Swarthmore Chabad

A Home for Jewish Learning and Community at Swarthmore College

Learn. Celebrate. Connect.

Swarthmore Chabad is a warm and welcoming home for every SwatJew- regardless of their background, affiliation, orientation, or knowledge - to explore and connect with their Jewish heritage, through creative and accessible Jewish learning and experiences. This space is yours.

Support

Connect

Programs

Meet The Team

Reizel Wolf

Co-Director

Head of Social & Student Engagement

Mordi Wolf

Co-Director

In-House Rabbi & Administrator

Students, stay connected with "ChaBot"
Stay updated on our upcoming programs and RSVP with quick texts.
Text ‘Shalom’ to 610-756-1693 or scan the QR code.

Att Alumni ‼️This marks the third year we're hosting an event for Jewish alumni during @swarthmorecollege Alumni Weekend, and we're looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new ones.

This will be an opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, meet other Jewish alumni, and further cultivate our budding community.

Whether you're traveling back to campus or live nearby, we hope you'll join us. Feel free to send this to other SwatJew alum.

RSVP at link in bio

Come raise a glass! Join us at the Chabad House next Friday for a meaningful farewell as we honor our graduating SwatJews 🎓

We love celebrating birthdays! Once a month we celebrate students' birthdays during dessert at Shabbat* Dinner; we have a birthday cake, make a toast, and play a "guess who" game with a picture of their childhood.

Make sure you're signed up to ChaBot so we can celebrate your birthday next year 🎂🎉

*Video taken before the onset of Shabbat

Album: Stories that Live ~ Student Exhibition 2025

Thank you Shane, Jack, and Milla for keeping these stories alive and sharing them with the Swarthmore community.

Thank you Odile Silberberg for joining us and, for the first time in public, sharing a glimpse into your family's journey during such a difficult time.

Thank you to each member of the community - students, faculty, staff, admin, and families - for coming out to carry these stories with you.

Thank you @storiesthatlive x @swat.chabad for bringing this opportunity to Swarthmore College.

Thank you Star of David Grill for the great Israeli grill buffet.
--
As the living memory of the Holocaust is coming to an end, Stories That Live offers a unique fellowship spanning the breadth of generations, history & struggle. STL connects college students with Holocaust survivors – to create meaningful relationships, to learn from them, and to retell their stories through independent creative projects.

To participate in the future, reach out to Swarthmore Chabad

What a year!!! Baruch HaShem!! Shabbarbeque* was a beautiful end to a beautiful year at Swat Chabad🔥

Good luck on your finals and travel safe! Wishing you a happy and healthy Summer break.

If you're on campus this summer, feel free to reach out.

*Photo captured before the onset of Shabbat

Tag your Yiddishe Mama below 👇

Wherever they are, they nurture, they love, and they "shep" (verb) nachas (noun).

Happy Mother's Day - today and always!

TOMORROW

Inviting the @swarthmorecollege community, families, and local friends to join us for a powerful and inspiring afternoon as this year's Swarthmore @storiesthatlive Fellows share the stories they’ve brought to life through months of thoughtful, creative work.

We're grateful that Ms. Odile Silberberg will be joining to share her family’s remarkable story of survival — a reminder of the strength of memory and resilience.

Take a study break, enjoy some delicious Israeli food, and support the fellows!

“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” – Elie Wiesel

Save this Event 🗓️ Inviting the @swarthmorecollege community, families, and local friends to join us for a powerful and inspiring afternoon as this year's Swarthmore STL Fellows share the stories they’ve brought to life through months of thoughtful, creative work.

We're grateful that Ms. Odile Silberberg will be joining to share her family’s remarkable story of survival — a reminder of the strength of memory and resilience.

Take a study break, enjoy some delicious Israeli food, and support the fellows!

“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” – Elie Wiesel

~ Rosh Chodesh Roundtable ~

Celebrating the new month of Iyar with pizza and by delving into the Omer count and the healing journey from a holistic perspective. Grateful for a meaningful and wholesome conversation!

