High Point University’s Jewish students shared their culture and traditions by celebrating Hanukkah and Shabbat, now known at HPU as Shabbatukkah, on Dec. 1. Pictured are students gathering around the table to enjoy a Shabbat dinner.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 5, 2023 – High Point University’s Jewish students shared their culture and traditions by celebrating Hanukkah and Shabbat, now known at HPU as Shabbatukkah, on Dec. 1.
Students were asked to wear their favorite Hanukkah sweater or T-shirt, bring canned goods to donate to the David Frazier Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services and plan for a night of traditions, including playing the dreidel game and eating potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
This year, Hanukkah runs from Dec 7-15. Hanukkah candles will be lit at the new Bergman Family Hillel House at 5:30 p.m. on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. A menorah is also displayed at the HPU Campus Concierge location in Slane Student Center.
“Hanukkah is a holiday based on miracles, bringing light into darkness during this dark time of the year,” said Amy Epstein, HPU’s Jewish Life Coordinator. “At HPU, we are an extended family. The Jewish students will tell you that being together on campus is their home away from home. Being together for our Hanukkah Shabbat lets that warmth of home fill their lives and the community here on campus.”
Students, faculty and staff from HPU’s Jewish community read the story of Hanukkah, recited prayers in Hebrew, lit candles, spun dreidels, participated in a service project and enjoyed authentic Jewish food. Students are filled with memories from Hanukkahs in years prior on campus and at home, said Epstein.
“Celebrating Hanukkah on campus has been so meaningful, especially during these times,” said HPU Hillel Co-President Shira Gold, a junior psychology major with a statistics minor from Denver, Colorado.
“Being able to come together as a community has been such a comforting experience. I am so grateful we can celebrate our Judaism here,” said Hillel Co-President Kayla Chwatt, a junior psychology major from Short Hills, New Jersey. “I’m so excited that we have a great new space where we have the opportunity to light Hanukkah candles each night here on campus.”