Shabbat 300's Continuing Success

On March 27, 300 students, faculty, and community members celebrated the 4th Annual Shabbat 300. UVA’s Shabbat 300 was born from an idea four years ago, led by Daniel Novick ('12), the Jewish Leadership Council Chair at the time. Throughout the years, the evening has been characterized by musical performances, appearances from Dean Groves and President Sullivan, and, as always, delicious food. I have had the privilege of helping with the planning of Shabbat 300 each year, first as part of the 1st Annual’s Planning Committee, and then as a member of the Jewish Leadership Council.

Four years later, Shabbat 300 is still a roaring success. Several groups help make this night possible: The Jewish Leadership Council helps recruit the 300 participants and spends hours setting up the food. Hillel staff members handle logistics and spend hours purchasing food, utensils, drinks, and more. Channah Meyere, with Chabad at UVA, spends weeks preparing and cooking all of the food in her home. This year, we also recruited the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi to help serve dinner. The cooperation among all of these groups made the night possible.

This year’s Shabbat 300 was bittersweet for me. I can’t believe I’ve come to see four Shabbat 300s now, and that I may not be here next year for the 5th Annual. (But who knows, maybe I’ll make a guest appearance...) Shabbat 300 is now a staple at the University. Faculty and students look forward to this event for the entire year. This year’s dinner was a perfect reminder of how strong the Jewish community is at UVA, and how it has grown stronger since my 1st year. Jewish life has played a huge part of my college experience, and I am so grateful for events like Shabbat 300 to remind me how lucky I am. Pausing to look around the room during each year’s Shabbat 300 is one of my favorite memories as a WaJew.

It’s been so special for me to see the event grow and succeed throughout the past years. I hope to come back in future years to Shabbat 400 or 500 – of course, we would need to find a new space since Newcomb Ballroom only seats 300!

Wajewwa!

Sheryl Greene
Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council
Class of 2015