New group Chazak promotes education

Seeing a need for traditional Jewish learning on campus, Josh Silverman spent much of last semester developing an organization devoted to that cause.

Then, near the end of last semester, after months of planning and paperwork, the organization he founded received provisional registration as a student organization by the Undergraduate Student Government Supreme Court.

The name of the organization, Chazak, is a Hebrew word meaning "be strong," said Silverman (junior-international politics), president of the group. He explained that the name has dual significance. First, he said the word is frequently used in Jewish services, and secondly, the name suits the purpose of the organization.

"It's the idea that through education, people get strengthened in their Judaism," he said.

However, a number of other Jewish organizations are already established on campus. The largest and perhaps most well known is Hillel: the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. But, while Chazak does work with Hillel, Silverman said the aim of his group is more specific than the larger organization.

"All of (Chazak's) energies are focused on the goal of Jewish education," he said, "where Hillel is a support, umbrella organization for everything Jewish on campus."

Tuvia Abramson, executive director of Hillel, said a spirit of cooperation definitely exists between the two organizations. Abramson reiterated points mentioned by Silverman, explaining that Hillel exists to help Jewish students and activities at the University.

"As far as I'm concerned, every group can find their niche and we will provide and help guide them and support them," he said. All education is worthwhile, Abramson said.

"Chazak put more emphasis on (traditional learning), and I bless them," he said.

To carry out its mission of traditional Jewish education, the group devotes time to studying the Torah and other Jewish texts, Silverman said. Each Monday night, he said, Chazak sponsors a class in which group members gather to hear a speaker and have a philosophical discussion of Jewish ideas from important texts. In Chazak's regular Wednesday night class, members study and discuss weekly readings from the Torah, he said.

Silverman added that Chazak, in conjunction with Hillel, co-sponsors a Friday evening "traditional learners service," which combines a service with more Jewish education.

Chazak -- though it leans toward traditional learning -- attracts students of diverse Jewish backgrounds and beliefs, Silverman said. In fact, the point of the group is to make Jewish education important in the lives of people, he added.

Sarah Voss, president of United Jewish Appeal, said after hearing several rabbis speak during the classes, she has become more knowledgeable about Jewish traditions and celebrations.

"I've been able to get a deeper understanding of the significance and meaning behind the holidays," said Voss (senior-accounting).