Campus Shluchos Gather in DC for First JewishU Growth Summit

Twenty-five campus Shluchos from across North America gathered at Chabad at American University in Washington, DC, for the inaugural JewishU Growth Summit for Shluchos, organized by Chabad on Campus International.

JewishU, the organization's flagship Jewish learning program, provides students with structured, incentivized learning experiences designed to convert casual engagement into sustained study. The program serves as a transition point for many students between attending social events like Friday night meals and pursuing deeper involvement with Jewish practice.

Rabbi Yossy Gordon, CEO of Chabad on Campus International, stated that "Shluchim and Shluchos are dedicating themselves to deepening Torah learning for their students with tremendous results" And emphasized that "Through JewishU, students are strengthening their connection to Torah, Judaism, and Jewish values in a profound and lasting way. By investing in the teachers, the dedicated Shluchos, we are multiplying the impact of Torah education and ensuring that its benefits reach the lives of students in the most meaningful and transformative manner."

The summit centered on a core question: how to increase the number of students engaged in Torah learning on their campuses. Participants moved through collaborative sessions exploring how to establish the Rebbe's focus on Mivtzah Torah as a central element of their Chabad Houses while creating compelling experiences for students. Discussion topics ranged from curriculum and teaching methods to scheduling and outreach strategies.

Mrs. Esti Hecht, Director of Education and Shlucha at American University, noted that the summit aimed "to set real goals and direction for the year, and walk away with practical, targeted tools for implementation, objectives that are challenging to achieve in a group chat or Zoom call." She added that attendees "gained a new sense of clarity and confidence to level up the impact of Mivtzah Torah on their campus through JewishU."

The summit also facilitated peer-to-peer learning, enabling experienced Shluchos to share established program models with those newly beginning such work. Rabbi Avi Weinstein, COO of Chabad on Campus International, explained that "The goal is to give Shluchos the time and space to think collaboratively about Torah learning on their campus" And noted that participants "are now returning to their campuses with the tools and the confidence their vital Shlichus deserves."