Students from the Jewish Affinity Group and newly-founded Jewish Cultural Club came together to plan a Shabbat Lunch for the Beaver community. The event was designed for all members of the Beaver community–Jewish and non-Jewish–to celebrate the weekly holiday that prioritizes rest and community.

A sense of joy, warmth, and connection was palpable in the air at the Shabbat Lunch. Seeing members of the Jewish community share part of their faith and tradition with non-Jewish community members was special.

-Delonte Egwuatu, Chief Engagement & Inclusion Officer

The event opened with student-led prayers, blessing the bread and wine. An hour-long celebration of food, connection, and culture followed, bringing various corners of the Beaver community together.

After attending the Shabbat lunch, I hope that Beaver community members can appreciate Jewish culture and all of its many wonderful traditions. I also hope that they will see that the Jewish people will always remain united in times of adversity. . . There is so much beauty in opening up a community and making it larger.

-Student leader of the Jewish Cultural Club and Jewish Affinity Group

The success of the event underscores the hard work contributed not only by students, but also the community surrounding them. “Parents in the community were extremely helpful in organizing the food for the event,” one student shares. “They graciously took over the catering and decorations and left us to plan the logistics.” Similarly, faculty advisors Nicole Kahn, Lesley Colognesi, and Debi Ellman were instrumental in bringing the event to life with students.

Looking ahead, the Jewish Cultural Club and Jewish Affinity Group hope to make the event an annual celebration. They’re also looking at additional opportunities to bring the Beaver community together under the umbrella of Jewish culture and tradition.