and cultural events.  Every Friday night while school is in session, we host Shabbat services and dinners that provide Jewish students with an intimate setting to eat, meet new people, and celebrate Shabbat in way that is spiritual, intellectual, and stimulating.

Our holiday programs – like Sushi in the Sukkah and Passover Seders – help raise Jewish consciousness and pride on the Lehigh campus.  In addition, our new Sinai Scholars Program and classes on Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics share the beauty and depth of our heritage with students as well as the leadership community.

And most importantly, we are there for students around the clock.  Whether it's a one-on-one learning session or a one-time request for help or advice, we are here to provide you with the support you need.

Inspired

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of righteous memory (1902-1994), the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is, despite his passing -- "the Rebbe," undoubtedly, the one individual more than any other singularly responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry.

Programs

Chabad at Lehigh is proud to be a part of the Lehigh Jewish community.  As an officially recognized Lehigh student organization, our student-run executive board is constantly planning new and innovative programming based on the demand of the Jewish student body.  Current ongoing events and programs include:

  • Weekly one-of-a-kind Shabbat services and dinners
  • Social events such as BBQs, Italian Night, and Challah Baking
  • Guest speakers
  • High Holiday services and feasts
  • Study survival packs – filled with delicious kosher snacks – delivered to your door during exams
  • Lunch and learns
  • The Sinai Scholars Society
  • Mezuzah bank
  • Birthright Israel trips
  • And much more!

The Directors

For years there was an insistent demand of students, faculty, and alumni for a permanent Chabad presence at Lehigh University.  In 2008, Rabbi Zalman and Dit Greenberg enthusiastically answered the call and established Chabad at Lehigh in Bethlehem, PA. 

After careful review of several campuses across the nation, the Greenbergs settled on Lehigh because it was a place where they believed they could truly make a difference.  With this in mind, they moved their family to the Lehigh Valley and opened up their home to numbers of Jewish students and their families.  Over the last four years, they’ve watched students enter through their doors and leave Lehigh as graduates; they have also seen the number of participants in their famous Shabbat meals and programs dramatically increase causing a need for a larger venue.

Recently, Chabad at Lehigh secured a beautiful historic property in Bethlehem to serve as its permanent home.  The location will be able to accommodate the larger number of students interested in attending regular programming and foster the continued expansion of the organization.  The growth experienced over the last few years can be attributed to the tireless efforts of Rabbi Zalman, Dit, and the student board, and their commitment to Jewish life at Lehigh.

At-A-Glance

What exactly is Chabad at Lehigh?  In a nutshell, we are…

  • A Jewish student organization
  • A comfortable home where you can explore your Jewish heritage
  • A forum where you can question faith and not be afraid of judgment
  • An opportunity to meet new friends and challenge yourself to think beyond the classroom
  • A place where every Jew is family
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