Parents often tell us the same thing: they want their child to have a place to go for Shabbat, somewhere to celebrate the holidays, and a trusted adult nearby who knows their name. That is what a Chabad House is. Every Chabad on Campus center in Florida is run by a rabbi and rebbetzin who live near campus and open their home to students all year.
What Chabad on Campus offers your student
- A home away from home. Weekly Shabbat dinners, a place to relax or study, and a family feel.
- Holidays, celebrated. High Holiday services and meals, a sukkah, Chanukah, Purim and Passover Seders. See Jewish holidays in college.
- Kosher food. Kosher Shabbat and holiday meals everywhere, and at many schools kosher meal plans or dining. See kosher food at Florida colleges.
- Learning and growth. Courses like JewishU and the Sinai Scholars Society, plus one-on-one time with the rabbi.
- Travel. Birthright Israel with Chabad, the statewide Florida Pegisha weekend, the International Pegisha and heritage trips.
- Support. A caring adult who notices when a student is struggling, visits when they are sick, and helps them find the right campus resources.
Before move-in: how to connect your child
- Find the Chabad House at your child's school.
- Send a short email introducing your student, or encourage your student to reach out themselves.
- Ask about welcome events during move-in week and the first Shabbat dinner of the semester.
- Follow the Chabad House on social media or join their parent email list to see what is happening.
During the year
Chabad Houses often send holiday care packages, chicken soup when a student is sick, and treats during finals, and many offer ways for parents to sponsor a Shabbat dinner in honor of a birthday or special occasion. If you are ever worried about your child, you can reach out to the rabbi or rebbetzin directly. They will treat your concern with care and discretion.
Florida Chabad on Campus centers
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of Central Florida
- University of North Florida
- University of South Florida
- University of Tampa
- University of Miami
- University of Miami (Undergraduate)
- Florida International University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Nova Southeastern University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Miami Dade College
- Rollins College
Questions parents ask
Does my child need to be religious to go to Chabad?
No. Chabad on Campus welcomes every Jewish student, whatever their background or level of observance. Most students who participate did not grow up Orthodox.
Is there a cost to participate?
Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and most programs are free or heavily subsidized for students. Chabad Houses are supported by parents, alumni and community members who believe in their work.
How can I introduce my child to the Chabad House?
Find the school in our directory and email or call the center. Most rabbis and rebbetzins are glad to reach out to incoming students before the semester starts.
What if my child is struggling?
Chabad rabbis and rebbetzins are often the first adults students turn to. They can listen, help, and connect students with campus resources like counseling. You are welcome to contact them if you are worried.
Want to give back to the Chabad House that looks after your child? Support your local Chabad on Campus.