The Mel Meister Chabad Lounge, run by Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, opened Sept. 3 as the University of Utah’s first space dedicated to Jewish life on campus.
Located just across Reservoir Park, the new space offers easy access for students looking for community and a safe space to practice their religion. Additionally, the creation of the lounge is part of a broader effort to raise visibility and support for Jewish student life at the U.
How the idea became reality
Chabad on Campus, an international organization serving universities across the country, first arrived at the U with just three students. In the past three years, the group has grown to almost 130 students. Since then, the group has worked hard to establish a permanent safe space for Jewish students. Donations from their sponsor, Adam Meister, turned the idea into a reality.
Rabbi Moshe Nigri, who represents Chabad at the U, said the space marks an important milestone for the university. “Being the first Jewish space at the U, we have goals to make students more comfortable with religion,” Nigri said…