As the sun set on the evening of Sept. 15, signifying the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, hundreds of students waited outside the doors of the Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center at Tulane University. Services had just come to an end, and over 500 students of varying faiths and backgrounds waited for the doors to open for dinner.

The celebration was hosted by Mushka and Rabbi Leibel Lipskier, who run various events through Chabad. The couple hosted services throughout the weekend, including ceremonial meals. Students could also choose to spend the holiday at Tulane Hillel, which also offered meals and services. 

Preparation for the event began days in advance. Students from fraternities, sororities, different clubs and faiths came to Chabad the week before to help cook the food, make the desserts and bake challah bread. For Friday night dinner, which had the highest attendance of all three days, Mushka Lipskier reported that 140 round challahs were baked, 150 pounds of brisket, 45 pounds of sesame noodles and 50 pounds of pesto pasta were prepared.

 “It takes a village,” Mushka Lipskier said, when describing the week leading up to the holiday. “Really getting all the students to get involved and help out makes them feel like they’re hosting Rosh Hashanah for their friends as well.”

Chabad Board co-President Max Bernstein also commented on the students’ contributions to organizing the event. 

“This is the first big Rosh Hashanah we’ve had here since 2020,” Bernstein said. “So, the fact that we were able to pull it off and be as organized as we were is a true testament to the board and everyone that came and helped out.”

When students entered the house, they were met with long rows of set tables and Chabad regulars running back and forth to keep up with students looking for chairs. Extra chairs had to be taken from the back of the house to make room for the larger-than-expected turnout. Ultimately, everyone was able to find a seat and Leibel Lipskier embraced all the attendees with a sentiment and customary prayers. After which, dinner was served.

Mushka Lipskier emphasized the importance of making sure that the event was accessible to everyone who wanted to be there. Students were encouraged to bring their friends, and the team made sure that there was more than enough food in advance.

“Rosh Hashanah is a time where you come together as family, and we make sure that everyone has a place and a seat at our table and feels like this holiday belongs to them,” Mushka Lipskier said.

Most of the students stayed the length of the dinner which meant listening to the prayers, eating the ritualistic apples and honey to signify a sweet new year and hearing speeches from students who helped put the event together.

Will Baksht, a non-Jewish attendee, said his time at Chabad was the first Rosh Hashanah he had attended.

“I think it’s a fun environment. It makes me feel welcome,” Will added. “Being in a place where they have that sense of community is something that I really look for on campus.”