University of Miami students and community members gathered on March 27 for a special Shabbat celebration hosted by University of Miami Hillel and attended by students from UCatholic.
The event marked the second gathering supported by the Brophy Family Educational Fund, which was established in 2025 to bring Hillel and UCatholic student communities together twice each year.
More than 200 students participated in the inaugural interfaith event in November, when Hillel students joined UCatholic for Mass celebrated by Father Richard Vigoa. Last week’s gathering brought the two communities together again, this time at Hillel for a Shabbat service and dinner.
For many students, the evening offered more than an opportunity to learn about another faith tradition. It created space for conversation, friendship, and a deeper sense of belonging.
“The Brophy Interfaith Education Program has provided such a unique opportunity for students of different faiths to come together over a meal and their faith. Programs like this help our students to explore together the role spiritual life will play in their lives as they transition into adulthood,” said Patricia Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement.
“This is a special way our Jewish and Catholic students grow and learn. I am grateful to Father Vigoa of St. Augustine for celebrating the UCatholic Mass on November 11 and Rabbi Cook of Hillel for presiding Shabbat service on March 27,” she added.
The Brophy Family Educational Fund was created by University of Miami parents in honor of their daughters’ experiences at the University. The fund supports opportunities for students from different faith backgrounds to come together through shared worship, meals, and dialogue.
Father Vigoa a said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating spaces where students can explore their own beliefs while learning from others.
“In a time when there’s so much division, it was beautiful to see our students simply come together, praying, sharing a meal, and strengthening relationships. What struck me most was how natural it all felt. The focus is not on what makes us different but on building friendships. Our traditions are different, but they share the same roots, and they form people who care deeply about growing in faith with God. And that’s where real understanding begins. When you know someone, you don’t see them as ‘other’ anymore; you see them as an ally towards helping build a better world,” Vigoa said.
Friday’s event included a traditional Shabbat service followed by a shared meal, with students from both communities gathering around tables to talk, ask questions, and reflect on one another’s traditions.
The evening underscored the role interfaith dialogue can play on a college campus. Rather than approaching one another as observers, students were invited to participate in each other’s faith experiences.
At the University of Miami, spirituality is an important part of many students’ lives. Religious organizations located on and near campus provide opportunities not only for worship and fellowship, but also for students to engage across faith traditions.
Student leaders said those opportunities are especially meaningful at a time when many young people are seeking connection and community.
The partnership between Hillel and UCatholic demonstrates how interfaith experiences can strengthen campus life by encouraging students to listen, learn, and build relationships.
Thanks to the Brophy Family Educational Fund, those opportunities will continue. The two communities will gather again next academic year, continuing a tradition rooted in shared respect and understanding.
“It was super cool to give lots of my friends who aren’t Jewish the opportunity to come experience a shabbat service and dinner. I think this sort of thing opens up conversations that don't otherwise happen,” said Luke Cohen, a junior serving as the vice president of Hillel.
Campus Religious Organizations come together through the Division of Student Affairs Chaplin's Association by providing resources for student's spiritual needs. Learn more about the Chaplin's Association here.
