OCTOBER 26 • 2023 | 31
J
N
O
ct. 13, Hillel of Metro
Detroit (HMD) orga-
nized a “Shabbat for
Israel” dinner. A diverse group
of college students gathered
at the Urbanrest Brewing
Company in Ferndale to cele-
brate Shabbat and demonstrate
their unity and faith in Israel
with security provided by
Jewish Community Security Inc.
The Shabbat dinner united
undergrad and graduate stu-
dents from Lawrence Tech,
Oakland Community College,
Oakland University and Wayne
State University. The students
shared the mission to show
support for Israel and the Israel
Defense Forces (IDF).
One memorable moment was
when we participated in a heart-
felt prayer for Israel and the
brave soldiers of the IDF. The
room was filled with a sense of
reverence as everyone present
expressed their unwavering
support for Israel. It was an act
of solidarity, reinforcing that,
regardless of our physical loca-
tion, our thoughts and hearts
are always with Israel and its
defenders.
“I found HMD’s Shabbat for
Israel dinner profoundly mean-
ingful. Being with my fellow
students gave me a strong sense
of togetherness and support
for Israel and each other,” said
Maya Siegmann, WSU Jewish
Student Organization president.
The importance of coming
together as a group during
adversity cannot be overstated.
In a world that feels tumultuous,
particularly for college students,
spending Shabbat together was
a source of strength and com-
fort. Gathering together gave us
a shared bond and a reminder
that, as a community, we can
find refuge and support in one
another.
The horrific events in Israel
have had a profound impact
on Jewish students on campus,
disrupting the usual environ-
ment of learning and growth.
Gatherings, like the Shabbat
for Israel dinner, hold even
greater significance now. They
provide a sense of safety and a
sanctuary where Jewish students
can find comfort and support,
reinforcing their identity and
fostering a sense of belonging.
Shabbat for Israel left an
indelible impact on everyone
who attended. It reinforced the
bond between our Jewish com-
munity and Israel. Together we
celebrated Shabbat and showed
our support for Israel.
Sarah Shiffer is an Oakland University
senior.
Jacob Kam, Sarah Schiffer, Kaitlyn Arntson and Joshua Hurwitz at
the Shabbat for Israel dinner.
PHOTO CREDIT
Hillel of Metro Detroit hosts special
Shabbat to support Israel.
Shabbat for Israel
SARAH SHIFFER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
O
n Friday, Oct. 16,
Michigan State
University Hillel
hosted a Unity Shabbat. More
than 130 students attended,
including non-Jewish allies and
supporters. Mitchell Nelson,
a member of U.S. Sen. Gary
Peters’ staff, joined students
to mark this very meaningful
Shabbat. It was a beautiful
gathering.
Before dinner, students
participated in a moving
Kabbalat Shabbat service where
they were able to pray for peace
and healing.
At the start of dinner, service
leader Gavri Yares led the
room in a moment of silence
for the victims of the terror
attack followed by a rendition
of “Oseh Shalom.” Listening
to all the students singing for
peace in Israel brought comfort
for students as they all thought
about the Jewish homeland.
At a time of heightened safety
for Jews locally and worldwide,
members of the MSU and East
Lansing police were monitoring
the Lester and Jewell Morris
MSU Hillel Jewish Student
Center, and their presence
certainly put everyone at ease.
During an incredibly difficult
moment in Jewish history, when
our hearts are with the people of
Israel, we are proud that MSU
Hillel came together to show we
are stronger than hate and that
Spartans stand with Israel.
Gavri Yares led a rendition of “Oseh Shalom.”
Jewish Spartans
Hold Unity Shabbat
ROBYN HUGHEY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
MSU Hillel students at the Unity Shabbat dinner
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MSU HILLEL