KU Chabad hosted its largest Shabbat dinner ever as 150 Jewish students came together in the new Cutler Family Chabad Center for Jewish Life.
KU Chabad considers the “Shabbat 150” event to be a milestone moment for Jewish life on campus. The evening’s theme, “Jewish and Proud,” focused on strengthening Jewish identity and courage at a time when many students across the country are navigating increased challenges and antisemitism on college campuses.
“People sometimes wonder about the future of the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad, “but when you look around a room filled with 150 Jewish students celebrating Shabbat together, the answer is clear. The future is strong, vibrant and proud.”
The program featured reflections from students who spoke about what it means to stand tall as Jews on campus today. In an environment where Jewish identity can sometimes feel challenged, the evening was intended to provide a space of confidence, connection, and shared strength.
Students sang, danced and celebrated together, joined by the University of Kansas mascot Big Jay. A gourmet Shabbat dinner was served.
Adina Thompson, KU Class of 2026 and a member of KU Chabad’s executive board, shared that despite rising challenges, the event created a powerful sense of connection.
“Shabbat 150 was different in that it highlighted just how many Jewish students there are,” Thompson said. “It brought so much of KU’s Jewish student body together in one room, especially people who don’t usually show up.”
She added that the evening gave students a unique opportunity to meet others from across campus and feel part of something larger.
While regular Shabbat dinners allow students to come and go freely, Shabbat 150 introduced a more intentional model, asking students to “host” tables. Nechama Tiechtel of KU Chabad said that hosts recruited at least eight friends, helped set up the event and served food throughout the evening. Interest in hosting resulted in students volunteering throughout the week leading up to the event.
“It was really beautiful,” she said. “The hosts were excited to bring their friends and welcome them into the family.”
This year, 20 students served as table hosts. Jacob Abowitz, KU Class of 2028, took on that role and said the experience deepened his connection to the community.
“I really liked hosting a table this year because I felt more a part of KU Chabad,” Abowitz said. “I felt proud to bring more of my Jewish friends to such a special, unifying event.”
Student participant Spencer Gibbs said, “It brings so much of the Jewish student body together in one room, especially people who don’t usually show up.”
Beyond the celebration, the evening also served as a tribute to the legacy of Bob Cutler, the namesake of the Cutler Family Chabad Center. During the program, Cutler, who is the key building donor, shared the guiding principles, values and life lessons that have shaped his life.
As the semester continues, KU Chabad will continue its weekly Shabbat dinners and ongoing programming.