There is no denying that coffee and college have a legendary relationship, from fueling early-morning classes to sustaining late-night study sessions. But for college campuses, coffee and the places that serve it, are about more than just caffeine. These spaces create an opportunity for connection and support in a world that increasingly lacks these authentic human interactions.
Several Jewish students at Old Dominion University became aware a couple of months ago that their local, independently owned campus coffee shop was hosting an all-day fundraiser for the university’s Students Justice for Palestine (SJP) organization. While the ODU Jewish students agreed that it was within the purview of the coffee shop and the SJP to collaborate, they had a decision to make about their own engagement with the business. Some wanted to avoid the coffee shop on the day of the fundraiser, and others felt strongly that they would not return there even after the event.
Ben Rosenthal, president of ODU Hillel, says, “Our Hillel loves to grab a coffee together and hang out. Unfortunately, with this fundraiser, it meant that Hillel lost a place where we felt we could safely or ethically meet.”
The students approached Dr. Amy Milligan, their Hillel advisor and Jewish Studies professor, to ask for advice.
Milligan brainstormed with them and other concerned Jewish faculty and staff. Although there were other locations on campus to purchase coffee and tea, it became very clear that, she says, “they weren’t upset about the caffeine. They were upset about the lack of community space, about their world getting smaller.”
Milligan, who serves as a faculty fellow with the Academic Engagement Network, turned to her colleagues at AEN to ask for ideas. Within an hour, Sarah Livingston, AEN’s director of member engagement, sent a new, high capacity, Keurig and all the supplies needed to support the Jewish students, faculty, and staff at ODU.
“In the middle of an all-day meeting in NY I got a what’s app message from Dr. Milligan with all of the details of what was hurting her Jewish students and the Jewish faculty on campus,” says Livingston. “I immediately said – they should not have to drink coffee in a place that does not welcome them. With quick delivery I was able to get them everything they needed for a Jewish/Zionist coffee klatch. It was a joy to get messages of thanks for something that seemed small but was huge to these students.”
Students quickly turned their energy towards their new cafe, naming it with a fun wordplay, Am Yisrael CHAI Cafe, and discussing their first meet up. The group gathered on April 4 for the first time in Milligan’s office for their “launch” and have continued to meet there regularly. Although it is not a true coffee shop, throughout the day Jewish students, faculty, and staff float in and out of Milligan’s office to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, and to be in community with one another.
Staci Kohen, assistant director of academic recovery and support, describes the space, saying, “We love seeing our students create opportunities for us to gather in such a positive area. We’re very grateful that our students want to see us there so that we can build relationships with them. It’s important that we all know that we have each other!”
Emily Patyuk spent the majority of the afternoon with others sipping coffee on launch day and says, “It was like coming back home. Seeing all of the hatred that is going around, seeing something positive like this made me so happy–and of course the great coffee, too! I’m very grateful to have this Jewish friendly corner.”
Am Yisrael CHAI Cafe will continue to host scheduled meetups and is available for drop-ins whenever the Jewish Studies office is open. Community donors and parents have generously added to the supplies donated by AEN, ensuring that many more shared conversations will be had over coffee.
Follow @ODUJewishStudies on Instagram or Facebook to keep up to date with Jewish life at ODU.
