There was definitely a huge contrast between Shabbat and Yom Kippur services, but a clear similarity between both was the strength of the community. On Friday evening, I went with a friend of mine to Shabbat services held at the Chabad house located off campus, and proceeded to eat way too much. Apparently, the homemade challah and delicious matzo ball soup were intended to utterly shock the senses. Besides the food, however, there were pre-dinner services that referred to the significance of Yom Kippur which, at that point, was only about a day away. While everyone was serious during the services, the moment the food was placed upon the table, there was much laughter and entertainment.

Meanwhile, on Sunday night and Monday, I sat in a Starbucks that was full of study groups consisting of many others who were also fasting to atone for their sins. True, the scent of coffee beans was tempting, but it was better than sitting alone in my dorm room with nothing to distract myself from the remaining hours to go before being allowed to eat food again.

At the Chabad house, it was clear that the sense of community was meant to be a reminder as to why we were all fasting. In all, the meal seemed very similar to the themes of Thanksgiving — being grateful for all that we have in our lives, appreciating the luxury of being able to have good food, and recognizing the bonds of friendship that automatically form in the absence of family.