(Courtesy of Chabad of Rutgers) As the new school year begins this September, and Rutgers University’s new president, Dr. Jonathan Holloway, has announced that the university will have a “limited” opening, the Chabad House at Rutgers has announced its own opening and availability of its dormitory rooms and kosher meal program. All incoming and returning students can benefit from the Chabad House’s exclusive services and facility, which can accommodate up to 94 students in a safe, healthy manner.
Chabad House at Rutgers (located on College Avenue, in the heart of the college campus), offers premier housing to Rutgers University and Middlesex Community College Jewish students. Each of the dormitory rooms are spacious, furnished (bed, dressers, desk and chairs plus closet storage) and each features a private bathroom with shower. The rooms are limited to two students per room. It is more spacious, with more amenities, than a traditional college dorm, and gives students the added bonus of living in an immersive Jewish community. Among the amenities are free WiFi, individually controlled a/c/heating units, coin operated laundry machines on each floor, lounge/exercise areas and the kosher meal program which serves meals daily during the academic year. Chabad House features two synagogues (Ashkenaz and Sefaradi), weekly social programs—adhering to the university health department guidelines, and Shabbat/Holiday services.
Chabad House has instituted a number of changes of protocol in order to safely open. In accordance with CDC and N.J. Department of Health guidelines, Chabad House will continuously sanitize all public areas and high-touch surfaces with a special focus on lounges, dining areas, public bathrooms, hand-washing stations and laundry areas. All staff, residents, and students will be required to wear face coverings in public areas of Chabad House in addition to adhering to social distancing guidelines. Students and staff will be regularly screened, and required to self-report any symptoms before entering Chabad House. The kosher meal program will feature individual “to-go” meals and have socially distanced seating and health safeguards in the common areas.
Rabbi Yosef Carlebach, executive director of Chabad House, stated, “We are diligently preparing for a healthy and safe environment for all the students that enter our building. We hope and pray that our combined efforts will help make this upcoming year a safe, happy one for all our students. May Hashem bless each one with gezunt and success!”
For more information, or to enroll in Chabad House housing or kosher meal program, please contact the office at 732-296-1800 or email [email protected].