Miriam Lipskier is fairly new to the Emory community but has since made her mark on Jewish life at Emory. In 2000, she started the Chabad House, a place where people in the Jewish community at Emory come together to explore their heritage. Recently she has been busy with Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year that took place on Monday), but she took time out of her busy schedule for a Her Campus Emory interview!
Her Campus Emory (HCE): When did you first come to Emory?
Miriam Lipskier (ML): My Husband Zalman and I moved to Emory to start up the Chabad House shortly after our wedding and just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, around September 2000. Twelve years later, we are still rocking and rolling, now with six awesome children as full time “staff members.”
HCE: What is the mission of Chabad at Emory?
ML: Our basic mission is to be a home away from home and extended family for the large and vibrant Emory Jewish community. We are here as a primary address that students can come to any time to study, learn, debate, actively participate, pray and celebrate our collective Jewish heritage and discover what identity and essence means for each individual student.
HCE: What opportunities are available for Emory students?
ML: Aside from providing weekly Shabbat dinners, we serve anywhere from 75-200 students each week to holiday meals, celebrations and services, weekly barbecues, study groups and ‘lunch n learns.’ Students also volunteer in many ways, from working with our friendship circle, which partners Emory students with local families who have children with special needs for weekly home visits and events, to helping set up, cook, shop etc.
HCE: Have you faced any challenges being relatively new at Emory?
ML: We have outgrown our space so we use a large tent to fit the overflowing crowds. Despite the size, we have managed to retain a very warm, homey and comfortable environment. Many students feel comfortable to bring their roommates along and friends from other faiths and traditions to join in the fun.
HCE: What is your favorite part of Chabad?
ML: Aside from the ridiculous amounts of food that we prepare all from scratch,
my absolute favorite part is the great friendships and relationships that we have developed with our students who really do feel like part of our family.