A Jewish home away from home at UCF.
Judaism with a personal touch, where tradition meets trend.
Chabad at UCF is…
- A home where all are welcome, regardless of background or affiliation.
- A place where every Jew is family.
- A space to socialize in a comfortable, home-like setting with great friends, superb food and stimulating discussion.
- A forum where you can question your faith and not be afraid of judgment.
- A haven to run to when you're stressed or lonely and need a true friend.
- A center for prayer and study, for a deeper understanding of your Jewish heritage.
- A partnership between students and staff to create programming, social action projects and volunteer opportunities.
- An environment where being Jewish is fun.
Chabad at UCF is one of thousands of Chabad institutions worldwide and an affiliate of Chabad of Florida.
Three loves
Guided by the love, inspiration and blessings of the Rebbe, the Chabad Student Center at UCF strives to enable, assist and encourage every Jew connected to this campus to deepen their passion for the three loves: love of your fellow, love of your heritage, and love of G‑d.
At Chabad we believe these three loves are the secret to a better self, a better community and a better world.
Our method
The Chabad Student Center offers Judaism with a personal touch: a place where tradition meets trend, a style that fuses mysticism with modernity, and a community that focuses on the personal needs of each individual. Most of our activities happen at the Chabad House, the perfect setting for hands-on experience.
Students
We develop a rapport with hundreds of students from a myriad of backgrounds, helping them appreciate their heritage and proudly identify with Judaism. We're an address every Jewish student can turn to for everything from a homemade bowl of chicken soup on Friday night to a Torah class or a philosophical discussion during the week. Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie are available around the clock for counseling or just a friendly chat.
For Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, unaffiliated and any Jew that moves
The center opens its arms and heart to all, with no membership requirement. Jews from all walks of life, regardless of background, affiliation or level of observance, feel at home here. We don't merely wait for people to come to us; we go out and bring the joys of Judaism and the gift of friendship to them.
Beyond students
Programs, events and visits are created for faculty, staff and alumni too, fusing academics with traditional Jewish teaching and bringing everyone together over gourmet food, intellectual discussion and Jewish camaraderie.
Open the door of Judaism to every Jewish student.
Vision
A place where Jews of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can explore their heritage in a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental environment, with both an active student organization and Jewish chaplain status.
Philosophy
Every Jew has an indispensable contribution to make. Built on Ahavat Yisrael, love of a fellow Jew, we meet people at their own pace and comfort level.
Programs
Weekly Shabbat dinners, creative holiday programs on campus, classes on Jewish law, philosophy and ethics, and one-on-one time with students around the clock.
Impact
For many, Chabad at UCF is their first positive Jewish experience. Thousands of students have deepened their connection to Judaism here.
Funding
All programs and services are free for students, and no one is ever turned away. Support comes from alumni, parents and friends.
Inspired
By the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of blessed memory.
Meet Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie
Every Shabbat dinner, class and trip is free for students.
Like every Chabad House, Chabad at UCF raises its own budget locally. Gifts from parents, alumni and friends keep the doors open and the soup warm.