Imagine a vibrant gathering of Jewish students from universities across Texas and beyond, coming together in College Station for a transformative weekend. The 17th Annual Texas Shabbaton, hosted by Chabad at Texas A&M University, was a celebration of Jewish pride, inspiration, and unity. But here's where it gets truly remarkable: the students had the unique opportunity to visit the very first Mikvah on a college campus!
March 4, 2026, marked a significant date on the Jewish calendar: 15 Adar 5786. Students from various universities, including Texas A&M, UT Austin, and even Tulane and LSU, gathered for an immersive Shabbat experience. The program, organized by Chabad at Texas A&M in collaboration with Chabad on other campuses, brought together rabbis, rebbetzins, and staff who traveled great distances to foster a sense of Jewish unity.
Robert French, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, attended and was moved by the students' enthusiasm. He praised Chabad's impact on Jewish campus life, expressing gratitude for the Jewish Federation's role in supporting this initiative.
The Shabbaton offered a range of engaging activities, from communal meals and services to student-led discussions on Israel and Jewish life. Popular sessions included 'Winning the Inner Race' with athlete Gal Arad, 'Sober Dating' with Manya Lazaroff, and a thought-provoking talk on combating antisemitism online with Ari Lesser.
One of the most powerful moments was a firsthand account from Leibel Lazaroff, a survivor of the Bondi terror attack. His story of resilience and faith left a profound impact on the students.
Saturday night was a blast with a musical Havdalah ceremony, followed by a Mega Event and BBQ, complete with a DJ, inflatables, and a cozy fire pit.
On Sunday, after a bagel brunch, students toured the newly opened Aggieland Mikvah Educational Center. This innovative facility includes a mikvah for women, a mikvah for dishes, and an additional mikvah for men, providing a unique space for Jewish practice and education.
Throughout the weekend, students forged new friendships and deepened connections with peers from different campuses. The event left a lasting impression, with participants feeling inspired and empowered by the message of Am Yisrael Chai. They returned to their campuses with a renewed sense of Jewish pride.
This annual Texas Shabbaton, made possible through partnerships with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Chabad on Campus International, continues a noble tradition of enhancing Jewish student life across the region.
For more information about Chabad on Campus and its local initiatives, visit JewishAggies.com or connect with @ChabadTAMU on Instagram.
