OCTOBER 26 • 2023 | 31
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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