(Courtesy of Chabad of Binghamton) Shabbat 2020, a program run each year at Binghamton University, was scheduled months ago for Friday, March 20. The signature program, conceived 26 years ago by the Binghamton Chabad Center and replicated in scores of locations around the world, planned to bring together over 2,000 students for an evening of celebration and pride. In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, new plans were quickly drawn up to unite the extended Binghamton community through a virtual program held online.

The program brought together Binghamton students still on campus and at home, alumni and parents and siblings of current and past students, for prayers for world healing and a unique a capella performance sung as the group’s members maintained appropriate social distance.

“A program like this can only succeed where there is a well-established Jewish infrastructure and a vibrant and dedicated core of Jewish students,” noted Rabbi Levi Slonim, Chabad downtown and development director. “Otherwise you can’t even consider attracting this [number] of students. It’s a real tribute to our student leadership and wonderful organizing committees.”

“Despite the many iterations of this event due to the situation, it was so inspiring to see so many students come together to make this event a reality,” said Westchester resident Jacob Richman ‘20, one of the event coordinators. “But everybody involved agrees it’s worth all the effort to see so many people unite…enjoying their heritage and traditions, especially during these challenging times.”

Shabbat 1000 (1800 in Binghamton) is a national Chabad on Campus Initiative.