UA students from all backgrounds have access to various organizations that represent their diverse upbringings, and a big part of that diversity is the vibrant Jewish life here on campus.
The Chabad at the UA, Jewish Arizonans on Campus and Hillel are the three acknowledged Jewish student life establishments at the UA.
Every year, these student-focused organizations offer a hub for all students celebrating the Jewish New Year.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 2, and ending Tuesday, Oct. 4, students are welcome to participate in the celebratory events featured around campus.
Located just north of campus at 1436 E. Drachman St., the Chabad is run by Rabbi Yossi and Naomi Winner and serves as an important Jewish cultural center at UA.
The Rabbi and Naomi have five children who open their home every Friday night to over 100 Jewish students for Shabbat services and dinner. The Winners said they forward to opening their home for Rosh Hashanah.
“[We] have been living at the UA for over 11 years and offer students a chance to get a taste of home while being so many miles away,” said Rabbi Yossi Winner.
This year, Chabad will be hosting students for their first annual “Rush Hashanah.”
“UA Chabad offers students what they crave most during the Rosh Hashanah season—a home away from home,” Naomi Winner said.
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For this year’s celebrations, Chabad will host services, lunches and dinners throughout the holiday weekend.
Political science junior Jennie Taer said she finds religious solace and solidarity at Chabad.
“I go to Chabad because I enjoy connecting with God and with fellow Jewish students,” Taer said. “Chabad is home. Chabad means a warm place that provides students with the means to observe Jewish holidays and find comfort in prayer.”
Almost every meal is offered at no cost, but the Winners encourage all to RSVP to each event.
Another organization, the Jewish Arizonans on Campus, also provides a home for students looking to celebrate the Jewish New Year.
Run by Moshe and Esti Schonbrun, JAC has been serving students all over Arizona by offering programs that help students learn about tradition in the 21st century and connect with their Jewish roots.
“JAC is a Jewish family-style group on campus,” Moshe said. “It has an incredible personal vibe and emphasizes unity and high-level education.”
This Rosh Hashanah, JAC will provide students with various programs for the High Holidays.
“The High Holiday programming will primarily feature discussion-based conversations about the deeper meaning, relevance and significance to the Jewish New Year,” Moshe said.
JAC has services and meals at 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, as well as a Tuesday lunch at 12:30 p.m.
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Just a stone’s throw away from the Student Union Memorial Center sits the UA Hillel, a place for students who want to learn about Judaism and Israel.
Hillel is the headquarters for many Israel programs on campus. It also provides a variety of study spaces and a Kosher café .
Every other Friday, UA Hillel offers a Shabbat service run by students followed by a traditional Shabbat dinner.
This year for Rosh Hashanah, Hillel will offer Sunday service at 5:30 p.m. and Monday morning service at 9:30 a.m. along with a special Rosh Hashanah dinner.
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