🙏☀️

1..2..
We gave Seder a shot—and it paid off! Two nights of great freedom energies, beautiful tradition, and great afikoman hiding spots. Students new and familiar came together to celebrate, connect, and experience.

3..4..5..6..
KFP Meal Plan: Power bowls, schnitzel, shakshuka... Nightly homey KFP dinners made Passover feel doable. Big shout out to the DC, OSE, and ChaBoard for making this resource accessible.

7..8!
Passover Shabbat & Moshiach Seuda: We wrapped it up with a high-energy finale, focused on freedom to—freedom to grow, to imagine, to live our Judaism with intention. Passover got personal.

Htbtatt 📵😇

Recovered relics from an extremely Passover Passover.

Today, Education and Sharing Day USA, was established by the United States Congress in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of Chabad-Lubavitch. It calls for increased focus on education, and recognizes the lifelong efforts of the Rebbe. Since 1978, Education & Sharing Day, USA, has been proclaimed by the president each year on the Rebbe's birthday on the Jewish calendar, 11 Nissan, which is four days before Passover.

"The Rebbe’s devotion to educating people worldwide and his profound respect for diversity, inclusiveness, and equal justice have set a strong example for generations of Americans and people across the globe.” — President Joseph R. Biden

The Rebbe's vision is the reason we’re here.

Swarthmore Chabad exists because of the Rebbe's unwavering belief that everyone matters—that no one should ever feel alone, forgotten, or disconnected. His call was simple but bold: meet every person where they are, make Judaism accessible everywhere, and build communities grounded in care, learning, and belonging. Everything we do is rooted in that purpose.

(Quote in reel from Rebbe Letter No. 994, full letter on Chabad.org)

This post is brought to you by mad libs and chocolate. 🍫

In anticipation of Pesach, #chaboard made a sweet, informative, and joyous Chocolate Seder! If that's what four cups of chocolate milk did, you can only imagine four cups of....grape juice 🍹

Stop imagining and RSVP to the Seders!

Text SEDER1 and/or SEDER2 to ChaBot 610.756.1693

What does freedom mean to you?

Thursday, pre-Passover tabling @swarthmorecollege offered Matzah and chocolate, resources to prepare for the holiday, and a meaningful moment of connection. Students reflected on what freedom means—adding their voices to a poster filled with hope. In the spirit of the holiday of our freedom, we pray for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages, and for safety and freedom for all. 🎗️🤍

🎶 "One day we'll all be free and proud to be under the same sun singing songs of freedom." @matisyahu

What makes this shot glass different from all the others?

MoPo X Loaves of Love

@swaticehockey heated things up this Sunday, beautifully baking (and photographing) Challahs before hitting the ice - GOALS! ⛸️ 🥅

Shout out to Jano Vasquez-Jaffe '26, treasurer of ChaBoard and co-president of MoPo.
--
Swarthmore Chabad's "Loaves of Love" initiative provides fresh baked Challah to families experiencing housing instability in Chester. During the program, students learn about Challah and the Jewish perspective on giving "Tzedakah", while baking one loaf to enjoy and one to give.

To arrange a team/group Challah bake, reach out to Brooke bcarrie1@swarthmore.edu

Off the Record, On the Table. 🛋️ Join an honest and informative post-dinner conversation with Dr. Barak Mendelsohn, a professor of Political Science at Haverford College, discussing Jewish identity, Israel, and campus climate.

📅 Friday, 3/21/25 at Swarthmore Chabad
🍽 Shabbat Dinner: 7:00 PM
🗣 Conversation & Q&A: 8:00 PM

No phones, just meaningful dialogue. See you there!
--
Text CHALLAH to 610.756.1693 to RSVP for Shabbat

Happy Purim SwatJew community! Where are you celebrating?📍🌏

The Rebbe often spoke of the power of Jewish unity- not only in times of crisis, but even more so, as a force for good. When Haman tried to destroy us, he pointed out that "they are a scattered and separated nation" (Esther 3:8), a true vulnerability. Salvation came when Esther said, "Go, gather all the Jews…" (Esther 4:16) and united us all. Wherever you are celebrating, connect with fellow Jews, be proud of who you are, and celebrate the strength we have together!

