Jewish Life at Siena College with Chabad

Welcome! Jewish life at Siena College is vibrant, warm, and welcoming. Run in partnership with the Colonie Chabad Jewish Center, we provide a loving home-away-from-home for the entire Siena community.

No matter your background, level of observance, or affiliation, you belong here. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, joyful, and inclusive space on campus.

For Students: Your Home Away From Home

College life is an adventure, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you want to destress, meet new friends, or explore your heritage, Chabad is your family on campus.

• Shabbat & Holiday Dinners: Enjoy home-cooked food, inspiration, and great company every week.
• Relaxed Learning: Explore meaningful, modern, and practical Jewish topics in casual study groups.
• Social & Cultural Events: Join us for holiday festivals, campus meetups, and fun gatherings.
• Personal Support: Rabbi Mordechai and Chana Rubin are always available for a coffee, a chat, or a helping hand whenever you need advice or a listening ear.

For Professors & Faculty: Partnering Together

We deeply value our relationship with the academic heart of Siena College. We look forward to collaborating with professors and administrators to foster a rich and supportive campus culture for Jewish students.

• Student Well-being: We serve as an extra layer of support and community care for your students.
• Cultural Resource: We are happy to act as a resource regarding Jewish traditions, lifecycle events, and holiday calendar needs.
• Open Collaboration: We welcome opportunities to partner on academic, cultural, or historical events that highlight Jewish heritage.
• Discover your heritage: Tackle big life questions, and connect with a great community. Join Sinai Scholars for an 8-week journey exploring Jewish thought and contemporary ethics—plus, earn a stipend upon completion.

For Alumni: A Lifetime Connection

Once family, always family. The bonds built during your years at Siena don't end at graduation. We love staying connected with our alumni as you build your careers and families.

• Stay in Touch: Let us know where life takes you so we can continue celebrating your milestones.
• Networking: Connect with current students or fellow alumni to share advice, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
• Support the Next Generation: Help us keep Jewish life thriving for the students following in your footsteps.

Kosher Food Availability

We believe that keeping kosher shouldn't be a challenge while away at college. We actively coordinate options to ensure students have regular access to fresh, high-quality kosher food.

• Shabbat and Holidays: Fully catered, delicious kosher meals are provided for all students during our weekly Shabbat and holiday programming.
• Kosher Care Packages: We regularly coordinate special kosher holiday packages (like Matzah for Passover or snacks for finals week) to keep you fueled and connected.

Parents & Families

We partner with you to support your student's journey. Knowing your child has a warm community looking out for them brings peace of mind, and we want to keep you involved every step of the way.

• Stay Updated: Sign up for our regular updates and newsletter to see what is happening on campus and stay informed about upcoming family weekend events.
• Soup Delivery: Is your student feeling under the weather? Let us know, and we will personally deliver hot, homemade kosher chicken soup right to them!