ARSON AT CHABAD AT U. OF DELAWARE

Below please find a message regarding the arson at Chabad at University of Delaware that you can edit and share with your communities.

Thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Litvin for his articulate message that formed the basis of what is below.

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This week in an act of intentional destruction a Jewish house of worship was destroyed.

As you may know, a Tuesday night fire that badly damaged the University of Delaware’s Chabad Center is believed to have been caused by arson.

For the last 28 years, the Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Delaware served as a home for UD students. It is a place to study, grow, and celebrate Judaism.

This week someone tried to bring that to an end. The Chabad Jewish Center was torched, causing more than a quarter of a million dollars of damage. The arsonist failed, however, because we know this is now the catalyst for something greater.

Judaism teaches of a young man who dedicated his life to teaching others about the existence of G-d and his love for every person. Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was thrown into a furnace by those who opposed his message and despised his optimism. Despite their intentions, Abraham emerged unscathed, and continued to inspire others even more so than before!

Today, Rabbi Avrohom and Shulie Vogel, the directors of Chabad at UD, carry on the legacy of our forefather Abraham the first Jew.

Guided by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, they have dedicated their lives to inspiring, uplifting, and educating the Jewish students and community at the University of Delaware.

This year, even as the COVID-19 pandemic struck, The Chabad Jewish Student Center at UD, among hundreds of other campus Chabad centers around the globe, continue to be there for students. Whether it was providing online classes, Shabbat-to-go packages, or various other socially-distanced events, Chabad Houses on Campus are open and thriving responsibly.

As they continue to lead, Rabbi Avremal and Shulie Vogel are asking for your help to rebuild.

You can make a difference and here’s how:

1. A Chabad House is a place of light, When COVID-19 forced thousands of synagogues to temporarily close their doors, we saw an explosion of Jewish life in homes all across America. As their center is temporarily closed, and it’s light dampened, they ask each and every one of you to help fill that vacuum. If you are a Jewish man above 13, consider laying Tefillin. If you are a Jewish woman, consider adding to the world’s light with Shabbat candles. Participate in a Torah class online. If you are not Jewish, consider studying the seven Noahide laws. No matter who you are, try to be a source of light to your friends to your family and your community.
2. This devastating act of destruction has placed a tremendous financial burden on the Chabad House. Please consider partnering with them to ensure they can continue to be a place of light, a place of warmth, and a place of love for the Jewish community. Here is a link to the spontaneous campaign started by students to help the Vogels rebuild stronger and better than ever: Rebuild Chabad at UD. Additionally, please consider supporting a Chabad on Campus center of your choice.

 

Please do your part to fight the fire of destruction with the fire of our love and passion for one another.