Texas Shabbaton Intercollegiate Weekend in Aggieland
College Station recently became a vibrant hub for Jewish college students, fostering connections and celebrating Jewish life. Over the weekend of February 7th, students from across Texas gathered for the annual Intercollegiate Texas Shabbaton, hosted by the Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at Texas A&M University. The event welcomed students and their campus rabbis and rebbetzins from Texas Tech, Texas State, UT, UTD, UNT, Rice, UofH and UTSA, alongside representatives from Chabad on Campus International.
The Intercollegiate weekend attracted students from both large and small campuses, including those without established Jewish life representation. Participants traveled from universities in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and West Texas, including Texas Tech in Lubbock, OU in Norman, and West Texas A&M University near Amarillo, eager to connect with fellow Jewish students and engage in the weekend’s enriching programs.
Shabbat began in customary fashion at Texas A&M but on an unprecedented scale. Chabad at Texas A&M together with their students prepared an abundance of food to accommodate all guests, while AHAVA, the newest Jewish girls’ organization on campus, contributed by arranging decor and assembling welcome bags. The Chabad Student Center was filled to capacity on Friday night, with attendees enjoying a lavish spread of traditional Jewish cuisine, including matzo ball soup, kugel, and BBQ chicken, complemented by an exotic dessert bar. Alongside a beautiful Shabbat dinner, visiting guests infused the night with humor, engaging discussions, and thought-provoking conversations. “We strive to make Judaism alive, vibrant, and relevant to students’ everyday lives,” said Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff, director of Chabad at Texas A&M.
Throughout Shabbat, students attended a variety of workshops and lectures exploring topics from Jewish pride and identity to the intersection of science and Torah. Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Yechiel Krisch captivated the audience throughout the weekend.
Student fellows from StandWithUs, SSI, and ZOA led meaningful round-table discussions on contemporary challenges Jewish students face on campus, offering insight and strategies for navigating these issues. Additionally, dating workshops and speed dating events provided students with unique opportunities for personal connections. “My favorite part of the Shabbaton was meeting Jewish students from all over the region and networking with fellow college students,” said Sarah Kerr, an Architectural Engineering major.
Students also had the opportunity to tour the Aggieland Mikvah, which is currently under construction. They learned about the meticulous details involved in the project and how every aspect of the Jewish Life Center is designed to promote the mitzvah of family purity. This initiative aims to serve the local Jewish community while educating thousands of students about this vital tradition.
As Shabbat came to a close, attendees participated in a musical Havdalah ceremony filled with continuous lively singing and dancing. “Bringing students together at the Shabbaton strengthens their common bond and encourages them to bring the energy they experienced to their respective campuses,” Rabbi Lazaroff noted. The night continued with DJ Turtle keeping the music alive while students enjoyed Aggieland’s renowned ChaBBQ, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and fries.
Texas A&M University is known for its strong traditions, and the Intercollegiate Texas Shabbaton is poised to become a lasting one for Jewish Aggies. “I feel immense joy seeing young Jewish students embracing their heritage, engaging, and socializing in a warm and welcoming environment. These students are the future of the Jewish people,” said Rebbetzin Manya Lazaroff, co-director of the Chabad Center at Texas A&M.
Sol, who drove six hours with four of his fellow Israeli students from West Texas A&M University, shared his gratitude after returning home. “We just got back home to West Texas. I wanted to thank you again for everything—the hospitality and the food were amazing, and the people were even better. We are already trying to plan our next visit, hoping to come as soon as possible. Gig ‘em Aggies!”
The Texas Shabbaton was made possible through a partnership grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Organized by Chabad at Texas A&M University, the event was supported by Chabad on Campus partners, including Chabad at Texas State, Texas Tech, UTD, UTSA, UNT, Rice and UofH, OU, UT, and Chabad on Campus International. For more information about the Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center, visit JewishAggies.com or contact Rabbi Yossi or Manya Lazaroff at 979-220-5020.