Shabbat and Holidays at Metro Chicago Hillel
When we celebrate holidays at Hillel, we create a welcoming environment for all Jewish students, regardless of practice, knowledge, or affiliation. Jewish holidays are one of the most important times for students to connect to Jewish life. The students can join the broader Jewish community, including alumni, university faculty and staff, and local community members in celebration. Be sure to follow MCH and Base Chicago on social media to learn about our Shabbat and holiday meals and events.
Shabbat
As the sun sets on Friday evening, somewhere in the city of Chicago is a gathering of students from across our many campuses coming together to welcome the Shabbat, and we are so excited to celebrate Shabbat with you in person! Chicago are students are welcome to join whenever it feels right for you and fits your schedule. Join us at locations around the city for great food, new friends, and time to reflect and welcome in Shabbat.
High Holidays
The High Holidays are a meaningful and spiritual time for our Metro Chicago Hillel community, and each year Metro Chicago Hillel and Base offer a variety of events, services and meals to our student and young adult populations. Holiday services will be led by our fabulous rabbis and feature a mix of traditional prayers, singing, readings and explanations. We also offer meals and opportunities for reflection led by our clergy and lay leaders.
Sukkot
Sukkot is the harvest festival that commemorates the Israelites' wandering the desert following their Exodus from Egypt. The week-long holiday is observed by building and spending time in a sukkah, a temporary outdoor structure, to connect to the harvest season. Along with dwelling in the sukkah, we lift and shake the Lulav (four plant species that include a palm branch, three branches of myrtle, and two willow branches) with an Etrog (a fragrant, yellow or green bumpy citrus fruit).
Chanukah
Chanukah, Hanukah, Hannukka: However you spell it Chanukah is a favorite celebration for many! On Chanukah, we light a menorah to celebrate the miracle of the Maccabees' victory over their Assyrian oppressors, and to celebrate a single jar of oil lasting for eight nights. Eating latkes (potato pancakes) sufganiyot (doughnuts) and playing dreidel makes these eight nights great nights! Even when Chanukah doesn’t fall during the school year, we bring all of the spirit to life! From latkes to donuts, candle lightings and more, we’ll have plenty in store to end the fall semester just right!
Purim
Purim celebrates a profound reversal of fortune — the deliverance of the Jews of ancient Persia from persecution. Rescued by heroic intervention from Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, the Jewish people were saved from the diabolical plot of the evil Haman (booooo!). Although the story of Purim, recalled in Megilat Esther or the Book of Esther, reads somewhat like a farce, it's laced with the all too real themes of concealing one’s identity and overcoming the baseless hatred of anti-Semitism.
Passover
Passover, one of the most celebrated holidays in the Jewish world, commemorates the biblical Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The week-long holiday is celebrated by munching on matzah, slabs of crisp, unleavened bread, and abstaining from chametz, or leavened food. Other observances include the seder (a ritual meal), lively songs, intense discussion and of course, debate. We were once slaves in Egypt, now we are free… LET’S EAT! Whether students are hungry for brisket and macaroons, or for the warmth of community and the light of Torah, Hillel welcomes them to the table.