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Toy Drive Reflections

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:24:00 AM

By Eliena Mahgerefteh

Earlier this quarter Chabad at UC Irvine put on a toy drive where students had the chance to sponsor a toy for a child. In the two days we set up booth on campus over $250 worth of toys were purchased and arrangements were made to distribute these toys to underprivileged kids and victims of Hurricane Sandy. Sunday December 9th I along with other regulars from Chabad at UC Irvine decided to spend a few hours of our day with young kids deserving of some toys and much needed smiles on their faces. Pulling up to the Motel I did not know what to expect, but after we set up camp in the community room and put out cups of juice and snacks for the kids, we began to feel a connection with the families and their rough situations. A few of us students went in search of more children living in the rooms and we saw the way they had to endure. Families of up to five living in a small room with a kitchen, single moms with no income, young teen moms whom had recently given birth, what seemed like gang members, and even a few weed smokers. It made me so sad that children had to live with 'high' parents 24/7. As we anticipated a "leave us alone" instead we were welcomed with smiles from the parents and screams of "Yes!!!" from the kids, urgently putting a sweater on as they ran to the room where they would pick out a toy and spend some time doing arts and crafts. Watching the kids faces became the best part of the trip. Some were bouncing on whoopee cushions, others were playing with water guns, and meanwhile they all made take-home bracelets. This gave the moms something to do too, and many of the mothers asked us to come back again. I would like to say that I would be more than thrilled to go back and spend some time with these kids, and anyone else that would like to join us is more than welcome too.

Chabad of UCI Celebrates Chanukah With Grand Menorah Lighting: Chancellor Michael Drake Lights First Candle

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:50:00 PM

By Ben Beezy, JD/MBA, Class of 2013

On December 10, the third night of Chanukah, Chabad of UCI held its annual (at least when the holiday falls during the quarter) menorah lighting ceremony. The night was particularly meaningful as Chancellor Michael Drake attended as a guest and honorary lighter of the first menorah candle. After giving a heartfelt seasons greetings message to attending UCI students and members of the Irvine Jewish community, the Chancellor climbed a ladder to light the several foot tall menorah located in the courtyard of the Student Center. Shawhin Beroukhim, student president of Chabad of UCI, lit the remaining candles on the menorah. Although many students were concerned with final exams, since December 10 also marked the beginning of finals for the fall quarter, Rabbi Zevi and Miriam were able to lead students in a round of singing and dancing followed by a near endless spread of latkes and sufganyiot. The Chanukah celebration capped off a busy quarter for members of the UCI Jewish community who have had to cope with renewed efforts by anti-Israel advocates to delegitimize the Jewish state. In a brief speech before celebrations began, Rabbi Zevi reminded attendees that the light of the menorah carries a spiritual power that illuminates truth in times of confusion, and provides guidance to those in periods of hardship. The menorah lighting was an important way for UCI Jews to connect and experience Chanukah as a singular community amidst efforts to delegitimize Israel on campus. Co-sponsors of the event included AEPi Jewish Fraternity and the Jewish Studies Department at UCI lead by Professor Matthias Lehmann. Although Chanukah ended on December 16, the Chabad menorah lighting ceremony will be remembered as an important event in the 2012-2013 academic year for its ability to publicize Chanukah, while also unifying the campus Jewish community.

Toy Drive '12

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 1:56:00 PM

By George Karatorosyan

The 2012-2013 Chabad at UCI Toy Drive was a major success this year, bringing together students in supporting and donating to both local children in need and those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The toy drive, hosted by Chabad at UCI occurs every year here at UC Irvine where students, faculty, and passer-byers can make a stop at our “toy shop”, purchase a toy for $1 from a wide variety of available toys and choose to donate the toy they purchased to the charity of their choice. This year the toy drive saw a record number of participants ultimately amounting to 250+ toys being donated to children in need. Many students from various Jewish organizations on campus took part in the toy drive, donating time to tabling and making the toy drive possible.

The beauty of the event was surrounded by all of the goodness it brought to campus life and to the students at a time where other groups were bringing negativity to campus. The event helped spread goodwill, warmness, and practice of kind deed at a time of negative atmosphere on campus. I personally felt that the goodness brought about to campus greatly helped to overcome the negative atmosphere and ultimately brought together individuals who wanted to donate to children in need during the holiday season. Seeing the excitement of those who participated in this year’s toy drive reminded all of us of the importance of bringing about positivity in all that we do. And most certainly positivity and goodness came about through the toy drive and all of the people we were able to reach out to. Seeing so many students and faculty take time out of busy schedules to stop by and help those in need truly shed light on all of the goodness and positivity that was able to come about from the toy drive.

