KU Hillel’s famous Rock Chalk Shabbat will adapt to an online format this year and become Rock Chalk Shabayit.
Because of the pandemic, the format of a huge in-person gathering used for the last 19 years is not possible. By going online, KU Hillel’s Rock Chalk Shabayit (bayit means “home” in Hebrew) will have a broader reach and be able to include friends of KU Hillel, alumni, parents and students from coast to coast. KU Hillel will bring its vibrant community together and celebrate Jewish life at the University of Kansas.
“Rock Chalk Shabbat has always been a favorite event for our community because we bring over 500 people together every year to celebrate Jewish life at KU Hillel,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director. “This year, we knew we could make Rock Chalk Shabbat as impactful as previous years by bringing people together virtually.”
KU Hillel supporters can order special Shabboxes — boxes full of everything needed for Shabbat, including challah, grape juice, candles and KU Hillel goodies. Depending on which Shabbox they choose, they can get a KU Hillel kippah, a challah cover, an apron, Kiddush cups and more. KU students can sign up to receive a box (as well as Shabbat dinner) safely delivered in Lawrence for free. Orders can be made at kuhillel.org/rcs for students and friends of KU Hillel.
“We wanted a way to bring KU Hillel into everyone’s home this year,” said Savannah Kannberg, KU Hillel Development & Marketing director. “We know we can’t be together, so we created these Shabboxes as a way to help bridge the gap between a virtual and in-person event.”
Each Shabbox is the perfect way to make your Shabbat feel connected to KU Hillel whether you are in Lawrence, a short drive away in Kansas City or halfway across the country.
“Shabboxes are a way to be together, even when we are apart,” said Sarah Glaser, KU Hillel development intern. “We wanted to ensure that everyone has everything they need for a meaningful celebration, and we feel that our Shabboxes can do that.”
There are three different Shabboxes available. The Baby Jay Shabbox is available with donations of $72 or more and contains the full Shabbat kit. The Big Jay Shabbox (with every donation of $180 or more) includes everything in the Baby Jay as well as a touchless key (perfect for opening doors and pressing elevator buttons germ-free) and a commemorative challah cover. Finally, the Rock Chalk Shabbox is available for donations of $540 or more and includes everything in the Big Jay Shabbox as well as a KU Hillel blanket, locally sourced chocolate, a “Shvitzin’ in the Kitchen” apron and more.
Rock Chalk Shabayit will be on Friday, Nov. 6. You can join from anywhere in the country for candle lighting, blessings, student stories and more. During the week leading up to it, there will be additional online events such as challah baking.
“As we go into our 19th year of Rock Chalk Shabbat, this year’s version as Rock Chalk Shabayit has been a wonderful way to adapt and build upon what we normally create,” Kannberg said. “It will truly be our best event yet.”
Learn more and order your Shabbox at www.kuhillel.org/rcs. Follow KU Hillel’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates about both Rock Chalk Shabayit and the Shabboxes.
