Something Good at Penn State

Photography by Bentzion Elisha, ElishaArt.Com

Warmth, joy, and appreciation were felt in the air as Penn State alumni, students, parents, supporters, and friends gathered to celebrate 10 years of Chabad at Penn State in Pennsylvania, directed by Shluchim Rabbi Nosson and Sarah Meretsky.

The gala dinner event was held on November 13 at Chabad of the Plaza District in New York City, the location specifically chosen to accommodate most alumni, parents, and supporters who live in the NY Metropolitan area.

In addition to marking ten years of Shlichus at Penn State university, the dinner also served as an opportunity to thank and honor the people who have helped and supported the Meretsky family in their endeavor to bring authentic Judaism to the Jewish college students of Penn State.

Marvin and Sandra Kohll of Omaha, NE were honored with the Heart of Excellence award as they have constantly and generously aided the Meretskys both materially and spiritually.

Thomas and Heather Baumgarten of State College, PA were honored with the Community Pillar award. They are part of the local community and have been partnering with the Meretskys to strengthen Yiddishkeit amongst the Penn State students and the State College community since their humble beginnings. Heather has been in charge of many essential programs such as the weekly kosher meal plan, Jewish Women’s Circle, and holiday programming.

Nicole (Nikki) Hetchcop was awarded with the young leadership award. Nikki has “go-getter” talents and was part of a Jewish sorority on campus. She used her talents and social opportunities to partner with the Meretskys to begin a group called the Jewish Heritage group on campus, creating huge Jewish parties infused with Yiddishkeit at fraternities.

She would cook the food at the Chabad House to ensure the attendees ate only Kosher, while the Meretskys would give the students an opportunity to do mitzvos, such as making a Bracha in the Sukkah or lighting the Menorah. Among many other accomplishments, Nikki was awarded for recruiting PSU Jews so they could also find out about their Jewish heritage.

Seven student leaders were also honored, Chabad Jewish student organization presidents Maura Klonder and Bree Feibishkoff, past president Jackie Kelly, board members Jason Cohen and Josh Frisch, as well as the new Jewish Heritage group chairs, Danielle Assur and Melisa Reizner.

Rabbi Nosson Meretsky spoke about some of the programs that have been accomplished at Penn State, and connected the 10 years with the 10 tests of Avraham.

Rebbetzin Sarah Meretsky elaborated on the concept of being tested as it related to her personally, being a Shlucha, with all the challenges a life on Shlichus can bring, such as raising children to be Chasidim far away from a Frum Jewish community.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as each of Thomas and Heather Baumgarten’s children spoke of how their parents were incredible role models in ways of helping others, bringing light, and giving tzedakah.

Heather Baumgarten elaborated on the concept of pillars and how some pillars have been squashed at Penn State recently, however the pillar that the Chabad House has erected remains strong as ever as many students take part in learning Torah and doing mitzvos.

The warmth of the evening touched all present who were inspired by the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s message to the alumni and their families, supporters and friends to always grow in their their Judaism wherever they are and share it with fellow Jews.

For more info about Chabad of Penn State, visit PSUJew.Com