Full Name: Leora Chaya Robbins
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Class Year: Fall 2018
Major: Early Childhood Education
You have been a big part of the Chabad family for years, tell us what keeps you coming back? At first, I went to Chabad to celebrate the holidays, and light the Shabbat candles, but it quickly became more than that. The Charytan’s became family. I love spending time with them, and watching the kids grow over the years.
Are you named after someone? If so, who? Yes, I’m named after my maternal great grandmother Leona and my paternal great aunt Idlene, whose Hebrew name was Chaya Rivka.
As an Early Childhood Education major, tell us what you are most looking forward to within your future career? I am looking forward to making a positive impact on children’s lives. It’s so important when children are developing to have a good mentor, and I hope I can be that for them.
What is the most difficult aspect of college for you? The most difficult part of college is not procrastinating on getting assignments done. I’ve done well in my classes, but there are nights I may not get much sleep because I’m working on homework due that day.
If could start college all over again, what would you do differently? If I could start over, I wouldn’t do much differently. Though, I would like to have known more about certifications I could have added to my degree, like ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), to help me be a more knowledgeable and proficient teacher.
What do you love most about the Jewish life on campus? I love to see how much Chabad has grown. My freshman year, we could fit at the large table in the living room for Shabbat dinner. Now, we need multiple tables for an average size Shabbat dinner.
Why should other Jewish students get involved with Chabad? Chabad is welcoming to all students. It doesn’t matter what one’s level of observance is, it just matters that you’re there, celebrating, being happy and a proud Jew.
Lastly, we want to highlight all you have done with Chabad. Can you reflect on your time spent at the Charytan’s home, helping to prepare for Shabbat? Since this is my fourth year here, there are times I feel like I’ve lived at the house. Most Thursday nights I’ll be there to help prep for Shabbat dinner. Then Friday nights, I’ll be there early to help finish getting ready and of course light the Shabbat candles. There are plenty of other times I’m over there for one thing or another, but I’ve always enjoyed being there. I’ve learned many recipes and techniques for cooking. Though, my favorite food/technique I learned was the different challah braids. I recall one time even racing Nechami to see who could braid faster… it was a tie.
Favorite Jewish Food? My favorite Jewish food is probably homemade challah.