With all the excitement of incoming freshmen, Rabbi Meir Aharon Goldberg and his wife, Leah, will arrive in Plattsburgh, NY, in mid-August to establish an independent Chabad center at SUNY Plattsburgh, which will cater to the Jewish students.
SUNY Plattsburgh is known for its strong liberal arts programs, including unique degrees in areas like expeditionary studies and robotics. It’s also recognized for its strong business, health professions, and education programs. Additionally, Plattsburgh itself is known for its beautiful scenery, particularly during the fall foliage season, and its proximity to outdoor activities.
For the last several months Rabbi Goldberg and his wife visited the campus during rosh hashana to give out high holiday packages, sukkos with a sukkah mobile, hosted a chanukah party and many fridays giving out neshek and wrapping tefillin. They have already connected with dozens of Jewish students.
“We stroll around campus together with a bucket of nicely wrapped chocolate cakes with the words, ‘Enjoy a taste of Chabad,’” says the rabbi. “We give every Jewish person we meet a cake and give every non-Jew two cakes—asking them to pass on the second cake to a Jewish acquaintance, if they can.” And of course offering tefillin and shabbos candles to the ones who are Jewish.
He estimates that 400 students out of the total student body of more than 6,000 are Jewish.
In addition to the students, the rabbi says he has gotten to know a number of Jewish professors who are happy to meet and connect.
For now, the Goldbergs are looking to settle in a large home that sits on grassy property, large enough to host students for shabbat and holiday meals, social events, Torah classes and learning one on one. With the High Holidays fast approaching, the Goldbergs say they are already talking to students, who they plan to host for prayer services and festive meals.
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Hatzlacha raba! Beautiful
Much Hatzlacha! 👏🏻