By Morasha Winokur, Class of 2020
The beginning of the fall semester holds the most back-to-back holidays. During this season of festivals, Queens embraced Judaism’s busy schedule with open arms. So far, we have welcomed multiple Sabbaths by lighting the candles, saying blessings over the grape juice, and sharing the challah and a great Shabbat meal; and looking forward to more to come. Hillel has kicked off our brand new Havdalah services by chanting the prayers on campus then welcoming the new week by indulging in an Ameliés treat after.
For Rosh Hashanna, Rabbi Schindler and Talli Dippold organized a service that was held in the new Belk Chapel atrium. Our worship experience included a Torah service, thought provoking questions which created conversation, and beautiful music. The prayers, chants, and songs was a cohesive mix aimed at capturing the array of Jewish traditions followed by our diverse Jewish students. Afterwards, we rang in the New Year with a delicious meal here on campus.
The following week, after the Ten Days of Repentance, a similar Yom Kippur service and bagel break-fast was held! The students enjoyed having a Jewish community and family here on campus during the High Holy Days.
Thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, our Hillel team set up our very own Queen’s sukkah! That night we rang in the thanksgiving festival with our ‘Sushi in the Sukkah’ event where students had the chance to shake the lulav and etrog and spend time together. Our members enjoyed hanging out and studying in the Sukkah all week long!
We breathed in relaxation and out stress with Torah Yoga that was co-led with Rabbi Judy in the Chapel Atrium and had our daily dose of a Touch of Torah during our Hillel breakfast!
We are looking forward to more Shabbat celebrations, Havdalah gatherings, and Touch of Torahs coming up and getting ready for our Hanukkah Palooza in December!