(Courtesy of Chabad of Binghamton) Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1994, the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University in New York started a revolution: a mega Shabbat meant to bring together as many Jewish students as possible in a joyous celebration of Shabbat and, more broadly, Jewish identity. Originally dubbed Shabbat 1000, the program evolved into a longstanding tradition that has since been replicated on more than 150 campuses throughout the world. To this day, Binghamton maintains the record for the largest number of students gathered in one space for a Shabbat dinner.

“The program, originally named Shabbat 1000, was conceived by the Rohr Chabad Center in Binghamton in 1994,” said Rabbi Aaron Slonim, executive director of the Rohr Chabad Center.

This year’s 30th annual Shabbat 2400 event, on Friday, April 5, drew over 2,200 students in a joyous and meaningful Shabbat dinner. Among the participants were Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and other faculty members, current students, alumni and parents. During the pre-Shabbat program, participants enjoyed delicious Shabbat appetizers; wrapped tefillin; heard greetings from many public figures including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Montana Tucker and Mayim Bialik among others; and kicked up a dancing storm. The program culminated with hundreds of women lighting Shabbat candles and ushering in Shabbat.

“A program like this can only succeed where there is a well-established Jewish infrastructure and a vibrant and dedicated core of Jewish students, over 235 volunteers!” noted Goldie Ohana, programming director. “Otherwise you can’t even consider attracting this amount of students. It’s a real tribute to our student leadership and wonderful organizing committees.”

“As the event got closer, our enthusiasm and drive continued to grow. Planning Shabbat 2400 was an experience full of ambition, creativity and teamwork.” said Haley Wilenzick (’26), who along with Avi Gordon (’26) and Hannah Kirsch (’24), coordinated this event. “We are so appreciative to have been a part of making it all come together.”

In addition to the mammoth efforts of more than 200 student volunteers, the program involved huge amounts of food. The event required 775 pounds of chicken, 360 pounds of challah, 2,400 matzah balls and 250 22-ounce bottles of grape juice in addition to the salads, kugel and dessert buffet.

In the face of increasing antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, and in the shadow of the war that began with the brutal attack on Israel’s citizens on Oct. 7, this year’s event took on an added significance for the community. Shabbat 2400 was a much-needed show of Jewish unity, pride and strength.