"".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.