Vision

To be a home for every Jew at Harvard. Where students and faculty of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage in a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment.

Philosophy

It’s our core belief that every individual Jew has an indispensable contribution to make to the totality of the Jewish people. Predicated on the Mitzvah of “Ahavat Yisrael – love of a fellow Jew,” Chabad seeks to engage students at their own pace and comfort level through innovative educational programs in all areas of Jewish life.

Programs

Among our programs, we host weekly Shabbat dinners that provide Jewish students an elegant setting in which to meet new friends from every niche of the Harvard campus, experience the beauty of Jewish life and community, and explore and deepen their Jewish identity. Our creative holiday programs on the Harvard campus raise Jewish consciousness and pride throughout the university. Our lectures and classes on Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics, teach the relevance, beauty and depth of our heritage to our leadership community. We continue to meet with students individually around the clock.

Impact

Our efforts to engage the unaffiliated, and increase the opportunities for the affiliated, have been met with incredible success. For many, Chabad at Harvard has been their first positive Jewish experience. Leaders on campus have expressed wonder at Chabad’s ability to seamlessly bring together a diverse community of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and Jews of all backgrounds on an ongoing basis. Thousands of students have had their connection to Judaism deepened because of the work of Harvard Chabad.

Funding

Being that we interact primarily with a student community, we provide all our programs and services free of charge. No one is ever turned away. The support for our programs comes solely from alumni, parents and friends.

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