This is the first of a series observing different aspects of religion at the University.
After relying on local area synagogues for Saturday Shabbat services, Jewish students can begin observing Shabbat on campus this weekend. Hillel has consistently held campus services on Friday evenings, although Saturday services have not been held as consistently.
“It is my understanding that Saturday services were held on campus about three years ago,” said sophomore Isaac Weingram, head of the Conservative Jewish Minyan and member of the Jewish Student Union (JSU). “Even then, services were only held about once a month.”
Because Weingram believes Shabbat is a very important part of Jewish life, he feels holding services at Hillel is essential.
“Weekly speaking, Shabbat is a paramount experience of Jewish life,” said Weingram.
Weingram hopes this Saturday will be the beginning of a much more a regular tradition at Hillel.
Senior and JSU member Woty Regan agreed.
“There is a good chance that [Saturday services at Hillel] will go on for a long period of time,” said Regan. “I think a lot of students will benefit from this.”
“My hope is by having this available to students [at Hillel], we won’t just appeal to students that would go regardless of location,” said Weingram. “Instead, we hope to attract a wider range of students that thought it was not convenient to go elsewhere [on Saturdays].”
Much of the preparation for Saturday Shabbat at Hillel has involved long-term planning. Campus Rabbi Avi Orlow is impressed with the devotion he has observed in coordinating Saturday services.
“This is a great example of students taking initiative for themselves,” said Orlow. “They have been plotting since summer.”
Organizers have even turned to Facebook, naming the event “Shabbat Extravaganza.” Regan feels advertisements like this will also contribute to greater attendance.
“Facebook has definitely increased awareness among students,” said Regan. “Everyone should feel welcome.”
Although Weingram looks forward to providing University students a more convenient way to observe Shabbat on Saturdays, he has also enjoyed his experiences at local synagogues on Saturday mornings.
“The local synagogues have been very inviting to students and they have a nice sense of community,” said Weingram. “But by going off campus, there is a lesser sense of Jewish life on campus. Also, not everyone feels comfortable going and it can be a long walk.”
Weingram said that Saturday services will be conservative and understands not all Jewish students will choose to come to Hillel over their local synagogue.
“[Some] are not willing to come to this service, especially those that are Orthodox, who, for example, separate men and women [during services],” said Weingram. “However, we are still expecting a good amount [of people].”
Hillel welcomes all University students to attend services on Saturday as well as throughout the school year.
“We invite students, Jewish or not, to learn what it means to be Jewish,” said Orlow. “Hillel is always here.”
Saturday morning services will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Hillel. Lunch will also be provided. A final Shabbat meal and Havdalah, the Shabbat concluding service, will begin at 6:45 p.m. at Ursa’s Fireside.