Rosh Hashanah is the first holiday on the Jewish calendar, usually held in early September. It commemorates the creation of man (Adam and Eve) some 5,700 years ago. The celebration of the holiday this year topped those in previous years because not only did the holiday fall on Shabbat — the Jewish Day of Rest — but Chabad also welcomed a very special guest: President Connie Ledoux Book.

President Book shared some warm words about how much she enjoyed her summer in Israel and her time immersing herself in the Jewish culture. She also underscored the profound value of community.

Faculty and staff members also attended the event. Parents, alumni and graduate students hailing from every demographic also took their seats around the table and enjoyed traditional Rosh Hashanah delicacies like the fish head and Challah bread. More than 120 students attended the Friday night celebration, and almost 200 students passed through the doors of Chabad over the course of the holiday.

“Rosh Hashanah at Chabad was a great experience. Dinner and services were so nice, and I loved celebrating with so many others,” said Ryan James ’27.

Carlos Levy ’26 said Rosh Hashanah at Elon Chabad was amazing. “This is my second year at Elon and I had never seen so many Elon Jews get together for a holiday before, it was incredible,” Levy said. “I got to meet amazing students and staff and enjoy an amazing brisket dinner. Even though we are all away from home during these holidays, Chabad gives us a home away from home to spend these days.”

Rabbi Mendy Minkowitz also shared his feelings saying, “I am always profoundly impressed with how many students take time out of their busy schedule to show up for their community and their faith. The times we share together will stay with us for a long time to come.”

The Rosh Hashanah celebration at Chabad was filled with friends, fun, laughter, and of course, food. Attendees could not have been happier ringing in the New Year as an Elon community. The positive response was overwhelming, and Chabad looks forward to hosting the community for many more years to come on Shabbat, the High Holidays, and beyond.

Approximately 70 students came together on the second night of Chanukah for the public lighting of the giant Phoenix Menorah. The previous large Menorah standing outside the Jewish Center was vandalized in an antisemitic attack in May 2020. In response, a taller, heavier, and far nicer maroon-and-gold Phoenix Menorah was built on the site and kindled this year at the public ceremony.

In many ways, this was a vindication for the Jewish community, responding to hate with light and Jewish pride, said Rabbi Mendy Minkowitz. “Lighting our beautiful Phoenix Menorah sent chills down my back, what a triumph of light over darkness,” Minkowitz said. “It’s the only way we know how to respond — we make more light.”

The ceremony was followed by a party on Chabad’s large outdoor deck with music and delicious food, including the traditional potato latkes, donuts, hot chocolate and the star attraction, oven-baked personal pizzas prepared by a chef.

“This year’s grand Chanukah celebration had a great turnout, getting to see so many people of all different backgrounds come together and celebrate over some great food definitely reflected the spirit of Chanukah,” said Sadie Silverman Guffey ‘24. “I love attending Chabad events because I get to meet new people and say hello to those I already know; this event was no different. I ran into people I did not even know were coming and I got to meet so many new friends. I also just have to mention how delicious those homemade donuts were. Thank you to Rivka and everyone who made this happen!”

Throughout the eight-day holiday Chabad distributed menorah kits to students on campus and abroad, as well as alumni all around the world. 51±ŹÁÏÍű 100 menorah kits were delivered right to students’ doors. The kits included a menorah, candles, a dreidel and the blessings recited over the menorah.

Emily Sherr ‘24 received a menorah from Chabad. “When I received the menorah I felt a sense of community,” she said. “It was amazing that there is such a community of Jewish students here and it made me feel very special.

“I think it’s amazing that they had menorahs to give out because for a lot of people including myself it’s my first Hanukkah away from home, and it made Hanukkah very special for me,” she said. “I was still able to light the candles of a real menorah while away from my family.”

At the annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries, the organization had a table distributing Chanukah goodies and informational material teaching those interested in the holiday and its universal message of light and freedom. Further, they erected a public 9-foot menorah display right in the center of the town of Elon, which is visible to the thousands of cars and pedestrians traveling past it each day, reminding them of the holiday.

Minkowitz also expressed how satisfied he was with the events that took place. “The Jewish pride and excitement of the students continue to blow me away,” he said. “They showed up in droves, making sure that they could celebrate this important Jewish holiday. Even with finals and everything going on this week, they still showed up. Wow!”

Chabad continues to provide an inclusive environment for students to attend during the holidays, making it feel like their home away from home.