A group of 15 Jewish college students from Chabad on Campus – Milwaukee, a division of Lubavitch of Wisconsin, traveled to Brooklyn, New York to attend Pegisha, a yearly student Shabbat celebration.
The three-day event, organized by Chabad on Campus – International, took place Nov. 15-17, and brought together more than 2,000 Jewish college students from 176 universities across eight countries, breaking previous attendance records.
The Pegisha event, named after the Hebrew word for “encounter,” featured an itinerary with events like Shabbat meals in local homes, workshops and a variety of educational and social programs designed to promote Jewish pride amid rising antisemitism.
Married couple Rabbi Lev Voskoboynik and Talia Voskoboynik, co-directors of Chabad on Campus – Milwaukee, traveled with students to attend the event. The group brings together Jewish students from Milwaukee-area colleges through weekly Shabbat meals, classes, and one-on-one meetings. “We’re here to give Jewish students pride in who they are, to be their family on campus,” Lev said.
“Last year we brought seven students to Pegisha, and this year we more than doubled participation,” Lev said. This year, a total of 15 college students from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Mount Mary University attended the event.
“One of the most beautiful outcomes of Pegisha is that the trip brought students closer, and they all became friends with each other,” Rabbi Lev said. “To be able to watch them and facilitate that connection was really powerful.”
Organizers of the trip aim to bring Jews around the world together to meet each other and feel Jewish pride, especially amid rising antisemitism on college campuses. Harry Edelstein, a 19-year-old student currently studying finance at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee but transferring to Lake Forest College next semester, found gathering in one room with so many other Jews to be moving. “It was a nice reminder to know you’re not alone. Even though sometimes you may feel like the minority on your campus, there’s so many of us scattered across the country,” he said.
The weekend culminated with a Havdalah ceremony on Saturday night, where all attendees gathered to mark the end of Shabbat. For Chevi Bernstein, a freshman at Mount Mary University studying nursing, “It was amazing to see so many college students my age who were so proud to be Jewish.”
She added: “This experience truly solidified the concept of Am Yisrael Chai for me. My Jewish community at college may not be very large, but we exist, and this trip reminded me that we will always find ways to unite.”
Students also enjoyed the opportunity to explore New York City, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. Sophie Edelstein, a 21-year-old student studying sonography at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, enjoyed staying in the vibrant community at Crown Heights. While walking outside late at night after Shabbat, almost every rabbi or family said, “good Shabbos,” and expressed gratitude that they were visiting for Pegisha, Sophie said. “Even though we don’t know the people on the street, it’s empowering to know we’re all connected through our Judaism,” she said.
Lev received overwhelmingly positive responses from students about their experience at the event, he said. “Their enthusiasm shows just how important it is for them to have a space where they can connect with their heritage, make lasting friendships, and express pride in their Jewish identity.”
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