Nearly a dozen Jewish college students from Saint Louis University received an early Hanukkah gift in the form of a chance to meet Josh Schertz, head coach of the Billikens men’s basketball team. Coach Schertz joined the students for a spirited pre-Hanukkah celebration hosted by Chabad at SLU.
The event, held Dec. 9 at Campus Ministry, was organized by Rabbi Hershey Novack, co-director of Chabad on Campus, along with Rabbi Yankel and Chana Oster, directors of JGrads St. Louis, an initiative of Chabad on Campus to support the hundreds of Jewish graduate students and their peers in St. Louis. It brought students and community members together for an evening of festive treats and holiday spirit. Guests enjoyed traditional latkes, fresh doughnuts and take-home kits packed with everything needed to celebrate the Festival of Lights during winter break.
“I’m not sure that most students paid attention to the fact that the head basketball coach is Jewish until now,” said Chana Oster. “However, the coach highlighted to the students last night that he wouldn’t have been hired by SLU if they weren’t open-minded and caring. I think the students felt encouraged by him to be proud to be a Jew at SLU and feel more positive about their environment.”
In his remarks, Coach Schertz expressed admiration for the students’ pride in their Jewish identity.
“In these times, when the world is changing, and not necessarily in a good way, the fact that you guys stand proud, of your heritage, of your religion, of who you are, is awesome,” Schertz said. “You guys are the next generation that will carry the torch forward and it’s awesome to see that you are not hiding out there. I love that you are standing proud, and keep wearing your yarmulkes around campus!”
Rabbi Yankel Oster reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “I believe it’s especially meaningful for Jewish students to see SLU’s Jewish leaders confidently embracing and celebrating their heritage. It sets a powerful example of pride, identity and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. It was clear that many students were inspired at the event.”
Held ahead of Hanukkah to accommodate SLU’s academic schedule, the gathering marked the start of holiday festivities for the small but active Jewish community on campus. Chabad on Campus programs at SLU, WashU, Webster University and the University of Missouri–St. Louis are supported by a grant from the Jewish Federation.
In his inaugural season, Schertz has led the Billikens to a 6-3 record as of Dec. 8. One of the few Jewish head coaches in Division I men’s basketball, he has brought a distinctive perspective to the SLU community. Before joining SLU, Schertz served as head coach at Indiana State University, where he earned a reputation for fostering both athletic success and personal growth among his players.
