For more than 20 years, one Shabbat a year is different from all others at KU Hillel. Extra tables are set at one of KU’s Union spaces, alumni and friends return to campus, and Jewish Jayhawks gather to celebrate community, tradition and belonging at Rock Chalk Shabbat.
This November, that tradition will reach a milestone as KU Hillel celebrates the 21st anniversary of Rock Chalk Shabbat, marking more than two decades of one of the organization’s most notable programs.
In 2003, then-Executive Director Jay Lewis had an idea to get as many Jewish students in a room together to celebrate Shabbat. That idea launched “Shabbat 150” in 2003. By 2005, the program evolved into what is now known as Rock Chalk Shabbat, becoming one of KU Hillel’s most beloved traditions.
“Turning 21 is a major milestone on any college campus, so the excitement around our 21st Rock Chalk Shabbat feels bigger than ever,” KU Hillel Executive Director Ethan Helfand said. “At its core, Rock Chalk Shabbat is so much more than inviting our local community to an on-campus Shabbat experience. It’s a chance to embrace the entire KU Hillel ecosystem, gathering students, alumni, parents and Jewish Jayhawks everywhere and reflect on what makes this community unique.”
This celebration will honor the thousands of students, alumni and community supporters who have helped make Rock Chalk Shabbat possible over the past 21 years. The same spirit that inspired the first Rock Chalk Shabbat more than 20 years ago continues to shape the organization by creating spaces where Jewish students feel welcomed, connected, safe and empowered to lead.
“Rock Chalk Shabbat was always one of my favorite events as a student because it brought so many people together for one night and reminded me how special the KU Hillel community is,” KU alumna and current board member Sarah Schuster said. “Now, as a board member, it’s meaningful to help continue that tradition. I hope this year’s Rock Chalk Shabbat gives alumni a chance to reconnect while also celebrating the community that continues to make Hillel such an important part of the student experience.”
As planning commences on this special anniversary edition of Rock Chalk Shabbat, the entire KU Hillel community is excited to reconnect with those who found their connection to KU through the event. Whether they attended Rock Chalk Shabbat as a student, supported KU Hillel as a donor or simply believe in the importance of vibrant Jewish life at KU, organizers share that they are looking to collect stories, pictures and memories from each of the past 20 years to share the impact that Rock Chalk Shabbat and KU Hillel have made.
“Since its inception, Rock Chalk Shabbat has been a celebration of what’s possible when students are inspired to build Jewish community,” Helfand said. “Every Jewish Jayhawk who helps bring this evening to life — from student to alumni — reflects KU Hillel’s mission of developing the next generation of Jewish leaders. If you want to see what the Jewish future looks like, I can’t imagine a better place to see it in person than at the Kansas Union this November.”
Today, KU Hillel continues to evolve to meet the needs of current Jewish students. Through leadership development opportunities and professional networking programs, KU Hillel has seen students use newly learned skills to plan programs together. In addition, KU Hillel is supporting Jewish Jayhawks by offering mental health support, internships, Jewish learning experiences, Israel engagement and community-building events.
Rock Chalk Shabbat will be held on Friday, Nov. 13, in the Kansas Union Ballroom. Those interested in finding out more information, sharing their KU Hillel story, sending in photos or making a gift supporting Jewish life on campus can contact Megan Pener at or (913) 219-6740.
