Over 350 community members gathered in the ballroom of the Lory Student Center to experience the 16th year of the Shabbat 300 Dinner at Colorado State University Friday, Oct. 20.
Organized by the Chabad Jewish Student Organization at CSU, the Shabbat 300 Dinner is a place for both Jewish and non-Jewish people to celebrate Judaism and Jewish culture.
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“It starts on Friday night, and we go through a couple of traditions for the holiday,” said Shayna Ross, president of the Chabad Jewish Student Organization at CSU. “We light candles, say some prayers, drink grape juice or wine and eat a special type of bread called challah. It’s just a wonderful time to appreciate Judaism and our heritage.”
Co-sponsored by the Associated Students of CSU, the Residence Hall Association, the Lory Student Center and Coca-Cola, the event is not only a place to appreciate Jewish traditions but also a space to make new friends and meet others in the community and at CSU.
“It’s a chance to have a nice meal and to connect with some old friends, make some new friends and support our Jewish community of students and faculty and staff and friends in the community,” guest of honor and Executive Vice President of CSU Rick Miranda said.
Like many other Jewish events on campus, Shabbat 300 provides a sense of family and familiarity for Jewish students who may be away from home for the first time.
“Before being president, I saw the events, and as someone who’s just Jewish in this big population of people who are not Jewish, I felt very welcomed by these events,” Ross said. “I felt comfortable, I felt loved and I wanted to improve on that and keep it going for those who are coming into CSU (and) for those who are at CSU and are Jewish.”
At Shabbat 300, the Jewish community is excited to share their traditions and welcome non-Jewish individuals who are curious about Judaism, have never been to a Shabbat event before or simply just want to have an enjoyable night.
“It’s really fun to see a lot of non-Jewish people come to the event because they’re curious and want to know what a Shabbat dinner is like, and I really like that,” said Macy Palbaum, financial advisor of the Chabad Jewish Student Organization. “It’s an opportunity for people to come see what Shabbat is about.”
“Drop your hesitations,” Ross said to those who may be hesitant to go to Shabbat 300. “It’s so much fun. Bring a buddy. You’re going to learn a lot, you’re going to laugh a lot, you’re going to have good food, you’re going to sing some fun songs and, when you get there, you’re going to make some friends. … All of us are so wonderful and welcoming.”
Overall, the event was described as a positive experience for everyone.
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“There is such an extraordinary energy at that event,” Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik said. “You can feel — there’s a joy, there’s a happiness, there’s a unity. People are just really enjoying it, and it just gives me such joy to see so many people just loving the Jewish experience with Shabbat and loving the experience of being a community together. I love it.”
Reach McKenna Van Voris at life@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.
