It might be surrounded by Greek houses, but the Tulane Hillel at The Goldie and Morris Mintz Center for Jewish Life is host to more than ordinary social gatherings.  Tulane Hillel provides a free Friday night meal for those who partake in the weekly Shabbat ritual. Located just across the street from The Palms Bar and Grill, Hillel’s kitchen prepares an organic and kosher meal that is not only free, but is also healthy and delicious.

The Goldie and Morris Mintz Center for Jewish Life was built in 2009 “to respond to the broadening capacity that Hillel’s Shabbat dinners was experiencing,” Liza Sherman, CEO of Tulane Hillel, said.

Sherman said the building was designed to feel welcoming to the Jewish students at Tulane, and  Loyola students can also check in as visitors at the center.

The Shabbat meal first begins with both conservative and reform services at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. After the prayer services, the dinner, prepared by Chef Harveen Khera, begins around 7:30 p.m. or 7:45 p.m., depending on that night’s crowd.

The average attendance of the Shabbat meal reaches around the dining hall’s capacity with 200 to 300 people. Most of those in attendance are the Jewish students of Tulane, as that was the buildings initial purpose, Sherman said, but they welcome the attendance of Loyola’s Jewish students.

The typical meal at Tulane Hillel on a Friday night usually consists of six different groups: the trio of spreads such as hummus, babaganoush, carrot plate, house-made Challah, farmer’s market Israeli salad, roasted chicken and potatoes, seasonal vegetables and chocolate cake. The meals each week differ slightly, as some weeks have a theme.

Other than putting on the weekly Shabbat dinners, the Tulane Hillel offers service opportunities for any that are interested in participating. Tulane Hillel performs various student-led holiday and service programs to serve both the local Jewish community and all of those in need.