Rabbi Katja Vehlow, director of Jewish Life, welcomed students and friends into her home on March 20 for an intimate Shabbat dinner. Undergraduate and graduate students gathered from both campuses to enjoy the food over a series of rituals and reflective conversations.
Shabbat is a weekly day of rest observed in Judaism, commemorating the creation of the world and centering on community and faith. It is observed from just before sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday, during which some follow strict religious prohibitions while others use the time to pray, relax and share a meal.
The dinner began with the lighting of candles, signifying the transition from the work week to Shabbat and bringing a sense of peace and tranquility into the home.
Introductions followed, giving students a chance to share their experiences of the week, an element of Shabbat that encourages introspection and connection.
“We get together, we have a meal, we say blessings and we connect to ourselves and to others,” Vehlow said.
The challah was my favorite part. I think that Rabbi Katja and her husband make incredible challah. Brett Dalis, FCLC ’26
Vehlow and her husband then led the singing of “Shalom Aleichem,” a traditional song which invites angels to bless the home. The singing was followed by the blessing of children, Vehlow’s own and those who joined in her home, as words of protection and hope were offered.
They then recited the Kiddush, a blessing over wine. Students chanted a collective “amen” as Vehlow filled the Kiddush cup and poured grape juice for those gathered around the table.
Before eating, students performed Netilat Yadayim, a ritual washing of the hands which is required before eating bread. The practice upholds spiritual purity, with students raising their hands and reciting a blessing.
Dinner began as everyone returned to their seats to break bread. The table was filled with a variety of dishes and two loaves of challah placed at the center to be blessed with Hamotzi.
Brett Dalis, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’26, recited the prayer alongside Vehlow before going around the table to offer each person a piece of challah.
The loaves were made by Vehlow and family — one prepared traditionally with simple seasoning and the other topped with sprinkles. This detail did not go unnoticed by students, who enjoyed the homemade bread.
“The challah was my favorite part. I think that Rabbi Katja and her husband make incredible challah,” Dalis said.
Students chose from a selection of food throughout the night while engaging in lively discussions with their peers. However, many described the evening as more than a social gathering, also acting as a space for Jewish students to find solace in community and shared faith.
Dalis said he appreciates these events for helping him grow in his faith, not only at school but in connection to his family.
“I always try to take these opportunities to get close to my faith and try to do as much so I can connect to my family more in these kinds of ways,” Dalis said.
It brings together a community that is very tight-knit but is also not overly present at a school like Fordham Sam Kravitz, FCRH ’28
Sam Kravitz, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’28, showed appreciation for intentional spaces like Shabbat dinners that give students an opportunity to decompress and socialize in a relaxed setting.
“It’s cool to just get everyone together and hang out, recap the week and unpack,” Kravitz said.
Kravitz also highlighted how such events can help Jewish students feel represented on campus.
“It brings together a community that is very tight-knit but is also not overly present at a school like Fordham,” Kravitz said.
These experiences allow for students to grow both communally and personally, as they are welcomed into a space where they can explore identity, belief and a sense of belonging.
“Rabbi Katja is really good at trying to include people and making this kind of stuff feel less daunting, because it was not something that was super accessible to me when I was younger,” Dalis said.
To conclude the dinner, Vehlow served an assortment of desserts and, alongside her husband, recited Psalm 126 and an abbreviated version of Birkat Hamazon, both Hebrew blessings traditionally recited after a meal.
