An annual program at Binghamton University in Upstate New York called “Shabbat 1800” brought together nearly that many students on a recent Friday evening to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath. It marked the 22nd year since the inception of the concept at Binghamton, which has held the national record ever since for gathering the greatest number of college students in one place for a Shabbat dinner.
The goal this year was to inch towards the 1,800 mark in honor of the Hakhel year, a time when Jewish unity is emphasized.
The program held at the university events center incorporated dinner highlighted by Shabbat traditions such as candle-lighting, Kiddush, the blessings before and after eating and Shabbat songs. “Originally named ‘Shabbat 1000’—and later growing to ‘Shabbat 1500’—the idea was conceived by Chabad in 1994. It has seen tremendous success at BU and has been duplicated on many campuses across the nation,” said Rabbi Aaron Slonim, executive director of the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University. His wife, Rivkah Slonim, serves as education director and spoke at the dinner.
“Shabbat 1000” (“1800” in Binghamton) is a national Chabad on Campus Initiative.
Rabbi Levi Slonim, Chabad’s development and program director, noted that “an endeavor like this can only succeed where there is a well-established Jewish infrastructure, and a vibrant and dedicated core of Jewish students. Otherwise, you can’t even consider attracting this number of people. It’s a real tribute to our student leadership and wonderful organizing committees.”
Students brought friends and acquaintances from their dorms, classes, fraternities, sororities, professional groups and sport teams, and used social media to get the word out. Pre-publicity came in the form of 1,000 blue-and-white balloons embellishing the campus and highlighting the dinner, which was open to BU students at no charge.
“It was a huge undertaking; more than 230 students were involved in the project,” said Talia Schwartz, who along with Esti Lodge and Ariel Ingber coordinated the event. “But everybody involved agreed that it was well worth the effort to see so many people involved in and enjoying their heritage and traditions.”
As for the meal itself, the undertaking was equally large. It required 750 pounds of chicken, 300 pounds of cold cuts, 350 pounds of challah and 180 (22 oz.) bottles of grape juice, in addition to salads, kugel and more.
The Shabbat dinner followed a successful Hakhel program at BU called “Unite4Purpose,” which involved more than 450 students in 50 peer-to-peer gatherings focused on Jewish dialogue and activities. Building on the momentum, many of these participants joined this event as well.
“Imagine being in such a huge room with so many Jews your age celebrating together,” said Gabrielle Alexander, who serves as Chabad student president. “The impact was incredible!”
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