PROGRAMS & EVENTS

ON-CAMPUS EVENTS

Welcome Back Party

We kick off the academic year with this gathering of veteran and new students on campus. The party gives students a chance to meet each other and the Center’s rabbis, and learn about our programs for the coming school year.

Club Day:

Club Day is a wonderful opportunity to get the word out on campus about CFR. A group of student leaders and professional staff mans our booth, hands out promotional items, and explains how CFR is the best place for any beginner to learn about Judaism. We also display a colorful montage of photos from recent events and fliers about upcoming events.

Apples & Honey Campaign:

Join us as we distribute this traditional Rosh Hashanah treat on campus, and wish everyone a sweet new year.

High Holidays Workshop:

A chance to prepare ourselves for the Days of Awe, this discusson series tackles the essentials of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service.

Campus Sukkah:

During the week long holiday of Sukkos, Jewish students of all backgrounds are encouraged to join us with their lunch in our Campus Sukkah. While there, students have a chance to shake a lulav if they haven’t yet done so. We also provide the complete explanation for how to fulfill these two unique mitzvahs.

Crash Course in Hebrew:

A complete Hebrew reading course from Aleph to Tav, students can go from zero Hebrew knowledge to fluent reading skills in just a few short weeks. A Hebrew Party at the end of the course celebrates the students’ achievements, and an advanced course is also available for those who complete the basic level.

Student Board Meeting:

This is the regularly scheduled time for elected representatives of the student membership to plan events and schedule activities. The commitment and creative input of our student leaders is a vital element in the success of all our campus events. There is no better leadership training ground for students.

Stump the Rabbi:

No question is out of bounds at this open discussion. These sessions are a golden opportunity to raise any theological issues that may be troubling students. The CFR rabbis respond to the questions with sensitivity as well as intellectual honesty.

Personalities of the Bible:

We take a journey back to the era of our biblical ancestors, and find much to inspire and guide us. Together we explore the challenges and triumphs in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and others.

Lunch & Learn Discussions:

Enjoy a hot delicious lunch as we cover such topics as: white lies in Judaism, the meaning of chosenness, a Torah perspective on relationships, and how to fight anti-Semitism.

Chanukah Jeopardy:

Teams of students compete for prizes in this exciting version of the popular trivia game. The game teaches them the holiday’s laws and history in a fun, interactive way. A demonstration of the correct way to light Chanukah candles is included in this activity as well.

Purim Wheel of Fortune:

Take a spin of the wheel as we compete in groups for the high score. Students try to guess the Purim-related answers one letter at a time.

Student Elections:

Student members of our club get their chance to choose their leadership for the coming year. This annual event is held toward the end of the school year, and bagels and spreads are provided to encourage turnout.

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS

Bayit Shabbaton:

A weekend get-together of students and rabbis beginning Friday afternoon and ending Saturday night.

The weekend includes traditional Sabbath candle lighting, three delicious meals, beginner’s prayer services, lectures, plenty of time to speak with friends (and make new ones) and a comfortable bed in a pleasant home where you’ll have a good night’s sleep.

Since the Sabbath begins at sundown, and no work is permitted once the Sabbath begins, all preparations must be completed before that time. Practically speaking, this means having you car parked, registering for the Shabbaton, leaving your belongings at your host home and making it back to the Bayit in time for candle lighting.

Those who are familiar with observing Sabbath, think of it as a beautiful opportunity to reinvigorate one’s self, physically and spiritually. The work restrictions are not considered limitations but rather opportunities for freedom from the mundane. Almost without exception, Sabbath observers cannot imagine life without the freedom and reinvigorating joy of “Shabbos”.

Newcomers to the Sabbath will find the singing, meals and prayers a spiritual antidote, completely different from the mundane routine of the week.

Succah Party:

Succos means “tabernacles” or “temporary huts” and refers to the temporary dwelling places used by the children of Israel in the desert during their wandering following the exodus from Egypt.
Its significance, however, is not limited to the historical commemoration. The underlying spiritual motif of remembering and enacting the dwelling in ”temporary huts,” emphasizes the notion of trust in the Almighty’s protection.

Experience this joyous holiday with music, song and special Succos festivities.

Melava Malka:

The traditional Saturday night meal marking the end of the Sabbath and the beginning of a new productive week. Festive songs and prayers accompany this formal meal. It is a fitting and joyous way to escort the Sabbath Queen back to her royal abode, with the promise held for a renewed, delight-filled encounter in a week’s time.

Chanukah Party:

Chanukah – The Festival of Lights – is among the most widely celebrated Jewish Holidays. At the Center, it is a time for lighting the Menorah, playing traditional “dreidel” games and enjoying yummy latkes together with students from all over the New York area.

Purim Seudah:

A lavish feast usually marking the end of the rabbinic holiday, Purim. The meal comes at the end of a happily frenetic day in which the Megillah is once again recited in the community. Gifts are sent to friends (mishloach manot), and alms are given to the poor (matanot la’evyonim). This meal of gratitude captures the elation of Jews in Persia 2,500 years ago (as well as Jews throughout the ages) after having been granted salvation from the lethal designs of Haman. Participants eat and, yes, drink (in moderation, of course) as we celebrate this joyous holiday.

Guest Lectures:

Special guest lecturers are invited to address topics that are of interest and pertinent to young Jewish college students. The Center draws upon a wide range of speakers from prominent rabbis, to lay professionals.

Library at the Bayit:

The Center’s lending library is an extensive collection of books on all topics relevant to Jews interested in learning more about their heritage.

Matzoh Baking:

A 3,300-year-old tradition of hand baking the unleavened bread used at the Passover Seder.
For this event, the Center rents a matzoh bakery and for several hours students participate in this high-speed, collective endeavor. All participants keep a portion of the matzo produced and it is a unique thrill eating matzos at the Passover Seder produced through one’s own efforts.