About
The mission of the Rohr Chabad Student Network of Ottawa is to offer Jewish university students genuine Jewish experiences in a warm, welcoming, and caring environment. The CSN caters to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Jewish students on campus by providing a multitude of opportunities for exploring, practicing, and enjoying Judaism.
The CSN recognizes the unique challenges facing Jewish university students today, and works hard to help students overcome them. One the greatest threats facing the Jewish nation today is apathy, which can lead to assimilation and loss of Jewish identity.
With innovative programming, stimulating topics of discussion, and a relaxed atmosphere of food, fun and friends, the Chabad Student Network, along with the 400 other Chabad Houses on campuses throughout the world, have been successful at getting students to see Judaism as enjoyable, meaningful, and inspiring.
Family Environment
The Chabad House is not just a building. It’s a family. One thing that makes Chabad stand out from the other Jewish organizations on campus is the feeling of home and family. The Chabad Student Network has been operating out of a family residence, home to Rabbi & Mrs. Boyarsky and their family. At any time of the day or week, a student knows that they can drop by for a Kosher homemade bite, a chat with the Rabbi, or just to enjoy a family moment. For students who are living far from home, there is nothing as heartwarming and cherished as the feeling of being a part of a close-knit family
If I were to sum up what Chabad means to me in one sentence, I would say that I only need one word: Family. The Boyarsky family has been there for me as my Ottawa family while I study away from home. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the amazing things they do for us students on campus.
-Sarah Newman, Ottawa University, Law
Judaic Studies
“How do we know G‑d really exists?” “What is the Jewish approach to euthanasia?” Questions that provoke serious thought and discussion are addressed at formal and informal classes offered by the Chabad Student Network. On average, about 20 classes are conducted each week - some as group classes, others as one on-one study. Probably the most important portal to Judaism for a student today is the open-door policy for questions of any kind. Special programs like the Sinai Scholars Society has enabled dozens of students to explore fundamental concepts in Judaism and apply them to modern life.
During the past three years, where Judaism wasn’t a large part of my identity, in ways, I lost touch with who I was as a person. Thanks to the Sinai Scholars class, I have clarity I never had, as to who I am as a Jew, and the life I want to live as a Jew.
--Sam Morgan, Ottawa University
Shabbat
For the average student on campus, the Friday night scene is one of bar hopping, partying, and at times, intense studying. For a student to have an “oasis in time”, a break from the chaos of the week, Shabbat becomes a highlight and a cherished weekly tradition. The CSN hosts Shabbat dinners and luncheons for students nearly every week of the year. With the Thursday night cooking club and the Shabbat committee, students take an active role in planning, preparing, and entertaining at the Shabbat dinners. Themed dinners and guest speakers add to the fun and flavour, offering something for everyone to partake and enjoy.
When I'm away from my family, Chabad is there, always open arms, welcoming me for all the holidays and Shabbat dinners, giving me a sense of community and bringing me back to my Jewish roots.
-Gila Gabay, Ottawa University, Law
Holiday Festivities
Not every student is able to go home for the holidays and spend the time with family. Whether it is for a Passover Seder that falls out right in the middle of final exams, or for High holiday services at the start of the first semester, all Jewish students know they have where to go to celebrate these special occasions in a setting that is geared specifically for them. To make it as easy as possible to observe the traditions of the holidays, Chabad brings as much of the holiday to campus as possible. A Sukkah-on-wheels is parked in front of both campuses throughout Sukkot; Menorahs and candles are delivered to students in dorms, and Kosher-for-Passover meals are made and delivered to students so that they have what to eat throughout the holiday.
Before meeting Rabbi Chaim and Yocheved, I would always go back home for the holidays. But I now find it much more fulfilling to take part in a smaller, yet intimate and vibrant service on campus.
-Michael Shkolnik, Carleton University Alumnus
Caring for the vulnerable
A fundamental principle in Judaism - in fact the basis for the entire Torah - is the command to “Love your fellow as yourself”. The Chabad Student Network helps cultivate sensitivity and kindness among students by giving them ways to reach out to those in need. The CSN works closely with a host of local institutions including Tamir, Central Park Lodge, Queensway-Carlton Hospital, Shepard of Hope homeless shelter, women’s shelters, and many others, to offer students opportunities to bring warmth, love, and hope to people in less fortunate situations.
