On September 8th, Chabad at the University of North Florida (UNF) hosted Let HERE Be Light, an engaging Jewish expo that brought together students, faculty, and the broader campus community at the UNF Student Union.
This traveling expo, a project of Chabad on Campus, just kicked off with UNF as one of the first stops and will be visiting over 45 universities across the U.S.
The event offered a range of interactive activities, including Havdalah candle making, Hebrew name bead bracelet crafting, tzedakah box and mezuzah decorating, and a Jewish art station. Attendees enjoyed lively music, free snacks and drinks, a raffle, and exclusive Let HERE Be Light swag.
A highlight of the event was the keynote session, which featured remarks from various university faculty and students including notable contributions from UNF President Moez Limayem and Rabbi Shmuli Novack of Chabad at UNF.
President Limayem delivered an empowering message, urging students to embrace their Jewish identity. “I want all our Jewish students to be proud of being Jewish,” he said. “I am committing to all of you that UNF will always be a safe space for Jewish students.” Rabbi Novack echoed this sentiment, adding, “Despite all the noise and rhetoric, it’s great to be a Jewish Osprey! Let HERE Be Light is a great opportunity for us to celebrate our joyous traditions and rich heritage.”
Attendees expressed enthusiasm about the event. Brooke Baron, a Jewish UNF student, shared, “It was a very engaging event. I loved seeing the UNF Jewish community come together for a happy reason.”
The event successfully provided a platform for the UNF community to come together, celebrate Jewish life, and strengthen bonds across campus, while reinforcing Chabad at UNF’s mission to support and uplift Jewish students.