Local friends- Join us on Thursday for an enJOYable and meaningful evening! Costumes welcome 😄 Please RSVP at SwarthmoreChabad.org/purim

When the Jewish nation's survival was threatened by Haman, Esther told Mordecai to gather ALL the Jews of all ages* together, and unite in prayer. And they did, regardless of background or knowledge, and their unity brought about the miraculous salvation. This holiday is all about unity & joy, so come from far or near, and know that you are welcome!!

"And the Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor" - Megillat (Book of) Esther

Wishing our entire community, in Swarthmore and beyond, a truly joyous Purim!!

*Wine for 21+ and sparkling cider for all!

Loaves of Love X Swarthmore Women's Lacrosse

@swatwlacrosse has got the best aura! Swarthmore Chabad had the pleasure of hosting the Women's Lacrosse team for a Challah bake, facilitated by Goalie and Loaves of Love Intern Brooke Carrier.
--
Swarthmore Chabad's "Loaves of Love" initiative provides fresh baked Challah to families experiencing housing instability in Chester. During the program, students learn about Challah and the Jewish perspective on giving "Tzedakah", while baking one loaf to enjoy and one to give.

To arrange a team/group Challah bake, reach out to Brooke bcarrie1@swarthmore.edu

Kosher Cooking ft. Persian Food

We laughed, we cried (🧅), we learned, and we celebrated!

Iranian-born Chef Shani gave Swarthmore students a glimpse into the rich flavors, traditions, and history of Iran's Jewish community. She guided participants in making their own delicious Baklava dessert and demonstrated the art of cooking Persian Shabbat food Gondy Nochodi.

We are still dreaming of those aromas ☺️
--
Swarthmore Chabad’s Kosher Cooking series offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore Jewish culture and diverse traditions through cooking and learning about kosher practices.
In loving memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Z”L

These orange balloons have greeted you as they swayed in the wind outside the Chabad House for the last month or so; a prayer, slowly deflating, but holding on tight. They've been there since Jan 18, Kfir's 2nd birthday, in captivity.

Since their brutal abduction from their home in Israel by terrorists on Oct 7, 2023, our Swarthmore Chabad community and the world has been praying for these orange-haired babies, their family, and the rest of the hostages to be returned safe and sound.

Today, we are a nation with one beating, crying heart as we mourn their murder.

Rest in peace, angels.
You're safe now.
🧡💔🧡
--
והחי יתן אל לבו
"And the living shall take it to heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2

Please say a prayer, do a mitzvah, take positive action to add light in their memory! Be proud of your Jewish identity. ✡️
--
The last line of Mourners Kaddish, which we sing together every week at Shabbat dinner:

עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ, וְעַל כָּל-יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן.
oh-seh sah-ׁlohm beem-roh-mahv hoo yah-ah-seh sah-ׁlohm ah-lay-noo vi-ahl kohl yee-sׂrah-ayl veem-roo ah-mayn.

He Who makes peace in His heavens, may He make peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

🙏With prayers for redemption, peace, and safety for all!
--
If you are struggling with recent events on campus or globally, please reach out so we can help support you. We're stronger together 🤍

Am Yisrael Chai!

Happy Tu B'Shvat! This All-You-Can-Pickle event gave students a chance to experiment in the kitchen with pickling recipes, enjoy the fruits special to the Land of Israel, and make a "Shehecheyanu" on mystery exotic fruits.

A fully allergen-free event, accessible and delicious for all! Followed by a student facilitated discussion on allergies/dietary restrictions (kosher ✅) and intentional eating. We ended off by expressing gratitude to HaShem for our access to nutritious and fresh produce and had in mind those who do not have the same privilege.

Thank you HaShem for the beautiful natural world you have gifted us and the trust you place in us to protect it and use it correctly.

ט"ו בשבט שמח 🌳

New trend: post a video mistakenly taken in slo-mo.

