Aggie Voices

It is with tremendous sadness and pain that we inform you of the untimely loss of Sophie Rosenberg (Shoshana Chaya) who passed away this morning together with her mother Leslie Rosenberg in a tragic car accident as she was returning to school from her home in Austin.

Sophie was a proud Jewish Aggie. A Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University.

Sophie and her signature blue sun glasses perched upon her head, matched Sophie's bright smile warm demeanor and inclusive attitude. She reached out and befriended all Jewish Aggies no matter what organization or Greek life you belonged too. To Sophie you were part of the Jewish Aggie family and that is all that mattered.

Sophie traveled with Chabad on MAYANOT: Taglit-Birthright Israel this summer together with her brother Jason this past May.

Sophie took Sinai Scholars and was a Sinai Scholars Society fellow. This Semester Sophie was our Sinai Scholar Intern.

Many of you may not know the integral role that Sophie played behind the scenes to help Chabad Jewish Student Center at Texas A&M University operations and provide for students every day. She was at Chabad daily helping prepare and assist with program and activities for her fellow Jewish Aggies.

Every Monday to help make the Pizza for Lunch and Learn on Campus.

Tuesday preparing for our Sinai Scholars Class.

Wednesday for Torah and Tea class for women.

Thursday for Kosher Cooking Club 

Friday she came to help prepare food for Shabbos Dinner.

Every day with a smile. Welcoming her fellow Jewish Aggies and helping Manya and myself with Administrative work.

She was our children's teacher. This semester Sophie had been teaching Mussia, Menucha and Levi daily.

Sophie was scheduled to go with Manya and her fellow Jewish Aggies this Thursday to the CHABAD on Campus Pegisha Shabbaton Student Leadership Conference in NYC.

Sophie was a Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. Her brother Jakob was also a Jewish Aggie graduate at Texas A&M University.

Sophie and her mother Leslie are survived by her father and her 9 siblings.

Together we will use Sophie's life, learning and memory to create an everlasting tribute to her.

𝐈𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭.

Boruch Dayan HaEmet.

Birthright was a captivating and meaningful experience for me. I had the ability to learn about the state of Israel and about Judaism through exploring Israel in its essential aspects. 

I had the opportunity to tour the main cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and learn about their architecture and culture. I was able to visit the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, which were very beautiful. The most enlightening experience was visiting the Western Wall. Not only was it extremely remarkable and a special moment for me, it was also fun. All of us girls sang and danced together, and ultimately were there for similar reasons: to pray and give our loyalty to Hashem. It was an experience I will never forget.

Hiking the Ein Ovdat Canyon and Mount Masada was so fun and the views were absolutely breathtaking.  Throughout all the activities and tours, we had intellectual discussions and lessons about the history and purpose of what we were partaking in. It was very cool to be able to learn while also having fun. During our trip, we had the opportunity to have eight IDF soldiers join us. They were all so outgoing and sociable, and really wanted to get to know us. This trip was so worthwhile and every aspect of it was very significant. I have made wonderful memories and lifelong friends during this experience. I would encourage anyone who has the ability to take part in this amazing trip, as it was an experience I will forever cherish and never forget. 

Jewish Aggies have been going on Birthright with Rabbi Yossi since 2007. Join us for our Winter Trip this December. Registration opens in September 2018. 

Looking back at the birthright trip, I realize how much we actually managed to cram in ten days. We went to Tzvat, Tiberias, Tel Aviv, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Bedouin tents, and Jerusalem. We hiked the Banyas, went jeeping in the Golan Heights, were joined by eight of the finest IDF soldiers, walked the streets of Tel Aviv, floated in the Dead Sea, rode camels, visited the Jewish quarter and Western Wall, drank Israeli beer, ate falafel or shawarma pitas almost every day, and concluded with a fun last night together on Ben Yehuda street. Each of us took something different away from the trip, but I think it’s safe to say that each of us enjoyed it more than words can describe.

