Beaver's First Annual Shabbat Dinner

By Emme Cohen '26

On Friday, September 27th Beaver hosted its second annual Shabbat event. This year the event took place as a dinner, making for a more traditional observance. The leaders of the Jewish affinity group; Talia Frumkin (‘25), Hannah Wilk (‘25), and Maya Bitton (‘25) guided the attendees in prayer, blessing the candles, grape juice (a common substitute for wine), and challah. They explained that Shabbat is the “Jewish day of rest” stemming from the Torah and that it is a time for gathering and relaxation after a long week.

The dinner took place in Bradley Hall. All Beaver Upper School students, family, and faculty were welcome and encouraged to attend. There was an impressive turnout from both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities; almost every table was filled.

Food is a very important part of Shabbat. Dinner was served buffet-style, with many traditional favorites including chicken, rice, and falafel with hummus and pita. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. There were plenty of sweets to enjoy including black and white cookies; “a major part of Jewish culture,” according to Chompies Restaurant. Shabbat was a great opportunity for the community to come together over chatter, laughter, and food.

Since Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year, was coming up the Jewish affinity group reached out to Hebrew Senior Life senior living to see if there was anything Beaver could do to help make for a sweet and meaningful New Year. Attendees were encouraged to write short letters to the residents for both Rosh Hashanah and just to say hello. The letters are greatly appreciated as many of the residents are unable to celebrate the High Holidays with their families.

“Shabbat can have a different meaning for everyone,” says Talia Frumkin. “For me, it means spending time with my family and people I love.” Beaver Shabbat was the perfect way to incorporate quality time with loved ones as well as Jewish tradition into the school.