Texas Shabbaton: A Weekend of Jewish Pride and Unity
Embrace the power of Jewish unity and pride!
On March 4, 2026, Jewish students from across Texas and beyond gathered in College Station for the 17th Annual Texas Shabbaton, a transformative weekend hosted by Chabad at Texas A&M University. The highlight? A visit to the brand-new Mikvah on campus, the first of its kind on a college campus.
This vibrant gathering brought together students from prestigious universities like Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas State, Texas Tech, UT Dallas, UNT, Rice, University of Houston, West Texas A&M, Tulane, and LSU. They united for a meaningful Shabbat experience, brimming with learning, discussion, and social connection.
The program was meticulously organized by Chabad at Texas A&M University in collaboration with Chabad on campuses across the region. Rabbis, Rebbetzins, and staff traveled from far and wide, some driving up to eight hours, to participate in this weekend of Jewish unity and pride in the heart of Aggieland.
Robert French, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, also attended, expressing his support for Jewish campus life. "The students' enthusiasm was so uplifting and inspiring," he said. "Chabad has created something truly impactful, and I'm grateful that the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas can contribute to strengthening the Jewish future."
The Shabbaton offered a rich array of experiences, including communal meals and services, student-led discussions on Israel and Jewish life on campus, and popular sessions like 'Winning the Inner Race' with professional runner Gal Arad, 'Sober Dating' with Manya Lazaroff, and combatting antisemitism on social media with Ari Lesser.
One of the most moving moments came from Leibel Lazaroff, a Bondi terror attack survivor, who shared his powerful story of survival and faith, deeply moving and inspiring the students.
Saturday night was a celebration of music and community with a musical Havdalah ceremony, followed by a festive Mega Event and BBQ featuring a DJ, inflatables, and a cozy fire pit.
On Sunday, the bagel brunch was followed by a tour of the newly opened Aggieland Mikvah Educational Center, the first mikvah of its kind on a college campus. The facility boasts a mikvah for women, a mikvah for dishes, and an additional mikvah for men, expanding opportunities for Jewish practice and education at Texas A&M.
Throughout the weekend, new friendships blossomed, and bonds with peers from across the state and region were strengthened. Participants left feeling uplifted and empowered, inspired by the message of Am Yisrael Chai and committed to bringing renewed Jewish pride back to their campuses.
This event was made possible through a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and Chabad on Campus International. The Annual Texas Shabbaton continues a long-standing tradition of strengthening Jewish student life across the region.
For more information about Chabad on Campus, connect with your local Chabad center. You can also explore Chabad at Texas A&M University at JewishAggies.com (http://jewishaggies.com/) and on Instagram at @ChabadTAMU.