Coffee and Conversations

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 7:30:00 PM

by Loren Salkin

When Rabbitzin Miriam mentioned to me in the fall that she would be holding classes which focus on Women and Judaism starting winter quarter, I quickly made sure to arrange my schedule so that I would have no conflicts during the dates she announced. Every Wednesday night at 8pm, Miriam and a group of young women gather together at Peet’s Coffee to sip hot drinks, enjoy delicious kosher baked goods made with love, and learn about Torah’s perspective on a wide array of topics.

Our first meeting of the quarter began with a discussion on sexuality and its origins in Torah. In weeks that followed, we learned about what Judaism has to say about intimacy and dating, love and finding one’s beshert (soul mate). Miriam thoughtfully combines Torah’s perspective with modern-day examples from within society and supported by science.

At these “Coffee and Conversations,” all who attend can be sure to find a comfortable, welcoming environment where no question is off limits and all are encouraged to participate in a dialogue. I certainly look forward to the Coffee and Conversations to come.

Toy Drive

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 1:00:00 PM

By Sara Khalafi

Many children are not as fortunate as some of us during the holiday season, especially when it comes to receiving presents. That is why Chabad kindly holds the annual Toy Drive on Ring Road every year. Toy drives are a great way to support a very worthy cause and bringing smiles to the faces of underprivileged children.

This year we held the Toy Drive for two days on Monday and Tuesday November 21st and 22nd, in order to give a variety of students and staff the opportunity to contribute to this heartwarming cause. The way the Toy Drive works is the toys are pre-bought from a local store and then they are displayed for people to see along UCI’s Ring Road. Once someone decided to contribute, all they had to do was give a dollar, choose a toy that they felt a child would like, and then write a nice holiday message to the children with the outcome being a very happy child! To show Chabad’s gratitude to those who contributed, we gave them a delicious homemade cookie or brownie as well.

Overall, I am proud to say that Chabad of UCI helped collect about 300 toys for the children at the local hospitals and other charities. The toys will be distributed sometime during Finals week before students leave for winter break. I am very excited to see the smiles on the children’s faces especially during this beautiful holiday season. Chabad definitely went all out for this one and I must say we have a very convincing and persuading team.

Brother of Israeli Hero Visits UCI

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 4:06:00 PM

by Ariel Beroukhim

Just this past summer, as many of you have, I toured Israel with my Birthright group. Included in the many trips we took, was a hike in the north of Israel, Gholan Heights, one of the most beautiful places in Israel. It’s the ideal mountain with tons of greenery, a waterfall, creeks and endless views. If it had not been for one of the greatest Israelis, no person could indulge in the beauty it has to offer.

Before the hike began, our tour guide, Doron, began to tell us a story about a courageous spy, who was willing to do so much for his country. He later told us his name, Eli Cohen, and how he was able to outwit so many and get enough intelligence information to help Israel in the six-day war, that led to their gain of the Gholan Heights. I would hear his name come up from time to time when the topic of Israel would be discussed but I never knew his full story. I later read up on him, and found so many articles talking about his inspirational bravery. Because of the way his life ended, not much is known about the way things ended, and what went on in his life as a spy. So it’s the perfect spy story, which happens to be true. So when I found out that his younger brother Avi Cohen was coming to show us his documentary movie and talk about life as the younger brother of one of the greatest spies of all times, I didn’t think twice about going. It almost felt like, James Bond’s younger brother (if he had one), was coming.

The event began with the documentary movie of Eli Cohen, a brief film that talked about Eli Cohen’s beginnings and his story of being a spy in Damascus, Syria. Once the movie began, the seats began being taken up, as more joined. The audience included both young and old. After the movie, Avi Cohen walked up to the podium and gave his own, personal account of life as Eli Cohen’s younger brother. He told about so many specific times with his older brother, creating very vivid images in people’s minds. At that point he wasn’t so much a secretive undercover spy, who you knew nothing about, but almost like your own older brother, who was risking everything for a country he helped build.

After his speech, he was kind enough to stay for questions and pictures.

The night was something I will never forget. I’m really happy to have been part of the event, and looking forward to more unforgettable nights.

Challah Baking

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 8:04:00 PM

by Alyssa T. Wolk

Imagine the smell of yeasty dough rising in a warm oven and browning ever so slightly to a perfectly golden color. Now imagine having to wait until Shabbas to enjoy this beautiful loaf of bread and knowing that all that time and love you put into creating it will soon pay off, for the breaking of that challah will start off your wonderful Shabbas meal.

Because baking is one of my favorite activities to do (not only because of the wonderful final result, or the lovely smell of baked goods that fills a house, but because of the processes involved) I jumped at the chance to take part in an important mitzvah, making challah. At this event held on November 17, I not only learned about the significance of the word Challah and the tradition of taking a piece and burning it as an offering, but also the art of combining ingredients to create something wonderful for all to enjoy. Rebbetzin Miriam led those who participated in this lovely mitzvah in the combination of ingredients, kneading of the dough and letting it rise, and the braiding and baking of the challah.

