KU Hillel hosted its biggest community Shabbat and fundraiser of the year, Rock Chalk Shabbat, on Nov. 3.
Members of the extended KU Jewish community from Lawrence, Kansas City and out-of-state all came together at the Burge Union at the University of Kansas to welcome in Shabbat.
Preparations for this event began at the beginning of the fall semester. KU juniors Ella Atlas and Bree Katz, KU Hillel student leaders, helped by putting in several hours each week to make the event successful.
“It was amazing to see so many students, alumni, families and supporters all come together to celebrate Shabbat and rejoice in being part of the KU Jewish community,” Katz said.
Part of the preparation for the event included KU Hillel student interns mixing dough, braiding and baking 30 full-size challot and more than 200 mini challot so each guest could have their own. Sophomore Alexa Schwartz, co-leader for challah baking, said she was glad she was able to see her contribution firsthand.
“I loved watching everyone open up their goodie bags and get surprised with a mini challah [at Rock Chalk Shabbat],” Schwartz said.
For many freshmen like Sasha Albright, this was their first time experiencing Rock Chalk Shabbat.
“It was nice to see the greater KC Jewish community come together during a time when community is very important,” Albright said.
Seniors Sammi Grofsky and David Marx, attending their final Rock Chalk Shabbat as students, had the opportunity to give speeches during the service about their time at KU Hillel. Marx’s speech focused on the sense of community he feels through Judaism.
“Judaism to me is at its strongest when the Jewish community itself is at its strongest,” Marx said.
Grofsky is a member of the KU Hillel student intern engagement team and represents KU on Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network. She focused her speech on her time at KU Hillel, from her freshman year on Zoom to her last year on campus.
“My last Rock Chalk Shabbat was really memorable, and I was honored to be able to give a speech to commemorate my time at KU Hillel,” Grofsky said after the event.
More information about KU Hillel programs and upcoming community events is available at kuhillel.org. Questions and comments can be sent to .