Chabad at Rice creates community with Mega Shabbat
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Sydney Little, Sophia Prieto and Charlotte Cohen say the blessings over the Shabbat candles.
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While some spend their Friday nights with just a handful of friends, a large group of Rice students kicked off a recent Shabbat with a little more than the usual festivities.
More than 100 students packed the Farnsworth Pavilion on Friday, March 25, for “Mega Shabbat,” a massive Shabbat dinner organized by Chabad at Rice University. This event was the largest of its kind in Rice’s history.
The event united a diverse group of college students as they came together to eat, pray and revel in one room. The Shabbat built meaningful connections across Rice’s Jewish community, marking the first of many more annual Mega Shabbats a great success.
A busy study schedule can make it challenging to catch up with friends, let alone meet new ones. The “Matzah Ball Mixer” at the beginning gave students the chance to connect.
“I had the opportunity to meet some new people and acquaint myself with people that I already knew,” said Ben Zaltsman, a Rice senior. “It was so great having so many people together.”
Spirits ran high, and the energy was palpable as students sat together for a home-cooked Shabbat dinner.
“There was something so special about sitting around a table with other grad students and being able to hang out and relax with good food,” said Jordin Metz, a graduate student at Rice. “It has been a while since I’ve been able to do that, especially with other Jewish grad students.”
David Leebron, Rice University’s eighth and first Jewish president, delivered warm greetings to the students. He
shared his sincere appreciation for Chabad at Rice and the phenomenal work the organization does for the students on campus, particularly bringing together many Jewish students for the Mega
Shabbat.
There was a unifying atmosphere in the room as students felt they were a part of something greater.
“I walked away with a sense of community,” said Ava Fradlin, a Rice sophomore. “It was the first event I’ve been to with so many Jews all in one space, and events like this help Jewish students feel a sense of community.”
The Shabbat was particularly significant for Rabbi Shmuli Slonim, co-director of Chabad at Rice.
“Although the tradition of a Mega Shabbat dinner has now become a staple in Chabads across the nation, it is especially close to my heart,” said Rabbi Slonim.
“In 1994, my parents, who run Chabad at Binghamton University, initiated such a tradition by creating the first Mega Shabbat, dubbed ‘Shabbat 1000.’ It feels truly remarkable for me and Nechama to facilitate our own event of this nature.”
The evening was joyful and uplifting. For some students, the Shabbat meal continued their childhood tradition; for others, it was an entirely new experience. Each student felt loved and at home.
“Building a community is so important,” said Metz, “And such events allow one to forge meaningful connections and friendships.”
More than 100 students packed the Farnsworth Pavilion on Friday, March 25, for “Mega Shabbat,” a massive Shabbat dinner organized by Chabad at Rice University. This event was the largest of its kind in Rice’s history.
The event united a diverse group of college students as they came together to eat, pray and revel in one room. The Shabbat built meaningful connections across Rice’s Jewish community, marking the first of many more annual Mega Shabbats a great success.
A busy study schedule can make it challenging to catch up with friends, let alone meet new ones. The “Matzah Ball Mixer” at the beginning gave students the chance to connect.
“I had the opportunity to meet some new people and acquaint myself with people that I already knew,” said Ben Zaltsman, a Rice senior. “It was so great having so many people together.”
Spirits ran high, and the energy was palpable as students sat together for a home-cooked Shabbat dinner.
“There was something so special about sitting around a table with other grad students and being able to hang out and relax with good food,” said Jordin Metz, a graduate student at Rice. “It has been a while since I’ve been able to do that, especially with other Jewish grad students.”
David Leebron, Rice University’s eighth and first Jewish president, delivered warm greetings to the students. He
shared his sincere appreciation for Chabad at Rice and the phenomenal work the organization does for the students on campus, particularly bringing together many Jewish students for the Mega
Shabbat.
There was a unifying atmosphere in the room as students felt they were a part of something greater.
“I walked away with a sense of community,” said Ava Fradlin, a Rice sophomore. “It was the first event I’ve been to with so many Jews all in one space, and events like this help Jewish students feel a sense of community.”
The Shabbat was particularly significant for Rabbi Shmuli Slonim, co-director of Chabad at Rice.
“Although the tradition of a Mega Shabbat dinner has now become a staple in Chabads across the nation, it is especially close to my heart,” said Rabbi Slonim.
“In 1994, my parents, who run Chabad at Binghamton University, initiated such a tradition by creating the first Mega Shabbat, dubbed ‘Shabbat 1000.’ It feels truly remarkable for me and Nechama to facilitate our own event of this nature.”
The evening was joyful and uplifting. For some students, the Shabbat meal continued their childhood tradition; for others, it was an entirely new experience. Each student felt loved and at home.
“Building a community is so important,” said Metz, “And such events allow one to forge meaningful connections and friendships.”