Chabad at Rice University welcomed members of the Rice community to a celebration of the beginning of Hanukkah Dec. 8.
Not even a little rain could damper the lights of Hanukkah at Rice this year as students packed into the Ley Student Center to enjoy latkes, donuts and music and hear from President Reginald DesRoches. Although Hanukkah doesn’t begin until Dec. 25 this year, Rabbi Shmuli Slonim emphasized the importance of togetherness and positivity as we look forward to the holiday.
“Hanukkah reminds us how powerful and effective each seemingly small act can be in illuminating our surroundings,” Shmuli said. “And like with the Hanukkah lights, we must strive to add a little more light.
“Though tonight we will not be lighting the menorah since it’s not yet the holiday, we’re grateful to be celebrating together the messages of Hanukkah and the menorah and to be reminded that light does persevere over might and we must always hold steady in our convictions.”
DesRoches addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion at Rice.
“Hanukkah is a festival that reminds us of the power of resilience, the importance of community and the enduring light that can guide us even through the darkest of times,” DesRoches said. “This evening is about coming together, sharing joy and honoring traditions that have inspired hope and perseverance for many generations. At Rice, we are proud to be a community where diverse cultures, faiths and histories enrich our shared experience and bind us together in understanding and mutual respect.”
Jonathan Goldfeder, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering from Memphis, Tennessee, attended the event for his first time at Rice. He said he was happy to be able to participate as coming together and breaking bread is an extremely important aspect of Jewish culture.
“A lot of events that have happened in Israel have transferred overseas, and antisemitism has spiked,” Goldfeder said. “It can make a student feel very isolated. But knowing that there’s a big community here and we’re all willing to help support each other and stand up for each other — it’s very nice and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Chabad at Rice is also collecting toy donations that will be delivered to children in the Texas Medical Center.
For more information about Chabad at Rice or to donate, visit jewishriceu.com.