Jewish Life Thrives at VCU

As a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Ariel Binyamin can remember back to when there was virtually no sense of Jewish representation there. Especially since October 7th, the atmosphere on campus often led him to refrain from speaking Hebrew — his native language — or wearing visible Jewish symbols in public.

But in July 2024, Rabbi Menachem and Daniela Lessoff moved to Richmond to launch Jewish Life at VCU — a new Chabad on Campus center — aimed at creating a visible, welcoming hub for Jewish students, under the guidance of Rabbi Yossel Kranz, director of Chabad of Virginia.

The center quickly became a space where students could experience a sense of belonging and connection. “Now there’s a real Jewish presence on campus,” Binyamin said. “It’s not just about feeling safer — it’s about having a community. The door’s always open, and you know you can walk in, see friendly faces, and be yourself.”

The Lessoffs offer programs like Sinai Scholars, Bagels, Lox & Tefillin, and other social/study events. Their Shabbat dinners are the highlight for many students. “It started off as a small thing — ten to fifteen students coming by on Friday night,” said Rabbi Lessoff. “Now we host over fifty students a week.”

“The Shabbat dinners are wonderful,” said Lindsey Adams, a senior studying psychology at VCU. “I’ve met so many people there — almost all my friends at VCU are people I met at Chabad.”

As president of Chabad at VCU, Adams oversees things like planning large events and handling communications, finances, and campus paperwork. “It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” she said. One of the most memorable events she helped organize was last year’s Chanukah Drop. “We had a balloon drop with prizes,” Adams recalled. “Over 100 people came — it was amazing to see so many students come together and celebrate.”

Another standout initiative at Chabad brings together campus police and students for a shared meal. “The former police chief is Italian and suggested making pizza together for the students,” Rabbi Lessoff said. “The officers came and made kosher pizza for everyone — it was really nice. We’ll be doing it again soon.”

Chabad also encourages students to join programs like Pegisha — a meetup of global campus Chabad groups — to give them experiences beyond Richmond. “Rabbi Lessoff took about 10 of us to Crown Heights for Pegisha,” said Binyamin. “I’ve been to Brooklyn before, but I had never been to Crown Heights. It was amazing to be able to see other Chabads and meet other campus leaders.”

On top of all the work they do at VCU, the Lessoffs are now launching a Chabad Young Professionals chapter in Richmond. “Many VCU graduates stay in Richmond — and that’s besides for the locals,” said Rabbi Lessoff. “There’s real demand. We’re going to be offering Shabbat services, social events, and Torah classes.” With just a year behind them, the Lessoffs have already transformed Jewish life on campus and laying the groundwork for a thriving community beyond it.