By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Kussi and Rosie Lipskier (nee Kievman) have been appointed as the new Shluchim to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The newly married couple will be moving from Crown Heights to Tuscaloosa in mid-August to set up a Chabad presence at the public research university which was founded in 1831 and has a vast cultural imprint on the state.
“We’ve visited the University of Alabama a few times already and were in contact with students and professors,” said Rabbi Lipskier, 26, whose brothers run similar centers at University of Central Florida and Emory university.
While Alabama’s university is known for its Crimson Tide football team, its law school is considered one of the top 20 in the country. Rabbi Lipskier, an outgoing Brooklynite who has led Birthright group trips to Israel, says he expects to get along well.
“Both of us grew up surrounded by Shlichus our entire lives, and campus life is one that truly speaks to us both,” Rabbi Lipskier told COLlive.com. He has been doing outreach work on behalf of Chabad in South America, Europe, former Soviet Union, Morocco, Australia, Mexico, and Thailand.
His wife Rosie, 22, hails from the large Hecht family in Crown Heights that has long been involved in educational and outreach activities. She is the second of 9 children and has spent a year on Shlichus in Florida.
She said that from their visits to Alabama, “we feel a sense of connection to the students and the untapped Jewish energy there. Our immediate goals upon arrival are to establish Friday night and Shabbos day services and meals, weekly Torah classes, BBQs and programs for every Jewish holiday.”
They were appointed by Rabbi Yossi Posner, Head Shliach of Alabama.
The couple will be providing Jewish services and programs to the estimated 1,000 Jewish students on campus, offering them welcoming home-cooked meals and a home away from home.
“With time, we see ourselves growing and expanding to fill all areas of need,” Mrs. Lipskier said. “We know that the college years can be a whirlwind of classes, exams, parties, blurred faces, and questions; we also know that many students take those years to try and determine who they are and what type of future they want. We want to make sure that those 1,000 Jewish souls have a place that can help them figure out what role their Jewishness will play in all of that.”
To donate to the Lipskiers’ new Shlichus, click here.
Welcome to sweet home alabama much success
I was at Bama in the 60’s. I wish you would have been there then. Well it is now a great time. It is a warm,southern atmosphere and the Jewish families that support the school are all very substantial supportive Jewish community leaders.Hatzlocha and Roll Tide Roll nothin like a good ole Alabama Fan.
Such great pepole! A family a campus Shluchim. Much Hatzlacha to you all!
Ur own personal biography 😉 MAZAL TOV
U guys are gonna be amazing.
Sweet home Alabama
Is Gonna rock!
your co from bunk lchiam
BH
Roll tide! Welcome to Bama!
Kussy is ganna rock it!