Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads A trusted Jewish hub in State College for Shabbat hospitality, services & kosher support
Location: State College, Pennsylvania
Organizer: Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads
About A hub for Jewish life in State College
Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads serves the Jewish community of State College, Usa with warmth, dedication, and a welcoming Chabad presence.
Whether you live in State College, Usa or are visiting, this center offers a friendly place to connect, learn, and celebrate Jewish life.
Highlights include:
Synagogue services and Jewish practice support Torah classes, adult education and Jewish learning Shabbat hospitality, holiday support and kosher assistance Community care, lifecycle support and outreach Additional services may include: Campus Chabad House, Mikveh, Kitchen Koshering, Regular Classes.
For Jewish visitors and residents alike, this Chabad House offers a welcoming address for connection, support, and tradition.
About the provider Rabbi: Rabbi Hershy Gourarie
The Chabad center is led with dedication and care, offering guidance, support, and a welcoming presence for the local Jewish community and visitors alike.
Kashrut & dining Kashrut authority: fixed · fixed
Services Chabad House Synagogue Mikve Mezuzah and Tefillin Checking One-on-One Study Kitchen Koshering Hospital Visitation Regular Classes Mezuzah Loans/Service Shabbat/Holiday Hospitality Location Address: 517 Hetzel Street, State College, PA 16801, Usa
Home · Contact · List your business About this listing Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads serves as a vital cornerstone for Jewish life in State College, Pennsylvania. Located near the heart of the academic community, this center provides a dedicated space for students, residents, and travelers to engage with their heritage in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The center is known for its commitment to fostering a vibrant Jewish presence within the collegiate landscape of Penn State University.
Led by Rabbi Hershy Gourarie, the organization emphasizes warmth and accessibility. It functions not just as a religious institution, but as a communal home where individuals can find support, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Whether someone is seeking a place for prayer or a connection to the local Jewish community, this Chabad house offers a reliable and steady presence in Central Pennsylvania.
The mission of the center extends beyond its walls, offering outreach and assistance to anyone in need of Jewish resources. By providing a blend of spiritual growth and social connection, it ensures that Jewish traditions remain accessible and celebrated throughout the year, regardless of one's background or level of observance.
About the area Situated at 517 Hetzel Street, the center occupies a prime location in the State College area. This placement makes it exceptionally accessible for students at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), as it sits within easy walking distance of campus housing and university facilities. The surrounding neighborhood is a mix of student residences and local businesses, creating a safe and navigable environment for those visiting the area.
State College is often referred to as 'Happy Valley,' and the Jewish infrastructure here is anchored by this Chabad presence. While the city is predominantly known for its university atmosphere, the presence of an established Chabad House provides a necessary hub for the Jewish population scattered throughout Centre County. The street itself is part of a residential grid that offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling main commercial strips of town.
Travelers arriving in State College will find that the center is well-connected to local transport routes. For those driving from larger Jewish hubs such as Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, the location serves as a welcoming stopover or a destination for parents visiting their children at school. The proximity to the university allows the center to stay at the pulse of student life while remaining open to the broader community.
Nearby Jewish landmarks State College offers several points of interest for visitors alongside its Jewish communal offerings. The Chabad center is conveniently positioned for those visiting Penn State University, sitting just a short distance from the main gateways to the campus grounds.
Old Main, the university's iconic administrative building, and the Berkey Creamery are nearby landmarks frequently visited by families in town for graduation or parents' weekends. For those seeking quiet spaces, the Arboretum at Penn State provides botanical gardens and walking paths within walking distance of the residential areas surrounding Hetzel Street.
The downtown area along College Avenue is the primary commercial corridor, featuring various shops and services. While dedicated kosher restaurants are limited in the immediate area, the presence of Chabad ensures that visitors have a point of contact for navigating the local grocery stores that carry kosher-certified products and staples.
What to expect Visitors to Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads can expect a hospitable atmosphere where communal needs are met with personal attention. The center operates as a multi-functional space, housing a synagogue for regular services and areas dedicated to learning and socialization. The presence of Rabbi Hershy Gourarie ensures that there is always guidance available for those seeking to deepen their Jewish knowledge or practice.
Shabbat and holiday hospitality are central to the experience at this Chabad house. It is common to find students and community members gathering for traditional meals, providing a sense of family for those away from home. The facility also lists a Mikveh among its amenities, offering essential services for taharat hamishpacha (family purity) within the region.
Practical Jewish services are a key feature of the programming. This includes mezuzah and tefillin checking, kitchen koshering, and one-on-one Torah study sessions. For those in town for medical reasons, the center also offers hospital visitation. The environment is one of total inclusion, where visitors can expect to be treated with dignity and care as they participate in the various classes and programs offered by the staff.
Frequently asked questions Where is Psjews - Chabad Of The Undergrads located? The center is situated at 517 Hetzel Street, State College, PA 16801, which is conveniently located near the south side of the Penn State University campus.
Is there Shabbat hospitality available for visitors? Yes, they offer Shabbat and holiday hospitality. It is recommended to contact Rabbi Hershy Gourarie in advance to make arrangements for meals or services.
What Jewish services does this location provide? The center provides synagogue services, Torah classes, one-on-one study sessions, and mezuzah checking. Support for life-cycle events and kitchen koshering is also available.
Is there a Mikveh available at this location? The center has a Mikveh on-site. Visitors requiring use of the facility should contact the Chabad house directly for appointments and information.
Does this location specifically serve university students? Yes, the center serves as a Chabad House for the campus community, providing a home-away-from-home for undergraduate students at Penn State.
