Jewish groups 'Chai'-light religious opportunities at U.

Representatives from more than 40 Jewish organizations joined together Thursday in an effort to promote the many Jewish opportunities at and around the University. As part of Chai Day -- described as a "festival of Jewish life" -- groups ranging in nature from performance groups and political associations to study-abroad programs and community service projects set up information booths along Locust Walk. The Hebrew word "chai" translates to "life" and corresponds to the number 18. The festival was scheduled for September 18 "to show the exuberance of Jewish life [at Penn]," said Program Co-Chairperson Aileen Goldstein, a College sophomore. "Chai Day expands Jewish students culturally and socially," Program Co-Chairperson and College sophomore Ben Schein said. "It gives them a taste of what's out there." Schein added that the event, which was sponsored by Hillel, demonstrated the strong Jewish presence on campus. He added that about one-third of Penn's student body is Jewish. Student representatives from the Pennsylvania-Israel Affairs Committee, which is dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and Roots, a Judaic learning program, both emphasized the benefits of active Jewish participation on campus. Other organizations with tables on the Walk included performance groups such as R'nanah, Teatron and Ayalah. R'nanah, an a cappella group, believes in "bringing music to and being a part of the Jewish community at Penn," said the group's president, Michelle Glickman, a College sophomore. "Hopefully, an event like this will force people to realize Judaism is not all religion," added College junior Eytan Apter, chairperson of Hillel's Cultural Arts Committee and president of Teatron. "It's culture and encompasses every aspect of life." National associations such as Livnot U'lehibanot, an Israel-based Jewish outreach program, and Hadassah, the largest women's Jewish group in the country, provided students with an extended perspective of possible Jewish involvement. "Sometimes college students forget there's a world beyond their smaller world of the Penn community," said Ivy Harlev, group services director of the Jewish Community Center. Following the daytime celebration, students continued the festivities at the Sunset Grill on 37th and Chestnut streets. Summing up the day, Hillel Program Associate Liz Menkin said, "We want everyone to open their eyes and see Judaism is a vibrant culture that includes all parts of one's life."