Shabbat dinners under the stars, smoky backyard barbecues, late-night Torah talks and a Cardinals game or two—this summer, Chabad WashU is turning its St. Louis home into a hub for Jewish college students from across the country. Whether they’re here for internships, research, summer classes or just a breather from the school-year grind, students are finding more than just a place to land. They’re finding Jewish community, connection and purpose in a city that’s offering a lot more than toasted ravioli and humidity.

“Summer gives students a chance to slow down and connect without the pressure of midterms or finals,” said Rabbi Hershey Novack, co-director and spiritual leader of Chabad WashU. “It’s a great time to build deeper relationships and explore what their Jewish identity means to them.”

It’s a shift in tempo—no cramming, no 3 a.m. finals, just fireflies and open evenings. Students are arriving from campuses coast to coast including WashU, St. Louis University and beyond. The open-door policy means whether you’re in St. Louis for school, work or wandering, you’ve got a seat at the table.

“This is a moment to strengthen ties—not just between students and their peers but also between students and the broader Jewish community,” said Rabbi Yankel Oster. “Whether they’re here for the summer or just passing through, they should know there’s a Jewish home for them in St. Louis.”

Rabbi Yankel and Chana Oster, who lead Chabad’s outreach to graduate and professional students through JGrads—a division of Chabad WashU—are helping shape the summer lineup with a focus on community, learning and connection.

That “home” is more than metaphor. Chana Oster has helped transform the space into something lived-in and welcoming. Students aren’t just attending—they’re helping prep meals, setting tables, trading Spotify links and staying late to clean up. Or not clean up. Either way, they stay.

Programming hits all the notes—spiritual, social, intellectual. Weekly Shabbat dinners feature full spreads from fresh challah to crisp schnitzel. Torah classes go deep without sounding like lectures. And the barbecues? The kind that start with burgers and end with guitars, lawn chairs and no one checking the time.

This month’s lineup even includes a Cardinals game. It’s less about baseball and more about one more way to show up, hang out and maybe teach someone what a kosher hot dog is actually made of.

Chabad WashU has also implemented enhanced security protocols to ensure events remain safe, welcoming and worry-free.

And when summer ends, what stays isn’t the food or the ballgame. It’s the feeling. Of being seen. Of being remembered. Of walking into a house in a city that isn’t yours, and knowing—this table was set for you.