This birthright trip, and more specifically this group was exceptional in so many ways.  First reason being that we had the best trip educator we could have possibly had. Being an Aggie myself, I am slightly biased toward my aggie rabbi but if you were to ask a non-aggie, they would have said the same thing. Rabbi Yossi taught us so much over the course of this trip: in the mornings, during our daily activities, and especially during Q&A nights on Shabbat. Rabbi kept us laughing on the bus rides and was always there to help if anyone needed. We also wouldn’t have had such an exceptional trip if we had not had Leiah and Tzion, our tour guide and bus driver. They really solidified the exceptionality of this trip and helped us truly appreciate the rich culture of Israel with their passion for the Holy Land. If Mayanot 138, the Howdy Bus had had a different bus driver, tour guide, or educator, our trip would not have gone as smoothly or been as remarkable as it was.

I can’t express how meaningful, fun, and life-changing this trip was for me without talking about the incredible group of students that made this trip what it was. It was so beautiful and refreshing to see the diversity of people in this group. Everyone in this group grew up in such different environments with all such unique backgrounds. I’m so glad I had the pleasure of getting to speak one-on-one with so many other young Jewish students exploring their Jewish roots. Just as Rabbi continues to remind us, “every one of us is made in the image of G-d and everyone has a special purpose on this earth”. Understanding this really helps us to better appreciate every person that comes into our lives. This was such a cohesive group of students because everyone was so accepting of each other, which made it that much easier for all of us to get along well. It was truly inspiring to see how much everyone grew over the course of the trip. I especially loved to see how engaged everyone was during Rabbi’s Shabbat Q&A. People asked questions about Judaism and Torah that I never even thought to ask before. I learned so much during those Q&A sessions that made me question my own perspectives on the topics discussed. 

Although birthright is over, there was one reoccurring theme that many people continued to bring up in the group: getting out of our comfort zone. This message is one that we should keep with us no matter where our lives take us. We should be open to trying new things, asking the tough questions, and maybe even joining a pro-Israel organization on your campus. Thank you for making this trip all that it was, and I can’t wait to see how you put what you learned about Israel to action on your campuses. עם ישראל חי 🇮🇱.

Heading to JFK airport to leave for Birthright, I was both excited and nervous. I didn't know many people on the trip, but I knew that I was going to see incredible cities full of rich history. Not only was I surprised by how inviting everyone was, but I also could not believe the beauty of all the places I was able to visit during my time in Israel. I made lasting friendships and experienced the holy land like I had imagined on the day of my Bat Mitzvah when it seemed out of reach.

I think that the Israeli soldiers were an unforgettable addition to our trip. Each soldier was excited to be there with us and provided insight into the areas we visited. They were particularly fun to have around when we went to the Carmel Market in Jerusalem because they were able to communicate with the shop owners in Hebrew so we could haggle for a lower price. The soldiers also gave us a taste of what it was like to be an Israeli and shared what they could of both their experiences in the IDF and daily life in Israel. The most impactful time we had with them was visiting Mt. Herzl, a national military cemetery. It was then that I grew a deeper appreciation for the members of the IDF as a large majority of the people there lost their lives at the age of myself and the soldiers.

The most memorable day of the trip started with climbing Masada. We were told the stories of the ruins and explored area. The scenery was so beautiful that it felt like I was looking at a green screen. After hiking down Masada we headed over to the Dead Sea. I still could not believe the beauty that surrounded me and the feeling of floating so effortlessly. It truly was a perfect day from the weather to the scenery. We finished the day by driving down to stay in the Bedouin tents where we all got to sleep together in one tent and grow closer as a group while experiencing the beauty of the endless stars and isolation.

Deciding to go on Birthright with Chabad at Texas A&M was a decision I will be forever grateful for. Rabbi Yossi always made each day memorable with his jokes, insights, and the Modeh Ani where we all got to share what we were thankful for. I was able to share my experiences with other Aggies that I can see weekly at events. I think there is something truly special about every individual who played a part in the trip which made the once in a lifetime experience even more impactful.

Sophie Pervere is a Sophmore Mechanical Engineering student at Texas A&M University.