The Community Pillars program which I led this past semester was an incredibly humbling experience. No words can describe what it felt like to bring joy to people when they need it most. Thank you to Chaim Boyarsky, Yocheved Boyarsky and Rohr Chabad Student Network of Ottawa for making this program possible.
-Samantha Goodman, Carleton University
Connecting with Israel
There is no place closer to home for a Jew in any part of the world than the land of Israel. In a time when powerful leaders deny the horrors that befell our people and pledge to destroy the Jewish people in Israel for once and for all - without reprisal or outrage from nations around the world - there is a critical need for strengthening our ties to our people and our homeland. This need becomes even more dire on campus where Jewish students feel threatened and targeted as a result of political propaganda. The CSN offers Jewish students a non-political connection to Israel by focusing on the spiritual and religious relationship the Jewish people have always had with the Holy Land and cultivating a deep love for the land.
Even in the darkest of times, when our campus was confronted with the bigotry of BDS, Rabbi Chaim was there to help rally and lift the spirit of students - both Jewish and non-Jewish alike - and of course, to offer his home for a celebratory L’chaim after the unfortunate motion was defeated.
-Dylan Yegendorf, Ottawa University
Woman's Programs
Whoever said that girls just want to have fun? CSN’s Girls Group gives young women a gathering place of fun times, fresh ideas, animated discussion, and deep reflection on Judaism’s core beliefs, values, and traditions. The Girls Group offers a wide range of events geared for the modern Jewish young woman. Some of the highlights of the year include a spa night featuring pampering for both body and soul, cooking classes with irresistible samples of true Jewish classics to take home, Jewish-themed art sessions, and spiritual yoga.
Some of my favourite times spent at Chabad have been the classes to women offered by Yocheved. Whether these classes are on Jewish cooking, holidays, life, love, Torah - I have always left knowing something new, feeling better about who I am and more focused on where I want to be going.
-Rebecca Trueman, Algonquin College Alumnus
Adventures Abroad
Nothing can compare to the active learning and discovering that takes place on a group trip. Every year, the CSN takes a group of students for a weekend road trip to New York to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Judaism in a community where Judaism can be felt on the streets. A visit to Chabad central headquarters, where thousands congregate together to pray under one roof, is something students will always remember. The CSN also participates in internationally funded trips including Israelinks - a 3-week learning program in Israel, JNF social action missions to Israel, and Birthright trips to Israel.
Surrounded by thousands of Jews from all across North America and Europe, praying, singing and dancing (Chabad style), I was left overwhelmed and speechless. This Shabbaton was a great opportunity for me to meet and connect with other fellow Jewish students from around the world.
-Yosi Lazaroff, Ottawa University, Medicine Alumnus
Keeping the Faith in Residence
The university years are the most telling years in a person’s life. It is a time for establishing lifetime goals, for discovering one’s unique role in the world, and for charting the map of the future. At Chabad, students begin to realize their potential by taking on leadership positions to effect positivie change and growth in the Jewish student community. The CSN has an active student board that meets weekly to plan, coordinate, and implement new initiatives, special events, and programs for the year. An exclusive leadership conference for student executive members is held annually in New York to to help build leadership skills, and share ideas with other student leaders throughout North America.
Moving to a new city is terrifying. Rabbi Chaim came to put up a mezuzah on my door and he made me feel so at home, away from home. I am so grateful for everything he and Yocheved have done for me.
-Liz Bolotin, Carleton University
Judaism for Life
Kosher kitchen in a dorm room? Absolutely. We make house calls! The Chabad Student Network makes it easy for a Jewish student to bring Judaism into their dorm or apartment with at-your-service house visits. Whether it is putting up a Mezuzah, sponsored by the Mezuzah Bank, making a kitchen kosher, or even sending over Shabbat-in-a-bag for an ill student who cannot make it to a Shabbat dinner, Chabad brings Jewish life right to the student’s doorstep.
Rabbi Chaim & Yocheved Boyarsky were there for me every single step of the way throughout my four years of law school. Not only did I grow spiritually, but a beautiful relationship was built as the years progressed and has continued to grow ever since. They were with us to celebrate our engagement, wedding, and our son’s bris. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
-Mindy Amar Harroch, University of Ottawa, Law Alumnus