Happy Tu b'Shvat!
--
Swarthmore Chabad Tu B'Shvat Pickling Party - 2/12/25 🥒

This one's a big DILL!!! Can't wait to learn from one another while we pickle and party! A safe and welcoming space for all students. 💚
--
Join us this Tu B'Shvat for a meaningful, fun, and delicious event!

Wednesday 2/12, 6-7pm at Chabad 🏡
🥒 Delicious dinner! ft. Holy Land fruit grazing
🥒 Swarthmore student personal account
🥒 Allergen free, V & GF

The Midrash states, "When G-d created the first man, He took him and showed him all the trees of the Garden of Eden, and said to him, ‘See My works, how beautiful and praiseworthy they are. And everything that I created, I created it for you. Be careful not to spoil or destroy My world—for if you do, there will be nobody after you to repair it.’” (Kohelet Rabbah 7:13)

Power outage got nothing on #ShabbAtSwat 🔥 love this SwatJew community!

From egg shots to trapezoid burekas, Kosher Cooking killed it at the knishes and more last night!

Get a taste of these masterpieces at Shabbat dinner tonight, 7pm. Text CHALLAH to 6107561693
--
Kosher Cooking is a unique hands-on opportunity to explore Jewish cuisine and tradition in Chabad's kosher kitchen. In loving memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan #kosher4zvi

You'll want to zoom in on this 👀 A semester packed with opportunities to come together and connect!

Stay tuned for updates (if you haven't yet, join the ChaBot!), and feel free to reach out anytime with ideas, questions, or comments.

Here’s to a meaningful and exciting semester ahead!

#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

Here's your sign to text MEZUZAH to ChaBot 610.756.1693 ✡️ Transform your dorm to Jewish home!

Thinking about summer internships?

Whether you’re exploring career paths or seeking guidance and opportunities, this network is here to help you build meaningful connections.

If you would like to have a conversation with us about the world beyond Swarthmore, fill out the short form, link in bio.

We will never promise success, and we will always promise effort. With appreciation for all of you amazing people.
--
Thanks to all of the alumni and members of the community eager to connect with and help students. Contact us to get involved and volunteer as a mentor.

January 1, 2025🔥"Zos Chanukah" - This is Chanukah! We can still feel the warmth from the joyous and proud celebration in Swarthmore's town center.

"...all those seeking light gather around, for light attracts." - Hayom Yom, 13 Teves

Happy Chanukah Swarthmore! Local friends, join the community for an exciting and momentous occasion- a Menorah lighting celebration in the center of Swarthmore!! 6pm on Wednesday in the amphitheater.

"A candle for one, is a candle for 100 - נר לאחד, נר למאה" (Talmud: Shabbat 121A)🔥As you kindle the first flame tonight, send that light to 100 of our loved ones being held hostage in darkness. Let's light their way home!

In the Chanukah prayers, we thank G-d for miracles "בימים ההם, בזמן הזה - in those days, at this time".

The story of Chanukah is not one of the past.
It is the story of the heart of the Jewish people, pumping loudly
and proudly.
"AT THIS TIME."

Now, more than ever, the miracle of Chanukah, the triumph of LIGHT over darkness, is most prevalent. We truly need a miracle, today!

May the light of Chanukah bring peace and healing, love and joy, to all! Chanukah Sameach🕎

2024 shone so bright, help us SHINE EVEN BRIGHTER for 2025!! Raisethon.com/swatchabad ✨ Light Jewish life at Swat.

#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

WE ARE LIVE! ~ End-of-Year Campaign ~

Here’s how you can make a difference RIGHT NOW:

📣 Spread the Word:
Share this campaign!
- Tag people in the comments
- Send the link to friends, family, and alumni who care about the future of Jewish life at Swarthmore.
- Post on your social media
Every connection matters!

❤️Donate Today!
Every contribution matters. Whether $18 or $180, your gift directly impacts students and the broader Swarthmore community. [LINK IN BIO]

2025 is going to shine so bright!
With immense gratitude to HaShem and our community,
Rabbi Mordi and Reizel Wolf

--
Swarthmore Chabad is an independent nonprofit organization that is not funded by any central organization. This full-service Jewish center serves Swarthmore College and the community and is made possible through the generous support of friends, parents, and alumni. All donations are tax-deductible.

