When Owen Roubeni arrived in China as part of New York University’s Shanghai program, he quickly realized that life abroad brought unique challenges for practicing Judaism. With no kosher options in the campus cafeteria, only a handful of Jewish students, and no formal Jewish groups on site, even the simplest observances required determination and planning.
Roubeni soon found a connection with Rabbi Shalom Greenberg, the head of Chabad-Lubavitch in Shanghai, and became a regular visitor to his home. Wrapping tefillin, joining a minyan, and attending Shabbat dinners—became central to his life.
Their relationship grew even closer when Rabbi Greenberg fell ill. While checking the mezuzot in his home, Rabbi Greenberg discovered the one on his bedroom door was not kosher. After replacing it, he became healthy. Seeing the power of this mitzvah inspired Roubeni to act. He realized many of his fellow Jewish students had dormitory doors without mezuzot, so he organized a grassroots campaign to raise funds for new ones.
Rabbi Greenberg helped coordinate the shipment to Shanghai, and eager students received mezuzot on their doors.
“It’s been amazing to see how much these mezuzot have made a difference in the lives of fellow students,” Roubeni said.
