Tent? Check. Warm coat? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Shabbat candles?
After looking over UF Hillel’s weekly e-newsletter, I read about an event that I think has potential to change up modern day Shabbat services. Sure, there’s the typical get dressed up, sit for two hours staring at a siddur, and schmooze during dinner, but one has to think how we can make the connection to Judaism a little stronger?
Always stepping up Shabbat a notch, UF Hillel in Gainesville, Fla. will be observing Shabbat next Friday in Paynes P
rairie, a huge reserve located right outside of Gainesville. Where the gators growl (also the title of UF’s homecoming pep rally), students will enjoy an evening of stargazing, schmoozing and story telling with a Jew-ish twist.
Starting on February 18, campers will drive to Hillel and carpool over to Paynes Prairie until February 19 at 8 pm. At the start of Shabbat, services will be held followed by a kosher Shabbat dinner under the stars. On Saturday, breakfast will be served followed by a short morning service. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Campers will go hiking in the wilderness, play games and stay for havdallah on Saturday night.
Of course, for students who are not the type to get down and dirty, students also will have the option to go to local services in town.
Loving this idea? Try it out at your Hillel or Chabad center! Start a trend and give Friday night services a new meaning.