For me, the process of making dough and braiding it is the most rewarding. This would sound odd to most people because you would think enjoying the result would be the best part. However, I find the process of baking the most rewarding because I know that the end result will have been made with love and care. Therefore, I put much love and dedication into my challot so that when it came time to eat a lovely golden loaf at a Shabbas meal, all would enjoy because of the wonderful mitzvot I took part in. And that is the most rewarding feeling.

So, next time there is a challah baking event, I would recommend attending not only to enjoy a lovely golden loaf of challah, but also to take part in a wonderful mitzvah that is most rewarding.

BBQ&A

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 2:32:00 PM

By Oleg David Isakov

BBQ&A, aside from the amazing food, was a great opportunity to ask questions on Judaism and Jewish life and engage in a critical discussion with Rabbi Zevi, Miriam and the students. Rabbi Zevi's house provided an open space and un-dogmatic atmosphere for this important sake, where we all questions were welcomed, not judged, and taken seriously.

As students we are naturally more interested in dealing with Judaism in a critical, discursive way. Critical in my opinion does not mean discarding religion, but rather trying to gain a deeper understanding by challenging it. Therefore, I felt that our critical debates and questions led to a broader image and understanding of Jewish laws, tradition and viewpoints, hence, allowing everybody to make up their own minds. Only a personal understanding can create a strong, articulate and truthful identification with Judaism.

I think that everybody felt that we students are interested in learning more about Torah, and I hope that we use the BBQ&A as an incentive to study more, e.g. in weekly Parashot meetings, themed classes such as on marriage, science and other questions of interested. I am looking forward to the next BBQ&A, as well as all other events at UCI CHABAD!

Simchat Torah

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 4:25:00 PM

by Alyssa T. Wolk

Simchat Torah is and has always been one of my favorite Jewish Holidays. That is due to the fact that we celebrate the Torah, the basis and one of the most fundamental aspects of our religion. However, it is also my favorite because of the dancing, singing, and festivities associated with it! This year Simchat Torah was located at the very lovely Hirschberghouse, and we all had loads of fun dancing and singing and eating in their quaint backyard under the lovely Sukkah that was still up from the recent holiday.

After all the hakkafot and simcha, we sat down for tacos and burritos, which were quite delicious, and had a merry time rejoicing in the holiday spirit. By the end of the night Mrs. Hirschberg had made us all tea and took care of us, some more than others. Nonetheless, this being my first year and my first Simchat Torah at UCI with Chabad, I really enjoyed my time surrounded in such a joyous atmosphere. And for the record, the women won in their amount of ruach in singing, dancing, and rejoicing!

Pizza in the Hut

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 8:03:00 PM

by Daniel Narvy

In the midst of Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of the holiday of Sukkot, Chabad of UCI hosted "Pizza in the Hut", a 3 hour lunch activity immersing students, both Jewish and Non-Jewish, religious and secular, in the traditions and customs of Sukkot, the 8 day harvest festival that ends with Simchat Torah, the completion and start of a yearlong torah reading. In Pizza in the Hut, Rabbi Zevi and his wife Rebbitzin Miriam brought kosher pizza from Los Angeles to the "hut", the Sukka Rabbi Zevi and several students helped build on Ring Road next to the flag poles. Over lunch, students of various backgrounds learned about the holiday and the related customs.

The event helped convey the warm, welcoming Jewish environment UC Irvine truly has, despite its anti-Semitic reputation. Not only was the Sukka built on one of the most popular parts on campus, but it was treated with upmost respect from students of all religions and backgrounds. Students from the Armenian Club, the Indian Club, the Evangelical Club, to name only a few, all stopped by to learn about the significance of the holiday, while Jewish Students had the chance to waive the lulav and etrog, to eat in the Sukkah and say the related blessings.

Overall, the event was a great success in promoting Jewish life on campus. The Non-Jews got to take a peek into the fun, exciting aspects of Judaism while learning a few traditions, while the Jewish students who showed up were able to get a few extra Mitzvah points

Sukkah Hop

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 5:00:00 PM

by Cathy Shutaya

Chabad’s annual ‘Sukkah Hop’ has, for the last few years, been branded as one of the most fun events of the school year and one of my personal favorites. This year was no different. Sukkah hop successfully brings together Jewish students of various campus clubs and organizations including Chabad, Hillel, Anteaters for Israel, AEPi, AEPhi, and even attracts Jewish alumni students who come back to reminisce their crazy college days. We venture out on a school bus of approximately 40 people to meet up with students from Cal State Long Beach, at which point we all join to celebrate what Sukkot is all about—being together. Students ‘hop’ from one sukkah to another, filling up on tasty snacks, drinking a beer or two (students of age 21+, of course), and finishing up with a delicious falafel dinner and rocking out to live music. For some, this may be reminiscent of their own identity-reawakening experiences in Israel (as many students have already been on programs like Birthright).

