Shabbat is a gift. Set apart from the constant movement of the workweek, Shabbat is an island of rest and inner-peace. It gives focus and revitalizes the spirit. In fact, it is often said, "More than the Jews keep Shabbat, Shabbat keeps the Jews." It is a time where all Jews can come together in a celebration of all that was accomplished during the week, all that is to come in the week ahead, and the oneness that propels us through it all.
At the Chabad House you can feel the spirit of Shabbat like nowhere else. Friday night dinner is more than simply a delicious, homemade, 4-course feast. It is sprinkled with song and dance, Jewish insight and wisdom, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow students from all traditions. Always growing in popularity, Shabbat at Chabad is an experience you cannot miss - The Brandeis Hoot listed attending a Shabbat dinner at Chabad as a must-do prior to graduation.
NEW FOR SPRING 2023
With the arrival of cold weather, we can no longer host Shabbat Dinners in the large, outdoor tent. Instead, we will host inside the Chein family home, the Chabad House. Due to limited space, we will experiment with newly designed Chabad Shabbat Dinner experiences.
We have also always wanted to create a more intentional way for students to come to Shabbat dinners - and this is an opportunity to try this new design. Shabbat dinners remain open to all students, inviting them to thoughtfully participate in the experience.
Each Chabad Shabbat Dinner will have a theme that will be explored at the dinner. Students wishing to participate in Shabbat dinner will contribute to the theme by responding to specific prompts related to the theme when reserving for dinner. Submissions can be shared in the form of an essay, art piece, video, or story. Submissions should be thoughtful, reflecting one's personal insights and experience. Students’ rsvp and submissions are due the Thursday before Shabbat dinner, and can also be submitted weeks in advance.
These Chabad Shabbat Dinners will occur for approximately eight weeks until the weather warms up. Topics are subject to change.
Some may find this new design disruptive but considering that Ufaratzta (disrupt) is a foundational value of Chabad at Brandeis, it’s consistent with our values and mission.
Below are the dates and themes for the upcoming Shabbat dinners.
Click on the link to read more details about that Shabbat dinner's theme, prompts, and to RSVP.
Friday evening 1/20: Intentionality & Accountability
Friday evening 1/27: Comparing
Friday evening 2/3: Relationships and Marriage
Friday evening 2/10: Motherhood & Fatherhood
Friday evening 2/7 & 2/24: February Break, no Shabbat Dinners.
Friday evening 3/3: Money
Friday evening 31/0 No Shabbat Dinner
Friday evening 3/17: Jewish Distinctiveness
Friday evening 3/24: G‑d
Friday evening, 3/31: Authority
Friday evening, 4/21: Reflection Shabbat
Friday evening, 4/28: Just RSVP Shabbat
Friday evening, 5/5: Shabbat Finale
Friday evening, 5/12: Senior Shabbat
Friday evening, 5/19: Commencement Shabbat