Back to The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life

Shabbat and Holidays

At Trinity, you’ll find a warm, welcoming community to spend Shabbat and all the major Jewish holidays with. Our Shabbat and holiday services are student-led, and we frequently have themed Shabbatot in collaboration with other student organizations, such as Rainbow Shabbat, Fancy Shabbat, Pink Shabbat (breast cancer awareness), Multicultural Shabbat, and Athletes’ Shabbat.

“I really value the community and sense of belonging that Hillel provides for Jewish students and faculty. It’s a space where we can come together during challenging moments as well as times of joy. The students at Hillel are incredibly welcoming, and that warmth creates a strong feeling of togetherness. My favorite part of Hillel is seeing the tables filled for Shabbat dinner. It’s a clear reminder of the community built around Jewish life and culture, and it’s even more heartwarming when people of all backgrounds join in to enjoy the food and events.”
Jesse Deck, Class of 2028, Hillel Student Board member, Shabbat Chair, 2025- present

Engaging with the Jewish Calendar

We offer a robust calendar of experiential programming designed to nourish the soul and the mind:

  • Shabbat Traditions: Weekly informal Kabbalat Shabbat worship followed by themed Kosher dinners (from Sushi Shabbat to Fancy Shabbat).
  • Holidays on Campus: Experience the High Holy Days, Sukkot, Chanukah, and Passover with a community that feels like family.
  • Wellness & Socials: Take a “brain break” with Ice Cream Socials, Havdalah & Craft Nights, and afternoon tea.
  • Birthright Israel: Join the journey of a lifetime. Our staff connects you with premier Birthright opportunities for both winter and summer breaks.

Celebrate the Jewish holidays at Trinity’s Zachs Hillel House:

  • The Jewish holidays begin with High Holy Day services and kosher meals at the Zachs Hillel House.
  • Chanukah is marked by one big party and lighting the menorah on the other nights.
  • At Tu B’Shvat, we focus on ecology and our natural world through a Jewish perspective.
  • For Purim, we bake hamantaschen and enjoy a purimspiel, costume contest, and abbreviated megillah reading.
  • Passover begins with a large community Seder and continues throughout the holiday with a kosher-for-Passover meal plan in Mather Hall.

To join us for any of these events, keep your eye on Trinity Today for details.