Women's Soccer X Loaves of Love

Even during finals week, these wonderful women reached out to spread holiday cheer, love, and warmth to those in need. They definitely had a great time doing it!
--
Swarthmore Chabad's "Loaves of Love" initiative provides fresh baked Challah to families experiencing housing instability in Chester. During the program, students learn about Challah and the Jewish perspective on Tzedakah- giving/social justice - while baking one loaf to enjoy and one to give.

To arrange a team/group Challah bake, reach out to Brooke bcarrie1@swarthmore.edu

The last #ShabbAtSwat of Fall '24 was lit 🔥 A beautiful Chanukah-themed celebration and an opportunity for Jewish faculty and students to connect and celebrate Shabbat together.

See you next year! #swatchabad2025 it's going to be a fantastic year.

Swatties got a good dose of Chanukah light today!💉🍩✨ Good luck on your finals!

🗓️Chanukah begins on the eve of Wed, Dec 25, 2024 and ends on Thu, Jan 2, 2025.

🕯️DM us for a FREE Menorah kit to light wherever you will be over break!

Tomorrow!! Let's get in the Chanukah spirit! 🔥

Baseball X Loaves of Love

These guys knocked it out of the park!
--
Swarthmore Chabad's "Loaves of Love" initiative provides fresh baked Challah to families experiencing housing instability in Chester. During the program, students learn about Challah and the Jewish perspective on Tzedakah- charity/justice - while baking one loaf to enjoy and one to give.

"Whoever saves one soul is like they saved the entire world."

To arrange a team/group Challah bake, reach out to Brooke bcarrie1@swarthmore.edu

What can be sweeter than baking your own babka from scratch? Baking two and sharing the joy! 👇

In the spirit of giving thanks, students showed gratitude to Staff who make a difference in their lives everyday! From EVS worker and physical therapist to @swatdining and @swatpubsafe , each was presented with a homemade babka gift and a handwritten note to enjoy 💛🎁
--
In loving memory of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan

#babka#kosher#thanksgiving#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

Grateful for the light, the warmth, the celebration, and the love of Shabbat, that we can share with our SwatJew community every week!

It's beautiful - you have to see it to believe it ✨
--
Thank you to the Family of Brooke Carrier for sponsoring this week's Shabbat! To sponsor a Shabbat, please visit swarthmorechabad.org/shabbat

NOTHING BEATS BABKA! Don't take our word for it- whether you've made or eaten or seen babka before, this one's for you.

It's time to show gratitude to the staff members who make your everyday life @swarthmorecollege possible, and the best way to do that...is with BABKA!

#babkabake#babka#showgratitude#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

📸Tuesday's Tefilla Club: time to connect, in the DCC. And what a beautiful time it was! ✨

#thatsawrap#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

Join us! Link in bio to RSVP.

Students, whether you have visitors coming or not, your SwatJew family is always here!
Text CHALLAH to the ChaBot if you're coming.

#garnetweekend#shabbatswat

It was an honor to support the Chabad Student Board in bringing Shoham to share his story of Jewish resilience with the Swarthmore College community, marking one year since the tragic Hamas terrorist attack of 10/7/23.

It was powerful to see the diverse crowd who attended - students, faculty and staff, alumni and local community members. Thank you @swatpubsafe for ensuring a smooth and secure event for all.

📷 Captured by @photokesterson

#wewilldanceagain#bringthemhomenow#swatjew#proudjew#swatjewfamily#swatchabad#swarthmore#swarthmorecollege#swarthmorestudents#ilovebeingjewish#chabadoncampus

10 days left to apply for our Spring fellowship!! Link in bio.

We're honored to partner with @storiesthatlive to give Swarthmore students this unique and fleeting opportunity. Visit storiesthatlive.org to learn more.

Contact @sjnachshen with any questions

You'll have to go support our local paper to read the full story!

📰 The @swarthmorean interviewed Reizel & Rabbi Mordi about Swarthmore Chabad's mission and vision in their most recent issue.

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@swat.chabad