Many first-year students at colleges and universities are away from home for the very first time in their lives.
For a large majority of these students their freshmen year is not only about adjusting to a new school and making new friends, but it also allows students to get to know themselves without their friends and families around.
Specifically, a freshman at a college or a university not only understands the way around campus, but he/she also begins to develop his or her own identity as an adult.
On this campus, students are fortunate to have numerous activities and clubs that allow them to take part in things that they find to be interesting, important and a great way to meet new people.
For me, I found Chabad, a Jewish gathering, providing all three of these things in my life.
Since my freshman year, I have been welcomed into the home of Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Serebryanski. From Shabbat dinners every Friday night to the High Holidays, I, in addition to many other students, have been able to go to a place right on campus where I was able to participate in religious activities and attend incredible dinners consisting of delicious food.
In addition, Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Serebryanski are always available whether you need advice or a bowl of matzo ball soup when you have a cold.
Being away from home for the first time can also be quite challenging at times, especially when the Jewish holidays are right around the corner.
If it were not for Chabad I am sure that I would have flown back to Dallas to celebrate the Jewish holidays with my own family each and every time. Instead, I have formed a family away from home that includes Rabbi Yossi, Chanie, their son, Mendel, and the amazing students that also attend Chabad.
The Jewish network at DU has shown me the possibility to form communities outside of my home, my comfort zone. I learned through my experiences with Chabad that I will undoubtably find a supportive to my own wherever I may find myself in the future.
Due to Chabad’s presence on campus, I feel that I have learned many new things about my religion and gained many close friends. I feel that I have grown as both a person and a religious member of the Jewish society.
The bonds I have made with both students and adults during my expeience with Chabad feel everlasting to me.
I believe that even after I graduate from the University of Denver, I will still continue to keep in touch with Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Serebryanski of Chabad.
It is important for students with strong religious backgrounds to remember that services like Chabad are offered within this campus.
Small communities within the university such as this are crucial elements in keeping students involved with the religious and spiritual aspects of their lives.
