Leading up to Boston University’s Family and Friends Weekend, all anybody would talk about was how their parents were coming to visit. My immediate family lives in California – too far to come for the weekend or for me to go home for Thanksgiving.
As a substitute, my grandparents visited from New York. I had a great weekend with them and especially appreciated the opportunity to get out of the dorm and eat something other than dining hall food (check out my latest article, where I ranked BU’s options!). We watched the Head of the Charles and visited the Printmaker’s Biennial Gallery.
The highlight of my weekend was being invited to a Shabbat dinner hosted by our family friends in Cambridge. I did not grow up in a religious household, so outside of casual Christmases, my exposure to religion was extremely limited; I didn’t know exactly what to expect.
As soon as I walked in the door, I realized there was nothing to worry about. I was introduced to many relatives, including college students and recent graduates in the Boston area. People asked about my own college experience so far – inquiring about my classes, roommate, and Her Campus writing.
Shabbat dinner itself was not the ultra-serious event I had pictured, either. People joked about the food variety – apparently pesto pasta is a recurring dinner in that household – and there was lots of talking and laughing. After dinner, I played (and lost) many card games with the younger kids on the living room floor.
I didn’t even feel uncomfortable with not knowing any of the prayers. Each tradition, including lighting candles to represent each member of the host family and remaining silent as the Challah was passed around, was all explained to me with kindness.
All I was expected to do was be respectful and participate where I could. I also enjoyed hearing everyone sing.
I had a wonderful time. Even though this wasn’t something that I was used to at home, I found myself completely accepted into a family with new traditions to explore. I will definitely be joining them again.
My advice: step outside your comfort zone! You just might find yourself at home in a place you never expected!
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