“Why I Love Shabbat...

Did you know that between 150 and 500 students gather weekly at Indiana University Hillel for Shabbat dinners and services? While students fill the building during the week for a wide assortment of clubs and activities such as the Antisemitism Prevention task force, the Business Leadership Initiative (BLI), Challah for Hungry Hoosiers, Hoosiers for Israel, the Mitzvah Corp, Sports Grille, and Yad B’Yad Mentorship, Shabbat dinners and the Shabbat experience of coming together with Jewish friends is a cornerstone of our programming at Indiana University Hillel. The mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked challah, matzah ball soup, and roasted chicken greet students every week as they enter the doors of Hillel on Friday night. Gluten free and vegetarian options are always available!

While IU Hillel strives to provide free programs for students, Shabbat dinner costs upwards of $2000 weekly. I have been blessed that two of my children chose to attend IU and I contribute to Hillel to support this important effort. Bloomington is a long way from our home in South Florida and it has, for the past six years, been a great comfort to me to know that my children have a home away from home at IU Hillel. Shabbat at Hillel is a wonderful way for them to meet Jewish students from across the country and make memories to last a lifetime. Our Shabbat traditions at home may vary from others but it is heartwarming to know that there is always a warm welcome for them at IU Hillel.

I’m supporting Shabbat dinners at IU Hillel and hope that you will join me in this important effort.”