On Friday November 30th, 2012, the Chabad Jewish Student Group hosted their first ever “Shabbat 500”, bringing together 500 students at The University of Central Florida for a traditional Shabbat Dinner.
The event was a huge success, hosting 500 students from diverse social clubs and backgrounds for an evening replete with Shabbat services, inspiring speeches, and of course, a classic Friday night dinner.
The event took place in the Pegasus Ballroom at the Student Union of the university’s campus, and featured beautifully decorated tables, elegant lighting and a gourmet buffet. Speakers included Rabbi Chaim Lipskier, Chabad at UCF Director; Dr. Terri Susan Fine Stenzler, Faculty Advisor for Chabad; Dr. Moshe Pelli, Director of Judaic Studies at UCF; Noah Miller, President of Chabad; and Cortez Whatley, President of Student Government Associations.
Nicole Erdfrocht, a senior at UCF and member of the Chabad board, described the evening as “…amazing, the turnout was incredible…it was everything we dreamed it would be. We left our legacy with Chabad at UCF and we hope the future boards of Chabad at UCF will continue this tradition.”
Freshman Alexa Freeman shared her thoughts: “Shabbat 500 was an amazing experience. As a student leaving that room Friday night, I felt so proud to be a part of something at big as Shabbat 500. After meeting so many new people in such a welcoming environment, I simply can’t wait to attend Chabad’s next events.”
Chabad at UCF is known for their “larger than normal” Shabbat dinners, but this was their first time hosting such a sizeable and diverse group of students for Friday night. Following this year’s incredible success, there’s good reason to believe Chabad’s turnout will only increase in the years ahead!
For more information about Chabad at UCF please call 407-949-8838 or visit www.jewishucf.com.
