Multiple UF Jewish organizations are hosting the first-ever Shabbat 1800, and they’re looking to break a record.
The goal is to have more than 1,800 students and residents come out at 5:30 p.m. to Flavet Field for a free dinner to celebrate the Jewish day of rest.
Spencer Greenfeder, the event’s coordinator and a 22-year-old UF mechanical engineering senior, said the original idea started at Binghamton University in 1994 with Shabbat 1000.
“We were essentially inspired by them, but at UF, we have more Jewish students than any other public university in the country at over 8,500,” Greenfeder said. “We know we can get as many people to participate.”
With a goal of 1,800 people, this is the second-largest Shabbat dinner goal behind New York University, which holds a citywide Shabbat 2000. Greenfeder said Shabbat 1800 at UF will be the largest Shabbat dinner to ever hit any college campus.
Ali Lakofsky, the event’s co-coordinator and a 21-year-old UF political science junior, said although the event is targeted at Jewish students, anyone is welcome to attend.
Chabad at UF, Hillel and the Jewish Student Union will pay for the event and the dinner with the help of private donors.
“We were able to fundraise $7,000 alone from individual contributions in the community and from friends and family.” Lakofsky said.
