College Students Study Torah on the Slopes

This past winter break, a new and exciting college winter learning retreat—Study on the Slopes—debuted with great success, bringing together 20 students from 15 different universities for a fully immersive experience.

Designed for college men with little to no formal Jewish education, Study on the Slopes was a week-long immersive learning and skiing retreat that offered participants a meaningful introduction to high-level Torah study in an engaging and accessible format.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Hunter Mountain, the seven-day program took place during winter break and combined intensive Jewish learning with the excitement of winter adventure. Participants were welcomed into a warm, open, and intellectually stimulating environment, where they were encouraged to explore Judaism at a serious level—regardless of prior background.

Daily learning sessions covered a wide range of topics, including Meaningful Prayer, Talmudic legal theory, Practical Halacha, Biblical narratives, and the Foundations of Judaism. The program was led by Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Eli Silberstein, Director of Chabad at Cornell University, who guided students through in-depth discussions on Judaism, G-d, and personal meaning.

Students were also treated to a special lecture by world-renowned scholar Rabbi Shais Taub, followed by an inspiring visit to the Ohel to conclude the program.

Although most students arrived barely knowing one another, they left the program with deep friendships and a strong sense of connection.

“Study on the Slopes is an outstanding program. The combination of serious Torah learning, an immersive environment, and a powerful sense of community had a tremendous impact on our students. It gave them a genuine taste of high-level learning and created excitement and momentum that have continued well beyond the week itself,” said Rabbi Michoel Danow, Director of Chabad at the University of Leeds, UK

Study on the Slopes is a project of the Rennert Jewish Summer Fellowship (JSF), a division of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE). “It was truly incredible to see the tremendous impact that just a single week of immersion in an off-campus environment can have on students,” said Rabbi Shimon Hecht, a member of the Executive Committee of NCFJE.

JSF was proud to partner with Chabad on Campus International, a co-sponsor of the program, which also provided travel grants to help ensure the retreat was accessible to students nationwide and beyond.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chabad on Campus International and to the many individuals who generously contributed to this program, making it possible for students to experience a taste of yeshiva learning this winter,” said Rabbi Mendel Brawer, Director of JSF and the program.

“This is just the beginning,” Rabbi Brawer added. “We are committed to continuing to grow and create more entry points for college students to engage in immersive, high-level Torah learning—and, just as importantly, to stay connected with them afterward, helping guide their continued journey in Yiddishkeit.”