The world has changed a lot in the past 11 years. In that time, we’ve seen three US presidents, witnessed the horrors of terrorism striking on our own soil, saw the world come together to end suffering after events such as the tsunami of December of 2004, and watched the St. Louis Cardinals win their tenth World Series.

But over the past 11 years, something that has been continuously growing, sharing, and changing the world for the better has been Chabad of USC. It absolutely amazes me to see the dedication and success of Rabbi Dov Wagner and Runya Wagner and their seemingly tireless efforts to share the spark of Judaism with students like me at USC. Having been president of the student board for the past three months, I’ve been able to glimpse just a fraction of all of the work and effort Rabbi Dov and Runya pour into Chabad to expand students’ curiosity about Judaism and their love for and knowledge of their Jewish heritage. When hundreds of envelopes need stuffing, the Rabbi and Runya actually sit there and stuff those envelopes. When meals need cooking, classes need to be taught, and student trips across the country and even the world need planning, the Rabbi and Runya are the ones dedicating their time to making it happen.  

But there are a few other Wagner’s here at USC that often get overlooked. There’s a few other Wagner’s here at USC who didn’t sign up for this gig but rather were born into it. I’m talking, of course, about the five Wagner children, Mushke, Menachem, Schneer, Moishe, and Sara Sacha. As I’ve worked more with Chabad, I’ve had the opportunity to really get to know the Wagner kids and let me tell you, they’re quite a team. They are all so different yet all have qualities that contribute to Chabad and show exactly how it is such an amazing organization. Let me tell you exactly how.

Let’s start with Mushke, the big sister. Mushke is a very smart girl. As much as she loves to talk, she loves to read even more, both traits she possibly picked up from her mother? But a trait that she definitely learned from her mother Runya is her sweetness and compassion. Both Mushke and Runya always have a smile on their face and bring warmth and friendliness to Chabad, something that people truly love about coming to Shabbat at Chabad and other events. And if dealing with her three younger brothers on a regular basis isn’t enough to show her character, then I don’t know what is. 

Next up is Menachem. Menachem is a very, determined, individual. When he sets his mind to something, he does not give up and his resilience and cleverness lead him to success. Mark my words, this guy is going to manage a multi-million dollar hedge fund some day, so keep him in your contacts. No doubt he got his resilience and cleverness from his father who leads Chabad with unwavering determination. This characteristic is a spark that keeps Chabad burning with so much passion.

Next is Schneer. Let me tell you about Schneer. He has an older brother and older sister as well as a younger brother and a younger sister. This kid is tough. Somehow though, Schneer does quite alright for himself, quietly and happily doing his thing amid the chaos of sibling rivalry. I know that Schneer gets his toughness from both of his parents, who deal with so much, both good and bad, as the directors of Chabad, all the while doing it with smiles on their faces.

Next is little brother Moishe. First of all, let me say that Moishe is an incredibly healthy eater. I see this kid munching on raw carrots the size of his arm as his afternoon snack. Very impressive. He’s also a comedian. He once told me the joke “why did the goat go to the mikvah? To get ready for Shabbos!” Clearly he inherited the rabbi’s sense of humor. Moishe is also so eager to try everything and prove himself and I know when he starts school next year he will be an amazing student.

Last but not least is Sara Sacha. Sara always manages to make herself heard. No matter who the guest speaker is at Shabbat dinner, when Sara needs something, she’ll let you know. But Sara must have inherited the same compassion and sweetness that Mushke got from Runya. She’s a beautiful and happy little girl who, after just learning how to walk, follows me around every week and actually helps me set the table for Shabbat. I look forward to watching Sara grow up into the kind and responsible child I know she will be.

Those are the Chabad children. I encourage you to get to know them yourselves because I’m sure you will see all of their wonderful characteristics and how they each combine to make Chabad the amazing place that it is. On behalf of the Chabad student board, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting Chabad at USC. I hope you now see that you are not just supporting Jewish life at USC in the present but are contributing to the future of Judaism, a future filled with love, kindness, and mitzvahs. Thank you all so much.