My wife Sue and I do believe in the importance of our young people to be able to express their faith while away from home, and it sounds as if your Chabad House will help to meet many Jewish students’ spiritual needs.  I wish you luck as you go forward with the Chabad House.

My best,

  Joseph V. Paterno,  Head Football Coach

Thank you so much for the hospitality!  We really appreciate your support of our program.  You are both such amazing people—the effect you are having on students is extraordinary.

Sincerely,  Jason Finklstein, Head of the Panim program

Thank you so much for the past year.  I am so glad you got me to start coming regularly.  I have loved working with you in the kitchen and talking with you about everything from my classes to religion.  I also loved Shabbos services and dinner.  There are very few people who are so generous that they would open their home to a bunch of college students.  Thank you for everything you taught me— I am not only a better Jew for learning it, but a better person.

Love,

  Joanna, Penn State student

Dear Rabbi Meretsky,

So many of today’s college and university students are eager to remain connected to their heritages and wish to continue to explore the  spiritual side of their lives.  I congratulate Penn State Chabad on a successful year of activities, reaching out to provide meaningful connections for many of our Jewish students.

Dr. Spanier (President of Penn State University)

Dear Rabbi Meretsky,

                 I finally found a few moments to review the materials you left during our recent visit, and wanted to say thank you for teaching me about your incredible array of programs and services.  Chabad at Penn State is doing great work on behalf of our Jewish students.  Please know how much I enjoyed your visit and how much we appreciate your leadership and good work within our University Community.

Sincerely, Vicky (Triponey, Vice President for Student affairs)

I’d like to thank you for giving me the feeling of warmth that being away from home lacked me; for throwing shine in my storm – for every academic pressure that clouded my life that was dissolved by the mere thought of my Friday night Chabad Shabbat dinner.  This community is my family. I will miss you. 

Love, always.

Chaim

Thank you for your open door, open hearts, and open hands.

Shalom,

Jon