Mega Shabbat meal at UCF to give nod to the undefeated UCF Knights

Hundreds of students, faculty and community members, along with players from the Undefeated UCF Knights will partake in a "Shabbat of Champions," in the Pegasus Ballroom on Feb. 23 in what is expected to be the largest Shabbat dinner ever held at UCF.

During the event, the students will celebrate the traditional Sabbath ceremonies and meal, which are observed weekly by Jews around the world as a symbol of Jewish faith and unity. According to Rabbi Chaim Lipskier, director of Chabad at UCF, there will be appetizers, introductory speeches and a chance to mix and mingle at 5:30 p.m. and a candle-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by a catered Kosher meal, with singing and dancing beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath is celebrated weekly by Jews worldwide, beginning at sundown on Friday night, and concluding after nightfall on Saturday evening. Shabbat, a day of rest, is a spiritual oasis and often serves as an island of calm at the end of a busy week of school and work. Throughout the 25-hour period, Jewish people gather at synagogues and homes for prayers and festive meals of wine and challah, gefilte fish, and chicken soup.

"Shabbat is one of the centerpieces of Jewish life, and has been so since the infancy of our nation," said Rabbi Lipskier. "Shabbat of Champions will be a chance for Jews from across campus to connect with each other in a meaningful way."

"It's thrilling to see so many students proud of their Jewish identity with a willingness to show it," said Rivkie Lipskier, co-director of Chabad. "It was also very moving to see the dozens of students and organization that have dedicated hundreds of hours to make the event possible.

"Shabbat of Champions is an opportunity for the entire UCF Jewish community to come together. It is a chance to make new friends, experience Jewish culture and of course, eat amazing food-hundreds of students coming together to celebrate an undefeated experience at our undefeated University-what could be better than that?" Becca Coven, president of the Chabad Jewish Student Group.

Shabbat of Champions is co-sponsored by Student Government Association, Judaic Studies at UCF, UCF Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Zeta Beta Tau, Gamma Phi Beta, and Knights for Israel.

The event is open to the entire community and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact rabbi@jewishucf.com or call 407-310-8876. To rsvp visit jewishucf.com/shabbat.