Students Shabbat in Chicago

The West Rogers Park Chabad community opened their homes this past week for ‘Shabbat Chicago’, a Midwinter Midwest Weekend retreat for students and young professionals.

This program directed by Rabbi Levi and Pessy Notik, was initiated by Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz head Shliach in Illinois, with the intent of encouraging young Jews the opportunity to experience a real Shabbos, amidst a Frum and Chasidishe environment. Over 100 Students and young professionals participated Friday Night and over 60 took part in the full Shabbos!

The Scholar in residence was Rabbi Dov Greenberg shliach at Stanford University, who had the crowd spellbound with his talks about the Jewish Perspective on Love, Happiness, and the Pursuit of meaning.

Many of the Chabad Houses working on Campus, and with the general community, encouraged their constituents to attend. Shluchim present for the event, included Rabbi Yosef and Sara Moscowitz directors of The Living Room – Chabad of Bucktown, and Rabbi Avremel Matusof of YJP Madison. Mr. Levi Staal, entrepreneur in Chicago spoke with the group about his personal journey, in a talk entitled Religion & Reality: the spirit of Success.

The guests learned, davened, and participated in great lectures and discussions throughout the Shabbos.

They enjoyed lively lavish meals on a five star level, met new likeminded people and formed new relationships. Each of the full shabbos participants, received their own pocket size Hebrew English Siddur.

Motzoie Shabbos began with a Musical Havdalah with Rabbi Mendel Moscowitz accompanied by guitarist Rubby Harris. It was a hit that merged into lively spontaneous dancing. The group then left for The Living Room – Chabad of Bucktown where they were treated to a post Shabbos dinner and a concert by Dr. Laz, the original Rappin’ Rockin’ Reggae Rabbi.

Many of the participants will now be actively participating in The Bet Midrash at FREE of Chicago, where after their school or work hours they learn, study, and Farbreng with Rabbi Yakov Pole, and Rabbi Levi Notik.