Even with a midterm the following day, I couldn’t pass up on my favorite celebration of the fall quarter (luckily the midterm didn’t turn out to be worth studying for)…but that was a risk I was willing to take and hey, isn’t that what college is all about?

Chabad sure knows how to throw a party, and as one UC Irvine student put it, “we hop hard”. I look forward to more hops in the years to come!

Shabbat under the Stars

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:34:00 PM

by Alexis Goldring

My first Chabad event happened to be the Shabbat Dinner in the Sukkah this quarter. I was extremely nervous, seeing as it was my first Chabad event, but all of the nerves turned into fun and excitement! Everyone was so welcoming and it felt like this was my 100th Chabad event! We had Chinese food under the stars in the Sukkah, where we all sat around for hours catching up and socializing. Then out of nowhere, Miriam decided that I needed to dance around the Sukkah singing Shabbat songs that I knew from Jewish camp when I was younger! Everyone was clapping and singing, it felt as if I was back in Israel again and nothing else mattered!

After the official dinner was over, everyone just sat around and hung out. It was so great meeting new people, people that I would have otherwise not met. The religious aspect of the Sukkah was so refreshing from the everyday bustle of school and studying. I am so thankful Miriam forced me to dance around the Sukkah because it truly made me feel special and apart of something bigger. I will definitely go to this event next year and hopefully many other events! Without a doubt, I enjoyed every second of the Sukkah under the stars and blissful feeling of being with so many other Jewish students who are just like me!

This event was co-sponsored by the Hillel Foundation and The Rose Project of the Jewish Federation and Family Services of Orange County

Falafel Fiesta

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 2:12:00 PM

by Aurora Neuman

I remember how excited I was that Chabad at UCI was going to have a Falafel Fiesta! It was not only a great way to meet new people, but it was also a great chance to eat some delicious Falafel with UCI students! It was the perfect break from studying for midterms and getting ready for sukkot!

The fiesta went on at the lovely Hirschberg house where we all got to sit under the sukkah and enjoy some delicious Falafel with our friends. As we all sat under the sukkah not only did we have a delicious meal we got to enjoy and rejoice in the holiday spirit. By the end of the night I had meet many new friends that I could call family because we all have a bond. Being that this is my first year at UCI, freshman could sometimes find it hard to fit in with a certain group but no matter who you are or where you come from you are always welcome at Chabad and that is something I really loved about meeting everyone. Falafel Fiesta was a great success!

This event was co-sponsored by the Hillel Foundation and The Rose Project of the Jewish Federation and Family Services of Orange County

The Seder

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 1:29:00 AM

By Jacob Barak

On the first two nights of Pesach, Rabbi Zevi led seders in the student center. I attended the seder on the first night. Some seders seem to last forever, but this one was truly fun. More than any other I have seen, this seder felt like a celebration of freedom as well as a reflection on the bitterness of slavery. It made me grateful for my freedom and all the other privileges and blessings in my life.

At the seder were a mix of undergraduate and graduate students and even at least one visitor from Israel. Everybody got involved by reading a portion of the haggadah aloud. In this atmosphere, it's so easy to get to know new people because we all have something in common.

The seder may have some features you have not experienced before. I had never heard the story of Rabbis Akiba and Eliezer arguing over how to count the plagues G-d cast upon the Egyptians- the ten plagues can be counted as 200 or even 250. This part of the haggadah provides an interesting insight into Jewish thinking and logic; only our people would have such a deep debate over this question.

Not everything was traditional. Rabbi Zevi spiced up the seder with small Fear Factor-style challenges. How quickly can you eat an ounce of matza?

At the end of the seder, we had a lively song and dance. Everybody left in good spirits and perhaps with some new thoughts about the meaning of Pesach. I think most of us will be back next year, and I hope to see you there too.

AEPhi Visits Mikva

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:52:00 AM

This month Miriam invited Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority to a tour of the Mikvah in Irvine. Mrs. Binie Tenenbaum (from Chabad of Irvine) explained to us the significance of the Mikvah and how it was made. She told us many stories of different women’s experiences and what special things they all gain from doing this every month. We then enjoyed a really nice dinner and were able to ask them questions not just about the Mikvah but about being a religious jewish woman today. All of the ladies of AEPhi learned a lot from this experience and are very thankful to Miriam and Mrs. Binie Tenenbaum for giving us this opportunity to learn more about something most of us were really unfamiliar with.