Welcome Back Shabbat: A Night of Tradition, Unity, and New Beginnings at ASU Hillel

​​ASU Students Unite for Shabbat, Kicking Off a New Year at Hillel
by: Emily Fox-Million

Beneath the warm desert sky, the gentle glow of string lights casts a soft light on smiling faces as the soothing strum of "Shabband" guitars fills the air. The aroma of freshly torn challah wafts through the night, drawing new and returning students together at Hillel’s annual "Welcome Back Shabbat" to celebrate the first Shabbat of the school year.

This year’s welcome-back Shabbat marked a significant return to tradition and togetherness after a challenging year. Living up to Hillel’s values of being a big tent for all Jewish students, Friday night blended tradition with spirited camp-style singing, bringing the ASU community together to celebrate faith, friendship, and renewal.

“It feels like a special moment to welcome everyone back and get a fresh start to this year,” said Debbie Yunker Kail, the Executive Director of Hillel at ASU. “After facing many challenges and tragedies together, it’s wonderful to have this opportunity to reconnect and celebrate our community once again.”
This year’s “Welcome Back Shabbat” brought 130 students together in Hillel’s parking lot.

Students enjoyed two different versions of services, which immediately introduced them to Hillel's pluralism. They could experience a more traditional and conservative Shabbat in the next-door Pilates studio, while upstairs in the main building, the Shabbat band harmonized with guitars, egg shakers, and songs.

“This is a melting pot where you will come and join together with people from all sorts of different experiences,” said Joel Swedlove, Hillel’s new ‘Shabband’ advisor. “It’s all about getting an opportunity to try something different and push yourself a little bit, so it’s ok to feel uncomfortable, embrace the awkward, embrace the weird, and just have fun with services.”

For students, this Shabbat marked the first of the semester and a reunion among friends and community members.

“Not only is it peak rush season, but we are also trying to meet the future of AEPi, Hillel, and the future of Jewish leadership here,” said Zach Goffin, President of the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter at ASU. “It feels extra special, it is really nice to see a lot of familiar faces and be back on campus. It puts a smile on my face.”

Returning to Hillel and his Jewish community feels like coming home to Goffin.
“It makes me feel calm, and it shows how many people are here,” Goffin said. “There’s a strong community, and it is really nice to be a part of.”

Aaron Goldschmidt, a development specialist and former student leader, emphasized the event's importance and its role in setting the tone for the year.
“I think it’s important because it’s really the first big thing for students,” he said. “I think that this was the first opportunity for students to meet other Jewish students, and I love how it’s usually a big event. It’s just good, big Jewish fun.”

After Oct. 7, Hillel was forced to host events indoors, either in their main building on Mill Ave or at the Memorial Union. Hillel spent most of fall 2023 hosting large events like Shabbat indoors and on campus. 

Last year, Hillel saw a 43% increase in Shabbat and holiday engagement, and it remains committed to creating as many Jewish joyous spaces as possible in the coming year.

With security as a critical focus this semester, Hillel continues prioritizing students' physical safety while fostering a supportive environment that nurtures emotional and mental well-being through community-building efforts.

The event returned to familiar traditions and reflected staff and student hopes for the future semester.

"I’m excited to work with our team to be clear about who we are and what we stand for,” Yunker Kail said. “After reflecting on last year, it’s inspiring to think about how we can continue to strengthen our community and make this year meaningful."
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Editor's Note: Emily Fox-Million is a student leader on the Hillel Student Board, serving as the Vice President of External Relations, and is also a Hillel's communications intern.
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Contact Emily Fox-Million via email.​