Close sidebar

A family who toured Chapel Haven recently was enamored with Chapel Haven’s Jewish Student organization and wrote a blog post about it.

Click here to read the story.

Thank you to Betty Ross and her daughter, Ilyse, for the story and for visiting us!

The Jewish Students Organization – unique to Chapel Haven – falls under the auspices of Jewish Family Service’s Shalom Group, which serves Jewish individuals in the New Haven area who have developmental needs. The Shalom Group seeks to help individuals experience holiday observance, Torah study and shared fellowship.

Many of the 6-15 students and Chapel Haven community members who attend the twice a month meeting have a strong Jewish life at home, but are away from family and relish the chance to carry on traditions and learning.

“It’s made me feel stronger and closer to my religion,” said student Andy Hausler, who was instrumental in establishing the group, along with some dedicated Chapel Haven parents.

Organization members meet two times monthly on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the library, with Rabbi Hesche Sommer leading one week and JFS social worker Rachel Scolnic Dobin another. While Sommer focuses on religious teaching, Dobin handles etiquette, daily living, holiday observances and activities through the Jewish Community Center.