Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Chabad at UCF is widely known for their extensive programs and activities dedicated to creating meaningful Jewish life for college students. Perhaps less known are their equally notable efforts towards building students' knowledge, skills and connections in areas of leadership and networking. To this end, Chabad at UCF hosted three unique lectures on leadership and mentoring over the course of the Spring Semester 2014.

Executive Director of Chabad at UCF, Rabbi Chaim Lipskier explained, "At Chabad, we are here to assist students with their both their spiritual and material needs. We want to help students learn how to get ahead in their fields of study, receive internships and learn from the best in our community!"

Chabad invited select members of the Jewish Community of Orlando who have excelled in their respective fields of work, to teach and inspire students. The lineup this spring included Dr. Bernard Kahn, Avie Abramowitz, and Marc Smith.

Dr. Bernard Kahn from Dental Associates of Maitland shared with students the intricacies of Dentistry; what lies behind his passion at work; and how to give back to the community. A former student at Emory University, Dr. Kahn has been an Alpha Omegan since 1974, and established his practice in 1977. His many years of experience and valuable life lessons were a true treat for the students. Dr. Kahn emphasized the importance of putting your family first in all you do.

Marc Smith (center) discusses managing a business with UCF students at Chabad Leadership meeting.

Avie Abramowitz, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, shared with the students his secrets to success: despite holding a degree in agriculture, he braved changing career paths more than once and truly made the most out of each of his notable careers. The students were inspired by Abramowitz's all-time priority of giving back to the Jewish community, as well as his passionate love of life. At 80 years old, he is an avid tennis player, a cyclist, and celebrated his last birthday in a 17th-century castle in the Swiss Alps-a location he assured us is reserved for his 90th and 100th birthdays!

Marc Smith, entrepreneur and president of Personal Mini Storage, shared with UCF students the vision and tools needed to ensure the success of a business. A living legacy of this vision, Personal Mini Storage began with Stan and Ron Shader in 1982, and vibrantly continues today under the management of their son-in-law, Marc and daughter, Laurie Shader Smith.

Chabad at UCF will be hosting more leadership forums in the coming semesters! If you would like to present at one of our upcoming events, please contact Rabbi Chaim Lipskier at rabbi@jewishucf.com. For more information about Chabad at UCF, visit http://www.jewishucf.com.