My name is Jackie Rosenthal and I’m a sophomore Business Honors and Management Information Systems Student from Houston, Texas. I just got back from my winter Birthright Trip, led by our own wonderful Rabbi Yossi. I’m so thankful to have done Birthright now as opposed to later because I’m pretty sure it will be the start of yearly trips to Israel for me. 

I didn’t want to leave Israel. Ten days in such a country was way too short. Praying at the Western Wall was touching beyond words. Relaxing in the Dead Sea was an incredible experience, let alone a beautiful sight. Masada was an enjoyable hike and learning opportunity. The markets and bargaining for souvenirs were a blast. The food was AMAZING (even if I am the pickiest eater in the world). The soldiers were so fun to hang out with and learn from. I felt so safe and at home in Israel.

One of the best things about my Birthright trip was Yossi’s words. Whether he was leading the Modeh Ani on the bus, sharing stories with us, answering our questions about Judaism in a Q&A session, or talking to me about the history of sites while walking through the cities, I was always learning so much and fulfilling one of the reasons I wanted to join the trip. Before the trip’s start, I was worried we were going to be expected to know a decent amount about Jewish customs, of Israel’s history, and even a little bit of Hebrew. I didn’t want to be left in the dust at “why do we wash our hands in a certain manner before Shabbat dinner” when the whole group had moved on to another topic. However, I didn’t need to be worried. We were Jews of 

all different backgrounds on the trip and everything we needed and wanted to know was explained to us with ease. 

We also always had the opportunity to ask questions, which I know we all appreciated.

Go on Birthright with Rabbi Yossi soon, join the #HowdyBus family, and then start planning your following trips to Israel. It’s an incredible place; you have to see it for yourself.

 To join the Aggie Birthright Summer 2018 trip on May 22 visit MayanotIsrael.com 

Howdy! It is that time of the year where Chabad at Texas A&M is having their annual match campaign. The theme is spreadthelight, so I'm going to talk about how Chabad has been one of the biggest and brightest lights in my life.

My experience in college would not have been the same if it wasn't for the Jewish Aggie family that Manya, Rabbi Yossi, and the kids foster.

When I think back over the 3.5 years I have been in college, I think of how Chabad has shaped my experience in the most positive way.

I think of all the delicious Shabbat meals surrounded by my closest friends, all the amazing educational opportunities I have been able to be a part of like Sinai Scholars and Birthright.

I think of all the matzoh-ball soup Manya makes when any Jewish Aggie is sick, all the hugs I have gotten when it's been a rough day or when it's been a great day, and most importantly, the unconditional love and support I have received from the day I walked through the door.

If you are able, please consider donating to Chabad's annual match campaign, because Chabad is the heart and soul of the Jewish Aggie Community at Texas A&M, and they have brought so much light and joy into my life and the lives of so many others.

Sinai Scholars has impacted me at the best time of my life. I am 22 years old about to graduate college. I have struggled with my jewish identity for the longest time. I never felt I belonged in my community growing up. Boys wouldn’t date me because I was Jewish and I never understood what even Judaism beliefs were. When people would asked what I believed, I never gave the correct answer. I knew about the holidays and culture such as, what food Jews like, we have Shabbat on Fridays instead of Sundays, and Hanukkah I get presents like Christmas, However, when they asked the meaning of all of it, I never knew the correct answer.

As a kid you don’t really question life, you just accept it. The main thing you learned from your parents was in order to survive on earth you are respectful to people, you eat and drink, and you go to school to get an education to be successful. This summer was my last summer before graduating college and I started questioning my purpose in life and had an identity crisis. I always knew I was a Jew, but I wasn’t sure what would happen to me if I died, why I was even born, was it all just by nature? Is there even a G-d? A Heaven? Will I ever get married? These were all questions I had trouble finding the answers to.

I always felt at home when I was around Jewish people, so I never had trouble getting myself to be part of the community, but I would always tell people I’m not that religious. I go to temple for the people and the food. Sinai Scholars has eased my anxiety to a tee. From taking this class I have a great knowledge of my religion, my ancestry, my purpose in life, and the reason for existence. I no longer feel lost with these thoughts I use to obsess over. I am even more proud now to be a Jew.

