The Sabbath: Past & Future, Jewish & Christian

A Conversation Across Traditions

Join us for an evening exploring one of Judaism’s most central gifts to the world. Harvard’s Jon Levenson will examine how the Sabbath has evolved from its biblical origins through Jewish tradition and into Christian practice, and why this ancient institution is experiencing renewed appreciation today.

This interfaith dialogue offers a chance to deepen your understanding of Shabbat while engaging with how it resonates across religious boundaries. Whether you observe Shabbat every week or are curious about its significance, this lecture promises fresh perspectives on a practice at the heart of Jewish life.

In Person Registration    Virtual Registration

Kol Yisrael

Kol Yisrael is a 6 week cohort learning experience exploring the big ideas and questions shaping contemporary Israeli discourse. This fellowship invites students to engage with Israel through voices, stories, and questions that do not fit neatly into slogans or soundbites. It is a space for thoughtful exploration, curiosity, and honest conversation rather than debate.

Register today!

Harvard Law School Alliance for Israel Bar Night

HLS Alliance for Israel’s Bar Night is a chance to take a break from the intensity of the semester and just be together. It’s a relaxed, low-key evening to step away from the reading and deadlines, catch up with friends, meet new people, and enjoy being in community outside the classroom.

OSM Mishmar

Thursday nights are for pre-Shabbat learning, lively discussion, and connecting with friends before Shabbat begins.

Orthodox Weekday Shacharis

Start your day with Orthodox weekday morning services. Join us for Shacharis each weekday morning to connect with tradition, community, and prayer before diving into your day. All are welcome, whether you’re looking for a daily minyan or just want to pop in.

Oyntology

Over noshes, we’ll bring questions from our lives (interpersonal, spiritual, or intellectual) and think through them using Jewish and non-Jewish texts that offer multiple ways of considering what’s at stake.

Lunch

Join us for lunch Sunday through Friday at Harvard Hillel! Undergraduate students on the meal plan can swipe in; graduate students and community members are welcome to purchase meals. It’s a great way to grab a bite, catch up with friends, and take a break from your day in a welcoming space.

Check out this week’s menu!

Orthodox Shabbat Services

Join our Orthodox Student Minyan and Orthodox Minyan for Friday Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat, a meaningful opportunity to pray and connect as Shabbat begins.

Reform Shabbat Services

Join us for a warm, musical, and reflective start to Shabbat. Reform services blend traditional liturgy with contemporary melodies and English readings, creating space for meaningful prayer accessible to all—whether you grew up attending services or are exploring Jewish practice for the first time. Led by Reform Rabbinic Advisor Monica Steiner, our community welcomes Jews of all backgrounds. Come as you are.

SHEM Shabbat Services

Join our Student Harvard Egal Minyan for Shabbat services on Friday evenings. Experience a participatory, egalitarian service where students lead prayers, read from the Torah, and create a meaningful Shabbat experience together. Whether you’re familiar with egalitarian practice or just exploring, come sing, pray, and welcome Shabbat with community.

Shabbat Dinner & Symposium Series: Should There Be Red Lines in Our Pluralistic Societies?

Join us for the first evening in our three-part Shabbat Dinner & Symposium Series, bringing together Jewish learning, real conversation, community, and excellent food around a Shabbat table at Lehrhaus.

Professor Jeannie Suk Gersen leads an exploration of Jewish peoplehood, pluralism, academic freedom, and the boundaries that sustain or strain shared moral frameworks.

Open to undergraduate students, grad students, and faculty.

Register today to secure your spot.

Shabbat Dinner

Join us Friday evenings for Shabbat dinner, a cornerstone of our community. Share a delicious meal, welcome the Sabbath with song and blessings, and connect with fellow students in a warm, joyful atmosphere. Undergraduate students on the meal plan can swipe in (we’re happy to offer alternative access for Shabbat-observant students), and graduate students eat free. All are welcome at our Shabbat table – community members can purchase their meals in advance.