Shabbat and Holidays

Shabbat and holidays are cornerstones of Goucher Hillel’s identity as a Jewish community. Every week there are student-led services with staff contributing, as well. Communal Shabbat dinners take place every two weeks, with Shabbat to-go boxes for student-hosted meals on alternate weeks. Communal dinners often have themes, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Interfaith Shabbat, Israel, etc. We hold programs on many Saturdays as well, including Bagel Brunches and Havdalah Hangout.

Goucher Hillel provides a wide range of ways for Jewish students to celebrate the holidays. This includes having Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah services, Passover seders, Simcha Torah parties, Chanukah candle lightings, and a large Sukkah on the Hillel patio every year. In addition to food and fun, the holidays serve as an opportunity to deepen Jewish knowledge and identity.

Every year the Nosh kosher station in Mary Fisher Dining Center is cleaned and rendered Kosher for Passover. If students would like to go to a specific type of High Holiday service off-campus (e.g., Orthodox, Conservative, etc.), Goucher Hillel staff will connect them to the nearest synagogue of their choosing and ensure they have free tickets and proper transportation.

Shabbat group photo