The minute I stepped into Chabad before my sophomore year at A&M, I immediately began to feel at home and welcomed.  It’s almost fate that I was brought to this school. It sounds cheesy, but I believe G-d wanted me to be part of this community in order to get the guidance I needed.

My biggest take away from this course is the amazing blessing it is to be Jewish and to be proud of who I am. I will marry jewish and be the biggest influence on my children so they will understand their purpose in life. My parents were great at raising me, but they never truly gave me insight on my identity as a Jew. I am glad to be able to carry on values and customs of the religion to the next generation. This has been a great course and I am grateful to have been able to share it with all of you. 

Sinai Scholars Society invites students to engage in an open community of study and self-discovery that will help them to become passionate, informed Jewish leaders on campus and in their respective communities. For more information visit SinaiScholars.com

My name is Evan and I was raised in Dallas, Texas. During my four years at Texas A&M, I was encouraged to participate in Birthright, but never applied. Senior year, I experienced a desire to visit the land of Israel. I spoke with Rabbi Yossi about the Taglit-Birthright trip with Mayanot (one of the major birthright providers) and he was extremely helpful, addressing all of my questions and concerns. 

After my trip in Israel, my friends back home asked, “what did you do?”   I responded, “what didn’t we do!” My visit to Israel was a whirlwind of thrills and new experiences. My favorite part of Birthright was our encounter with the Israeli soldiers. We bonded with the soldiers and gained an understanding of how they think. Their military service gives you a true appreciation for how important the State of Israel is to them and to all Jewish people in the world. 

When the forty college students from across the nation who signed up for IsraeLinks convened close to midnight at JFK airport on May 18th two weeks for our IsraeLinks journey. All we knew was there would be learning and touring in Israel...an amazing experience for sure, but we didn’t know much more.

Most of us on the trip had taken the Sinai Scholars course offered at our campus Chabads. Although those classes were insightful and encouraged us to challenge our beliefs and thoughts on Jewish texts, it wasn’t until IsraeLinks did those texts come alive, and I was able to take an in-depth look at what being Jewish really means in practice. I chose to sign up for IsraeLinks in order to immerse myself and be a more educated and inspired Jew so that when I came back to my community and my campus, I could be a more knowledgeable and prepared supporter of my Jewish community.

IsraeLinks is a two-week program where one week is spent in Tzfat, the birthplace of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism, and the other week is spent in Jerusalem. These cities are very different from each other, so as a participant I was able to see Judaism practiced in unique ways in each of these cities. Every morning was spent learning in a classroom, where we explored topics and issues that were relevant to us as young Jews. These topics ranged from Jewish life cycles to rituals to relationships. The rabbis and rebbetzins who led the classes encouraged us to question the reasoning behind topics and issues and much to my surprise; I looked forward to each class every day. No question was off the table, and every class offered a different perspective on all kinds of aspects about Judaism.

The afternoons were usually spent touring a certain destination. During the first week, where we were based out of Tzfat, we traveled to the Rosh Hanikra’s grottos and explored massive tunnels. The massive geological formations were a fantastic first impression, accompanied by an afternoon spent bike riding along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Pictures on the internet and in books can only show a glimpse of the beauty of Israel, as that afternoon the views we experienced along the coast were absolutely stunning.

Another highlight of Tzfat was Shabbat evening with local host families. After services at the CRAZIEST synagogue you will ever go to, we were split into small groups, got away from the hustle and bustle of the week and our normal trip schedule, and walked to assigned families in the city who hosted us for dinner. The family, who had moved to Tzfat from New Jersey, I went to was incredibly hospitable, and my group and I were at their house past midnight discussing everything from college life to life in Israel; it was amazing to hear their story about why they moved and what they found special about the little city of Tzfat.

For the second week in Israel, we were based out of Jerusalem. One afternoon, we traveled to Chevron to see Machpelah, the tomb of our Jewish matriarchs and patriarchs. 

