Hillel at Kent State hosts a Shabbat every Friday, but this week’s event holds special significance.

The organization will hold an end-of-the-semester Shabbat Friday at 5 p.m. in the Cohn Jewish Student Center.

Briefly preceding the event will be a candle lighting at 4:30 p.m. The Shabbat will also include special activities such as a “white elephant” gift exchange and Hanukkah fashion show. Students involved in FASH and Achoti’s Upcycling for a Cause hosted an event Tuesday collecting clothes for the show and will present “upcycled” versions of them Friday.

The Shabbat service itself, focusing on honoring graduating seniors, will start at 6 p.m. Emily Yehezkel, a sophomore special education major, will interpret portions of the service in American Sign Language while Hillel Rabbi Lee Moore speaks.

“For some Jewish students, Hanukkah is a big deal,” Moore said.

Hanukkah is minor when compared with other Jewish holidays. Moore said its popularity lies in its closeness to Christmas.

“Shabbat is the most important Jewish holiday, and we do it every week,” Moore said. “The essence of it is unplugging.”

Kelly Powell is the religion reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].