Chabad at Rice Launches Busy Spring Semester with Wide Range of Programs

From packed welcome-back events to personal support, Chabad at Rice aims to provide stability and community for Jewish students.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31am

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As the spring semester gets underway at Houston's Rice University, Chabad at Rice is already seeing strong student turnout for a wide range of programming - from large social events like the annual 'ChaBBQ' to quieter, one-on-one support for students struggling with stress and depression. Chabad's leaders say their goal is to create a consistent, reliable space where Jewish students can find community, learning, and personal care throughout the semester.

Why it matters

Chabad's efforts to support Jewish students at Rice reflect the broader challenges facing college students today, who often grapple with loneliness, mental health issues, and the difficulty of celebrating religious holidays away from home. By providing a steady presence of community, programming, and personal care, Chabad aims to be a stabilizing force for Jewish students during an uncertain time.

The details

Within the first weeks of the semester, dozens of Jewish students gathered for Chabad's annual 'ChaBBQ,' a kickoff event with food, music, and socializing. Weekly lunches, bagel brunches, and Shabbat dinners have also resumed, reestablishing a familiar rhythm. But Chabad's role extends beyond large gatherings - staff and student volunteers have delivered late-night care packages, provided pastoral support and mental health referrals, and responded to individual requests like helping a freshman get a mezuzah for their dorm. Throughout the semester, Chabad is offering a mix of weekly and seasonal programming, including Jewish learning courses, Purim and Passover events, and graduation celebrations.

  • Within the first weeks of the spring semester at Rice University.
  • Throughout the spring 2026 semester.

The players

Rabbi Shmuli Slonim

The co-director of Chabad at Rice.

Nechama Slonim

The co-director of Chabad at Rice, along with her husband Rabbi Shmuli Slonim.

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What they’re saying

“College can be an incredibly exciting time, but it can also be lonely and overwhelming. Our goal is for every Jewish student to know there's a place on campus where they're seen, where they're cared about and where they can show up exactly as they are – whether that's for a Shabbat dinner, a conversation or support when they're having a hard day.”

— Rabbi Shmuli Slonim, Co-director of Chabad at Rice (Jewish Herald-Voice)

“Chabad at Rice is built around consistency and constancy. Students know that week after week, semester after semester, there's a place they can rely on for Jewish life, for learning and for community. Especially in uncertain times, stability matters.”

— Nechama Slonim, Co-director of Chabad at Rice (Jewish Herald-Voice)

What’s next

As the Jewish calendar moves toward the spring holidays, Chabad is preparing for Purim and Passover programming, including Megillah readings, holiday meals, and Seders designed for students celebrating away from home.

The takeaway

Chabad's efforts to support Jewish students at Rice reflect the importance of providing a consistent, reliable community for college students who are navigating the challenges of campus life, mental health struggles, and celebrating religious holidays away from home.