FAIRFIELD — Fairfield University will host its first ever Kabbalat Shabbat service – and the entire community is invited. The service and Shabbat dinner that follows are part of a concerted effort to celebrate all faiths at the university. “The service we’re having is called a ‘Kabbalat Shabbat’ service, meaning literally ‘receiving the Sabbath,’ ” said Ellen Umansky, Ph.D, the director of the university’s Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, a co-sponsor of the event. “It is a fairly brief service welcoming the Sabbath, who traditionally is imagined as a bride. Rabbi Suri Krieger will be leading the service, with participation by members of the university community.”
The Office of the University Chaplain is also co-sponsoring the service, taking place in the new interfaith prayer facility at 42 Bellarmine. A Shabbat dinner will take place immediately following services. The dinner is free of charge. For more information call Elaine Bowman at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2066 or email EUmansky@fairfield.edu. Dietary laws will be observed.