KU Hillel’s largest Shabbat experience returns November 12
For over two decades, KU Hillel and Rock Chalk Shabbat have been synonymous. Last year, as a pivot during the pandemic, they modified to create “Rock Chalk Shabayit” — Rock Chalk Shabbat, but in your own home.
This year, Rock Chalk Shabayit returns in a hybrid format on Friday, November 12. Students will gather safely in person for dinner and services, while community members, alumni and friends of KU Hillel will join for a live broadcast of the event. KU Hillel staff say that it’s a Rock Chalk Shabayit you won’t want to miss with incredible surprises and the intentional gathering of the vibrant KU Jewish community.
“Going to Rock Chalk Shabbat is definitely my earliest memory at KU; I just couldn’t imagine being on the other side of the event,” Hannah Smuckler, freshman, said. “Now that I’m a student in Hillel, I’m even more excited to be part of the event in a different way. I can’t wait to help with everything behind the scenes leading up to it.”
Shabboxes (Shabbat boxes) return with new designs and “swag” to commemorate the event. Shabboxes contain treats, Kiddush cups, socks, challah boards and more.
“Our Shabboxes bring the KU Hillel community into our nest even if they are far away,” Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director, said. “Rock Chalk Shabayit is an incredible event and we are excited to continue to provide this Shabbat experience for all.”
Generations of student songleaders have led services, and this year is no different. With help from Rabbi Neal Schuster, the students craft a Shabbat service that is unique to Hillel and to that year’s leaders.
“You can feel the Shabbat experience through the talent of our songleaders,” Schuster said. “It will continue to resonate across virtual platforms, bringing us all a bit closer together.”
Noah Kahn, junior at KU and frequent Hillel songleader, agreed.
“From my place on stage, I get to see Jews from all kinds of places come together through food, music and a love of KU Hillel,” Kahn said.
By having a live stream, the entire community can feel more connected as the evening unveils in real-time. Many viewers last year wished a Shabbat Shalom with the location they were tuning in from all across the country.
This year’s Rock Chalk Shabayit honors Rabbi Neal Schuster. For 13 years (and counting), Neal has impacted generations of Jewish college students and helped them develop their Jewish identities through KU Hillel’s many experiences — Rock Chalk Shabbat included.
Readers can help KU Hillel honor Rabbi Neal’s impact by submitting messages for printing in the upcoming programs. Their gift will also support KU Hillel’s Jewish educational programming from fellowships to leadership trips abroad.
“Having strong Jewish educational opportunities means that our college students are able to explore what their Judaism means to them,” Sostrin said. “It’s especially important during the pivotal college years, where positive Jewish experiences create a lasting, lifelong connection to Judaism.”
KU Hillel looks forward to hearing where viewers will watch Rock Chalk Shabayit from. For more information on making a gift or ordering a Shabbox, head to kuhillel.org/rcs or email .
