Students from all walks of life at Ohio University are welcome to come and take part in this Friday's weekly Shabbat (pronounced "Shabbah") service at Hillel at Ohio University on 21 Mill St. The service starts a few minutes before sunset at 6 p.m. and the dinner is directly after at 7 p.m.
For those unfamiliar, the Shabbat is the day of Sabbath for the Jewish people. It is a festive ceremony that begins at sundown on Friday and lasts until sundown on Saturday. It is a twenty-five hour period of rest.
The service gives those in attendance the chance to reflect, study scriptures, and visit with friends and family members.
Rabbi Danielle Leshaw encourages people of any faith to come out and join.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and say goodbye to their week," Leshaw said.
The service begins with music, typically directed by student leaders, bearing a message of unity and peace. Music is present throughout the service along with spiritual sermons.
A dinner will follow the ceremony this Friday. Hillel hosts dinners three times a quarter.
Says Rabbi Leshaw, "It's very fun. There's great energy and happiness with the students who come out, and they're always appreciative. Oh, and of course there's free food!"
