Around 200 students gathered in the Student Center Ballroom for dinner and a ceremony hosted by Rowan Chabad last Friday. Chabad hosts Shabbat dinner every Friday at the Chabad, house located at 307 Hamilton Road.

Typically, Rowan Chabad hosts around 35 people, but this Shabbat was different. This mega-dinner was the biggest of the year and hosted 180 people.

According to co-Director of Chabad, Rebbetzin Fraidy Loschak, the organization is a student club on campus that provides Jewish traditions and cultural events to students. The group lives by the motto of being a “Jewish home away from home.” The organization prides itself as being a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

Several other organizations on campus participated in the event, including Rowan’s Student Government Association, the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion and Conflict Resolution, the Rowan Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Jewish Osteopathic Medical Association. Several Greek organizations also attended, including AEPhi, AEPi, ASA and SDT.

Group singing sang and a four-course dinner formed the crux of the event.

Rachael Kolmins, co-president of Chabad and a senior Education major, began the event and introduced President Houshmand, who welcomed the students and praised the event for bringing the Rowan community together in the spirit of unity.

“We want students at Rowan to learn and grow from what we do on campus,” Kolmins said. “We host socials, every Jewish holiday and have many service events. I am proud to be involved with a group of such amazing people.”

SGA President Rbrey Singleton also spoke, sharing words of inspiration and unity.

Loschak introduced the Shabbat with a candle lighting ceremony and explained the Jewish heritage behind the eternal flame. He also consecrated the holy day over a glass of grape juice. Chabad board member and Aepi brother Aaron Korbman led the blessing over the traditional Challah bread.

“My favorite part about this organization is the warm environment we give off. We are welcoming of everyone, no matter if you’re Jewish or not,” Kolmins said.

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