Spring Break
Jewish organizations deliver
holiday celebration to campus
Allie Figures
Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: News
Jewish students from SJSU, Santa Clara University, De Anza and Foothill Colleges gathered inside the tent with Jewish community members to begin the festivities.
"We want to show students that we are religious but we can still have fun," said Beamesderfer, a JSU member.
Two small white candles were lit as prayers were sung in Hebrew. Traditional braided bread was passed among the crowd as one member prayed over the food. Ceremonial wine was poured in small amounts, representing the end of the workweek, Sandel said.
Outside the tent, tables were filled with free kosher food provided by board members of the Hillel House.
"The kugel is my favorite," said Yaelam Zallag, an occupational therapy graduate student.
Zallag described kugel as a traditional baked dish with noodles, egg, cinnamon and sugar.
"It's kind of weird, but everyone likes it," he said.
Raheem Williams, a senior psychology major, walked by the sukkah and said he decided to participate because of the free food. Williams listened as a volunteer from the Hillel House explained Shabbat to him.
"I had no idea what was going on over here," he said.
Williams stayed for the meal, but left soon after because he had to study for a midterm on Monday.
After the meal, the group stood in a circle and sang traditional songs to the tune of an acoustic guitar.
Rachel Schultz, a junior psychology major, sang two songs in Hebrew. Schultz said she is not fluent but is taking a Hebrew class at SJSU to help learn the language.
During the week, other students explored the open tent while many of the JSU students came to the sukkah to hang out between classes.
"I came to the sukkah to do some homework earlier this week," Schultz said.
Representatives were available to give tours and answer any questions about the sukkah and the Shabbat.
"It's good to have it on campus because it attracts people from all denominations," said Natan Bihari, a sophomore business major.
According to Jewish tradition, Shabbat is a celebration for all to join, not just the Jewish, said Ashkenazi from the Hillel House.
"We have had Jews, Christians and Muslims interested in what we are doing," said Bihari, a JSU member.
Sandel said this year's Shabbat was so successful that the JSU and the Hillel House want to have the sukkah built on campus next year.
"It's a great way of having our own place for all Jews on campus to congregate and not feel invisible," Schultz said.
"We want to show students that we are religious but we can still have fun," said Beamesderfer, a JSU member.
Two small white candles were lit as prayers were sung in Hebrew. Traditional braided bread was passed among the crowd as one member prayed over the food. Ceremonial wine was poured in small amounts, representing the end of the workweek, Sandel said.
Outside the tent, tables were filled with free kosher food provided by board members of the Hillel House.
"The kugel is my favorite," said Yaelam Zallag, an occupational therapy graduate student.
Zallag described kugel as a traditional baked dish with noodles, egg, cinnamon and sugar.
"It's kind of weird, but everyone likes it," he said.
Raheem Williams, a senior psychology major, walked by the sukkah and said he decided to participate because of the free food. Williams listened as a volunteer from the Hillel House explained Shabbat to him.
"I had no idea what was going on over here," he said.
Williams stayed for the meal, but left soon after because he had to study for a midterm on Monday.
After the meal, the group stood in a circle and sang traditional songs to the tune of an acoustic guitar.
Rachel Schultz, a junior psychology major, sang two songs in Hebrew. Schultz said she is not fluent but is taking a Hebrew class at SJSU to help learn the language.
During the week, other students explored the open tent while many of the JSU students came to the sukkah to hang out between classes.
"I came to the sukkah to do some homework earlier this week," Schultz said.
Representatives were available to give tours and answer any questions about the sukkah and the Shabbat.
"It's good to have it on campus because it attracts people from all denominations," said Natan Bihari, a sophomore business major.
According to Jewish tradition, Shabbat is a celebration for all to join, not just the Jewish, said Ashkenazi from the Hillel House.
"We have had Jews, Christians and Muslims interested in what we are doing," said Bihari, a JSU member.
Sandel said this year's Shabbat was so successful that the JSU and the Hillel House want to have the sukkah built on campus next year.
"It's a great way of having our own place for all Jews on campus to congregate and not feel invisible," Schultz said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Phil Kipnis
posted 10/20/08 @ 8:08 PM PST
A special "Yasher Koach" to the Administration for having the Sukkah (booth) on campus so that everyone, Jew and Non Jew could learn about our culture and enjoy the Sukkot Holiday with us. (Continued…)
tony jacobs
posted 10/20/08 @ 10:18 PM PST
if you guys are so full of love and compassion, and want to show equality, then why doesn't the JSU engage in the MJCC more? hardly anyone of your religion there. (Continued…)
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