Honoring Avi Schaefer

Avi Schaefer was a student at Brown University who dedicated himself to promoting the values of mutual respect and understanding. After he was tragically killed by a drunk driver, the Avi Schaefer Fund was created to empower others to embrace and accept our differences. On Friday, February 9, URI Hillel hosted a Multicultural/Multifaith Shabbat with the help from the Avi Schaefer Fund. Hillel has graciously received a grant from the Avi Schaefer Fund to put on an annual Shabbat in his honor since 2012.

The purpose of the Shabbat was to bring people from different faiths and cultures together and celebrate with food from around the world. URI Hillel extended the invitation to Rev. Nikita McCalister from the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island. “I attended this event and was inspired by the diversity of the attendees and the willingness of each person to learn more about one another,” said Rev. McCalister. “Fridays are my family nights, which are opportunities for my husband and children to spend time together, have fun, and grow.  It was an honor and privilege to spend our Friday evening at URI Hillel.  My children and I were exposed to genuine hospitality and had a chance to encounter God in meaningful ways.”

Amale Chamseddine, a member of the URI Muslim Student Association, shared family recipes from Lebanon and was part of a multicultural team of student chefs who made an eclectic menu of Middle Eastern and Eastern European delicacies.

Waverly Findlay, a URI student, was also in attendance and hopes to make the Avi Schaefer Shabbat an annual occurrence in her collegiate career from now on. “URI Hillel hosted the dinner and service, and I can truly say I immediately felt welcome into the space. The services were informative, the food was excellent and I was so happy to learn about different faiths and cultures that night. Every student at the University of Rhode Island should come to this event."

Dr. Joanna Ravello, Director, Community and Organizational Development within the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, attended the Shabbat dinner and had very kind words to say about it. "It was so beautiful to learn a little more about the traditions of the Jewish faith. Perhaps most importantly, it was a wonderful opportunity to break bread with people I may not ordinarily come into contact with. In connecting with others that day in such a safe and welcoming environment, I was called to a place of gratitude because not everyone has these precious moments to share with others. It was very impactful."