This structure, where every matriarch and patriarch except for Rachel, is buried, gave us an opportunity to see for ourselves and understand who the founders of our Jewish people are. No one knew what to expect for the next were given rare access to the city, which was ravaged with evidence of suicide bombings and terrorist attacks. As we toured, we gained a greater appreciation for our Jewish communities back in the United States and understood even more why it is necessary to do everything we can to protect the state of Israel. That evening, we went to the local army base that was responsible for the protection of the city. Speaking with the soldiers made us realize that behind all the pride and celebration for Israel, it is a constant struggle.

Another day in Jerusalem, the boys and girls on the trip each went to their respective Mayanot yeshiva programs in the city. For part of our learning with Mayanot, the rules of kashrut that we were studying in the classroom came alive as we were given a behind-the-scenes tour of a few places in the shuk, or marketplace, including a kosher bakery and fish market, where we saw first-hand the importance of kashrut, and what made these kosher establishments Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Independence Day, was another exciting moment on the trip. All over the city that day, people were dressed in white and music was playing from every business. That afternoon, thousands from across the city gathered and walked together through the Old City of Jerusalem, chanting and singing, as we made our way to the Western Wall. Seeing the blue and white of thousands was inspiring and was a display of solidarity with all those who live, pray, and defend the city of Jerusalem and the state of Israel.

One of the coolest parts of IsraeLinks was the guest speakers from all walks of life that were brought in to share their stories and expertise. One of the guest speakers was named Tova Mordechai; she was raised by a Christian father and a closeted Jewish mother. While attending a strict Christian college, she explored her Jewish identity by eavesdropping at her local synagogue’s services, and today is an observant Jew living in Tzfat. It was fascinating to hear her story as well as the many others we spoke to at every stop we made in Israel. Each person we met had a fascinating life story, and the people with these incredible stories could only be found by traveling...or as it is more commonly said, “returning” to Israel, as the homeland of every Jew is the state of Israel.

This trip allowed for self-discovery of my Jewish identity and my neshama, or Jewish soul. Each destination and activity meant something different for each person on the trip, which made it a lot more special. By the end of the trip, the bond I had with the other trip mates was unbreakable because although we came from every corner of the United States, our Judaism was a connection that was unbreakable.

I would recommend this trip for anyone who wants to learn more about themselves and their Jewish culture. The places I went to and the people I met could only happen in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and these experiences can be brought back and shared with my Texas A&M Jewish community. I came on IsraeLinks with a few dozen questions about Judaism, but I left with ten times that because over the two weeks I was in Israel, I was constantly exposed to new things and saw new avenues to look into. If you’ve been on Birthright and you want to go back to Israel, experience IsraeLinks...you won’t regret it.

Four years ago, our oldest son left New Jersey for Texas A&M.  He didn't know too many people here, but he knew Jason Wise from years of regional USY; and he knew that Jason was involved with the Chabad On campus - a Chabad HOUSE led by a down-to-earth Rabbi, his dynamic wife and their six adorable children.  He immediately learned that this Chabad House is actually a Home for the hundreds of ״surrogate״ children who stream in and out of Yossi and Manya's House at literally all hours of the day and night - to cook, to eat, to study, to schmooze, to cry, to laugh and to love.

Anyone who spends even a few minutes in this House that the Lazaroffs Built is immediately drawn in by their warmth and caring, and their seemingly limitless capacity to be there for every member of the Aggieland Jewish community.  Somehow - their days have more than 24 hours. Somehow, there is always a plate of home-cooked food, an open heart, someone to listen/advise or pick you up, someone to teach without preaching....someone who lives an authentic Jewish life and wraps you into that life as seamlessly as if you were born into the family as another treasured Lazaroff child. 

We don't know how they do it; the sheer number of hours on their feet, and ALWAYS with kindness, humor and compassion, is simply daunting.  They ask nothing of us in return...but we owe them everything.  

The Parents of the Year are not Allison and David Nagelberg; they are Yossi and Manya.  Tonight is a tribute to them and to their phenomenal accomplishments over the last seven years. Yossi and Manya: we thank you, we love you, and we wish you continued strength and success as you build community here at A&M for years to come. 

