Who We Are
What is Chabad at Yale?
A home where all are welcome no matter their background or affiliation.
- A place where every Jew is family.
- A Jewish student organization at Yale that provides educational, social, and recreational programming for students and faculty.
- A place where students socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, superb food and stimulating discussion.
- A forum where you can question your faith and not be afraid of judgment.
- A center for prayer and study, where you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your Jewish heritage.
- A partnership between students and staff to help create student programming, plan social action projects, promote health awareness activities and offer many volunteer opportunities.
- An academy providing texts and teachers for those who seek to learn.
- An environment where being Jewish is enjoyable.
Vision
Our vision for Chabad at Yale is of a vibrant, modern center that provides educational, social and recreational programming for students and faculty. We strive to convey a compelling, rich, and meaningful Judaism that will inspire all who come in contact with it.
Values
The values that lie at the heart of Chabad at Yale are embodied in Torah and Jewish tradition.
- The welcoming of every Jew
- Creating a sense of belonging
- Jewish learning
- Spiritual growth and practice
What is Chabad?
One of the most dynamic forces in Jewish life today, Chabad-Lubavitch is a philosophy, a movement and an organization, with 4,000 full-time Shluchim (emissaries) directing over 3,300 institutions dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people worldwide.
Chabad-Lubavitch is driven by the philosophy and spirit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known simply and lovingly as the Rebbe. Motivated by the Rebbe’s profound love for every human being and spurred by his boundless optimism and self-sacrifice, Chabad career outreach teams of young rabbis and their families have set into motion a dazzling array of programs, services and institutions serving every Jew across the globe for the last several decades. Seeking to help shape the next generation of engaged leadership within the Jewish community and within American society at large, Chabad combines faith and tradition with a welcoming, inclusive and nonjudgmental attitude most effective in today's campus environment. Chabad operates active, full-time outreach centers on over 130 national and international campuses, with part-time outreach activities at an additional 150 universities worldwide. Although Chabad at Yale is affiliated with the Chabad worldwide network, we are responsible for raising 100% of our budget. Additionally, all funds raised stay entirely within Chabad at Yale and are used exclusively for our programs and activities.
Our Home: The Bender Chabad House & Berger Family Building
Welcome to your home away from home in the heart of the Yale community. The Bender Chabad House , housed within the beautiful Berger Family Building , stands as a testament to the power of hospitality, Jewish identity, warmth, and belonging.
Whether you are seeking a quiet corner to study, a seat at a festive Shabbat table, or a meaningful conversation with friends, our doors—and our hearts—are always open.
A Space of Welcoming and Belonging
Designed with the student in mind, the Bender Chabad House is more than just a facility; it is a sanctuary of comfort and connection. From the moment you step through the entrance, you are part of the family.
The Dining Room: The soul of our home, where hundreds of students gather every Friday night for home-cooked Shabbat meals, lively discussion, and vibrant community.
The Lounge: A cozy, inviting space for students to relax, unwind, and find respite from the rigors of academic life.
The Study: Quiet, light-filled areas where tradition meets modern learning, perfect for exploring a Jewish text or finishing a term paper.
The Shul: A sacred space is designed to be both majestic and intimate, providing a spiritual anchor for the Yale community.
Visionaries
This home was made possible through the extraordinary vision and generosity of the Bender and Berger families. Their dedication to the Jewish future at Yale has transformed a dream into a physical reality.
The Berger Family Building
Dedicated by the Berger family, this building serves as the foundation for Jewish life on campus. Named by Brad Berger in honor of his father Martin Berger , the Berger Family building reflects their commitment to Jewish pride, generosity, kindness and the deep-seated belief that every student deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, and inspired.
The Bender Chabad House
Named in honor of Alice L. Bender , our center is a beacon of hospitality at Yale. Her legacy is felt in every program, every meal, and every student who finds their footing at the Chabad House.