"".7. Le : Rabbi
aron and
Esther
Goldstein
have run
Chabad
House for 30
years.
Chabad House has classrooms, a sanctuary, dining hall and student dormitory.
Top:Enjoying life at Chabad House: Jared Miller of New Jersey,
Rabbi Alter Goldstein, Aaron Taishoff of New York, Scott Schaen
of New Jersey, Pam Fisher of New York and Chanchi Goldstein
holding Eli, P/2.
30 Years Strong
Ann Arbor Chabad House celebrates its Jewish outreach.
KERI GUTEN COHEN
Story Development Editor
Ann Arbor
hirty years ago, Rabbi Aharon
and Esther Goldstein came to
Ann Arbor to establish the
Chabad House, where they welcomed
not only University of Michigan stu-
dents, but the Washtenaw Jewish com-
munity as well.
In typical Chabad tradition, the
entire community is encouraged to
attend an anniversary celebration honor-
ing the Goldsteins' contributions at 6
p.m. Monday, March 28, at the
Kensington Court in Ann Arbor.
Founded by Chabad of Michigan in
1975 as a synagogue for local families
and as a "home away from home" for
Jewish U-M students, its goal was to
reach out and introduce them to the
beauty of Judaism.
Recognized as a campus ministry by
the Michigan Student Assoc-iation,
Chabad House serves as a Jewish stu-
dent center by providing all Jewish stu-
dents, regardless of their affiliation or
level of observance, with free access to its
Jewish library and resource center, social
and cultural events, and personal coun-
seling and crisis intervention.
Additionally, students enjoy weekly
T
3/17
2005
66
Friday evening Shabbat din-
Still, some students may
ners, festival celebrations, holi-
find Chabad difficult to
day meals and kosher food
approach because of its
packages, all at no charge.
Orthodox orientation.
The Goldstein's son, "Rabbi
"I have to admit that I
Alter" and his wife, Chanchi,
was very apprehensive
focus on the students. Born in
about entering the Chabad
Ann Arbor and surrounded by
House for the first time,
U-M students at Chabad
due to my parents warning
House from birth, his own
me about how Chabad was
family — with three toddlers
out to make every Jew an
— serves as a role model for
Orthodox Jew," wrote
the students.
Rachel Taubman of
Rachel Taubman
"We give Chabad a youth-
Farmington Hills, in a
ful feeling," he admits.
paper about her connection
"There's an incredible feeling the stu-
to Chabad. 'After spending time at
dents get because I'm not much older,
Chabad and with my new community
I'm living in society and we're 'normal.'
of Jewish friends, I truly believe Rabbi
We show you can live a Jewish life and
Alter's wise words that 'a Jew is a Jew'
still have a good time. It's not just com-
"Once you step into the Chabad
ing to prayers on Yom Kippur for four
House, everyone is the same because
hours. Judaism is not that boring."
everyone is Jewish and there is no reason
Rabbi Alter explains the Chabad
to divide because we are all stronger as a
House evolved as a result of the 1960s,
people when we come together ...
when there was much soul-searching
Through every experience I have at
and young people seeking spirituality.
Chabad my urge to explore my Jewish
"We wanted to make sure they could
roots becomes stronger."
find it in a Jewish way and not through
other religions," he said, tying the concept
Many Chabad Programs
to the late Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem
Aside
from attracting U-M students,
M. Schneerson. "It's important to highlight
Chabad
House also hosts a synagogue
that within Judaism, you can find all the
open
to
the
Washtenaw County Jewish
spiritual associations."
community. Rabbi Aharon Goldstein
focuses his attention there as spiritual
leader of 75 local families.
His wife, Esther, is especially interest-
ed in Jewish education. The Chabad
House Torah Enrichment Program pro-
vides an educational program for chil-
dren to learn Hebrew reading, writing
and comprehension and to explore
Jewish values, traditions and customs.
The Goldstein's daughter Shterna and
her husband, Rabbi Zalman Zweibel,
work with young children in the com-
munity. Shterna directs Camp Gan each
summer, and Rabbi Zweibel tutors bar
and bat mitzvah students.
Additionally, the Goldsteins provide
the community with rabbinic advice
and hospital visits, visiting Jewish
inmates, providing Shabbat and holiday
hospitality, meals, personal counseling
and free group and individual classes.
❑
Laura Burstein ofAnn Arbor, a member
of the Chabad House, contributed to this
story.
The 30th anniversary celebration will
include dinner, dancing and music. The
event begins with hors d'oeuvres at 6
p.m:, with dinner served at 7 p.m. Cost
is $54 per person. Sponsorships begin at
$300. For reservations or more info, call
(734) 995-3276.