What events and people in our lives make us the people that we are today? I think everyone would say that our parents play a huge role in shaping us as human beings. From even before we are born they care for us, and even after we leave their immediate care, they still care for us and about us. In fact, there is nothing that can truly stand between caring parents and their children. No amount of time, space, money, or anything else can come between the love and care that parents have for their children.

Today, I have the extreme honor and privilege of being able to say that this goes both ways.

When I left my parents’ house four years ago and drove with them to Texas, I was happy to get away. I figured that 1,600 miles was far enough away to get my folks off of my back. But it wasn’t. They would come down for football games, for Thanksgiving, for Passover, for NASCAR races, for Parents’ Weekend – whenever they could, they would find a way to get here. And over those four years, I grew closer to my parents despite the physical distance. Despite the miles that separated us, we grew stronger as a parent-child unit, and the things that are important to each of us grew more important to the other. And that is where the Chabad Jewish Center at Texas A&M enters the picture. I lived next door to Chabad for two years, but from the very moment I arrived on campus til today it has been my real home in Texas. My family instilled a Jewish education and a love for Judaism in me that my life would not be complete without, and having a Chabad house to help continue to nurture that has been invaluable, and my parents quickly realized that. Throughout my four years here they have come to view Chabad as a place where all Jewish students are welcome and loved for, and in their appreciation of this, my parents have donated of their time and money, time and again, to help grow this Chabad house. It is because of their continued and growing support and love for the Lazaroff family and all of the work that they do that I now have the utmost privilege of introducing my parents, Allison and David Nagelberg, as the Parents of the Year of the Texas A&M Chabad.

Jackie Subar is currently in Israel for the summer! Here is what this Aggie has to say:

Howdy/Shalom!!!

Aside from the slight jet lag these past three days have been great. It’s so great to be back home in the eretz! Though I have come to Israel to pursue research with NGO Monitor (located near Ben Yehuda for those of you who know what I am talking about; yeah yeah you know the place!) I am in the Mayanot Institute for Jewish Studies in Katamon (a part of Jerusalem) for a couple of weeks. Katamon, for my Plano people out there, is home to an area that is sort of like the Jerusalem stone version of Shops at Legacy; aka beautiful, mamash (really)! Anyways, Mayanot is what they call a yeshiva (a place for Jewish studies) for women. Essentially some of the smartest, coolest people gather together to take classes and learn about what it means to be Jewish. In today’s day and age we have won the right to have a high education in secular academics, why not understand ourselves as Jewish women on the same level?! The girls here come from a large number of backgrounds. There is no dress code, everyone is on their  own level, and it is a ZERO pressure environment (like totally bro, what good is pressure, go push yourself not others!)~kinda feels like a Montessori yeshiva if those existed. So by hashgacha pratis (divine intervention---I mean who really believes in luck?) I ended up in Jerusalem just in time for Yom Yerushalayim (attached is a picture of me…I know you weren’t here so I had to make other friends). Honestly one of the coolest days ever. It is a celebration based on the reclaiming of Jerusalem by our awesome-kick-butt Israeli soldiers in the 1960’s. So much dancing, laughing, shouting, and crazy that it made Northgate look like the kiddie sandbox. I still don’t have a phone, something about unlocking it and getting a plan and it just is not coming together, but I did get an AMAZING Turkish bureka (still doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have a phone yet)---sidenote: there is a kosher McDonalds on Ben Yehuda though who wants to go there for icky chicken when you can go elsewhere is beyond me! Got to love all of the kosher food in Israel (though believe it or not kosher is harder in Israel than in America---yeah you want to know why? I am totally not launching into shemita an hour before Shabbos; go ask your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi/Rebbetzin). Okay need to go catch a bus to Ramat Shlomo “a large Jewish housing development in northern East Jerusalem…18,000-20,000 people and was captured in the Six Day War” (high-five Wikipedia!)---essentially a zillion Chabad Houses in one area (note: if you get the joke great!---like DON’T knocking on random Lubavitchers doors. You could get green dip and a joke but I don’t think they really know what that is in Ramat Shlomo; they’re more into the srug (a spicy spicy dip) and most recently Siracha (Rabbi Yossi your famous!)---but they do tell jokes and farbreng (literally a “gathering”---a bunch of people coming together to hang out, talk, and have DMCs (deep meaningful conversations)…or not; just don’t forget to bring a bottle of mashke (lit.vodka---see your LOR if you want deeper Chassidic insight). So now I’m sitting here in the beit midrash (essentially a house of study; where the books/some classes are) typing and eating a bag of klik (great chocolate thingys…like if American cereal were coated in chocolate…oh yeah it is). Shabbat around here starts around six I just found out, not eight like in Texas! So I’m only three days in, so many adventures to pursue, hiking to do, people to meet, and fun to be had. There is no place like Israel! Giving a shout out to all the Aggies back home and abroad! Wishing you a restful and enjoyable Shabbat! 

