A just-printed paper sign identifying the Chabad House hangs taped on the front yard railing, almost hidden by a tangle of black-eyed Susans. Brian Callahan spots the sign and sprints up the winding steps to the front door of the quaint home that is just a short walk from the Carnegie Mellon campus. He walks in without knocking, and he and Chani Silverman acknowledge each other with a smile and a "Good Shabbos." It's a traditional Friday night greeting among those of the Jewish faith who celebrate the Sabbath, which always begins at sundown on Fridays and lasts until sundown on Saturdays.

Close to student-age herself, Silverman and her husband, Rabbi Shlomo Silverman, moved in just weeks ago, and this is just their second Friday night Sabbath dinner as Chabad House hosts. In keeping with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement that has established Chabad Houses around the world, the Silvermans welcome all students, making their Jewish home a "home away from home," especially for Sabbath dinners.

Chani Silverman's parents live in another Chabad House near the University of Pittsburgh, and Callahan, a senior humanities and arts major, has been attending activities there since he was a sophomore. He says to Silverman, "Your father says I came and never left!" The two smile.

Callahan, who is a few minutes early, makes himself at home. He walks through the spotless living room, dominated by two dinner tables, beautifully set with white tablecloths. A car seat stuffed in the corner and a rattle hiding on the sofa are the only evidence of the Silvermans' baby sleeping upstairs.

Within a few minutes, Rabbi Shlomo walks in with more Carnegie Mellon students. Good Shabbos greetings are shared all around. Two candles have already been lit by Silverman to welcome the Sabbath. Seats are soon taken, and Rabbi Shlomo pours the wine, an overflowing cup to represent abundance and joy. Hands are symbolically purified with a shining silver cup of water. Fresh loaves of challah are cut, and an edge is dipped in salt in remembrance of ancient sacrifice. Prayers are sung, and the challah is passed around the table.

Conversation and laughter break out once more as the meal begins with bowls of hummus, chick pea salad, and gefilte fish. Everything is shared family-style. As Silverman clears the first set of plates, Callahan casually makes a comment about schoolwork. Rabbi Shlomo smilingly chides him, "You know we don't work on the Sabbath—it's a day of rest!"
—Melissa Silmore (TPR'85)