By Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International
This weekend, 2,000 Jewish students from all corners of the world gathered for Pegisha, a flagship Shabbat event hosted by Chabad on Campus International in Crown Heights, New York. These students come from diverse communities and backgrounds; no two are exactly alike. They come from urban centers, small towns, and everywhere in between, bringing with them every kind of life experience, wealth level, family tradition, and perspective.
In their daily lives, these students are as varied as one can imagine. Some are loud, some quiet. Some prefer a window seat, others the aisle. They debate everything from coffee to politics. But in the eyes of those who see them only through the lens of hate, nothing else matters, they are simply Jews. This kind of reductive prejudice is not new. As Albert Einstein once said, when he succeeded, he was celebrated by every country he was affiliated with, but when he failed, he was “the Jew.” Today, for Jewish students on many college campuses, the environment often sees them as “Jew” first. In a climate like this, they need strength and commitment to who they are. The alternative is to live intimidated, hoping to be ignored.
Enter Pegisha, literally translated as meeting. This is more than just a weekend meet-up. Pegisha is a statement of pride and belonging. It’s an affirmation that no Jewish student, regardless of background or level of observance, is alone.
Consider a student I met this weekend named Sarah, a typical sophomore from a small Midwestern college. Her majors are history and literature. She grew up without Jewish friends and felt removed from her heritage. Then, one Friday night, she decided to respond to a social media invitation to join Shabbat dinner at the local campus Chabad House. There, she found a warm community and a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt before. She found a place that provided her with a joyous environment, abundant delicious food and really a place where her Jewish soul felt at home, surrounded by others who shared that connection irrespective of background or personal history. She found a place where she could ask any question, and I mean any, and receive a respectful and honest response.
Bringing Pegisha to life is a remarkable feat of logistics and planning. Coordinating an event of this scale in a New York residential neighborhood, arranging accommodations with host families, organizing spaces for conferences and sessions, and preparing meals for thousands requires dedication that even a Fortune 500 company would find daunting. The level of detail is immense: managing music and sound, signage, graphics, web resources, furniture rentals, tent rentals, collaboration with local law enforcement, and overseeing a large team of volunteers and staff. The day-of logistics alone are formidable, with staff managing reception, guiding attendees, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and providing a seamless experience for each student.
For Chabad, this isn’t just a logistical exercise; it’s a mission to create a space where Jewish students can connect, learn, and grow together, one that will have a lifelong impact.
Beyond the programs, classes, and Shabbat dinners, there’s something deeper that unites us: the powerful, enduring Jewish soul. In times like these, when Jews worldwide face attacks, hostility, and threats, we realize that our strength lies in our unity. It’s the flame of our shared heritage, our resilience, and our unwavering faith.
Pegisha isn’t just a weekend event. It’s a reminder to every Jewish student that they are part of something greater, something strong, something eternal. The resilience and unity shared at this gathering are carried back to campuses worldwide, empowering students to feel more connected, confident, and proud of who they are as Jewish people. They return prepared to live their heritage openly and share that message with their peers.
Wherever you are and whenever you read this, consider the message of Pegisha and embrace it. Our collective strength and unity make us resilient, turning us into a beacon of light and hope. Together, we are stronger. Am Yisrael Chai!
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Thank you to all the ppl who came and participated!
BH
With Hashem’s help may there be many more Pegishas! And follow up!