Discovering Shabbat

Nearly 30 students attended the first Shabbat dinner of the Summer 2009 voyage to share in and learn about the Jewish tradition. The small group of students, living-learning coordinators, and a few lifelong learners, shared challah bread and wine and discussed the tradition that begins the Jewish Sabbath each week.

“People came to share about their Jewish faith and quite a few people were there to learn about it,” said Becky Kenemuth, a living-learning coordinator on the voyage. Kenemuth, who is Jewish, explained Shabbat and its traditions and led the prayers in both Hebrew and English.

Lissa Place, the living-learning coordinator who specializes in religion and spirituality, led the program with Kenemuth. “I think [the dinner] was a time for people to reflect on their own family traditions and to take time to rest, have a meal together that wasn’t rushed, and really talk and learn from one another,” Place said. “It’s an important time for all to connect.”