Shabbat Shalom Yall!

Subar

Howdy !!!

Good evening everyone, for those who don’t know me, my name is Joshua, I am the french guy with the weird accent. For those who do know me, you probably  know that I really don’t like speeches, but tonight I think like I have to say something.

I would like to talk about the Hakarat Hatov - also known as gratitude – or the necessity and ability to say thank you.

The Torah portion, Ki Savo contains the Mitzvah of bringing the First Fruits (Bikkurim) to the Bais HaMikdash (Temple in Jerusalem). The fruits are brought to the Kohen and their presentation is accompanied by a declaration expressing one's gratitude to God.

The Alshich a commentator, is bothered by a Medrash in Parshas Bereshis. The Medrash (in a play on words of the opening words of the Torah) states that the world was created for the sake of that which is called "Reishis" [first]: According to this midrash the world was created for the sake of the Mitzvah of Bikkurim, which is called "Reishis".

The Alshich asks why this Medrash states that the world was created for the sake of this mitzvah! What is the importance of this Mitsva? Why would Hashem create the world so that this Mitzvah could exist?!

The answer is that the Mitzvah of Bikkurim contains within it something that is fundamental to being a human being ­­ the obligation for people to express their gratitude and hakaras haTov. HaKaras haTov, the concept of gratitude, is so basic and primary that the whole world's creation was brought into actualization for just this mitzvah alone; this mitzvah which teaches us and trains us how to be gracious and thankful.

In fact, Jews begin their day with two words – Modeh Ani­, I thank you God for having given me the gift of life once more as I awake to the new day.

In our competitive, materialistic, society there seems to be little room for expressions of gratitude. But the Torah and all of Jewish tradition and its value system demand that we be grateful and thankful, not only in attitude but in our words and deeds as well .

Although sometimes saying ‘thank you’ seems difficult these words reflect powerful emotions and have an unbelievable impact upon the person to whom they are addressed. It is also wonderful to learn that another person is grateful and appreciative of what one has done for him or her.

A couple days ago I talked with a student who left College Station and she told me that now that she is out of College Station she misses it. It made me realize something, we have a tendency to understand that what we had was amazing only once its over.

Today we are sitting in the Sukkah, all together eating sushi for free. Every week Chabad give us the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat with free food, if we need to talk Manya and Yossi they are here for us, in fact Manya and Yossi are making our college experience a lot easier by providing to us a 'home away from home'.

So tonight i would like to say in the name of all the students thank you Manya and Rabbi Yossi for everything you guys have been doing for us.

Finally, I would like to add that sometimes action can be more meaningful than words . Every Friday night or even tonight when you come to Chabad the tables are set up, the food is already prepared, and everything looks perfect  but you need to remember that this was done by people putting in time and effort, you could contribute in your own way, by for example coming to help on Thursday night, or if you have a busy schedule just taking your plate and put it in the trash before leaving. By doing so, you will bring your own contribution to Chabad,  fulfill the Mitzva of hakarat hatov, and show your gratitude toward Chabad. Because at Chabad we are family.

Thanks and Gigem!

 *International student form Paris, France, Joshua Arrouas is a Grad Student at Texas A&M University studying for his Masters in Civil Engineering.