UMBC Hillel Shabbat Experience Survey
We're looking to make Shabbat at UMBC more meaningful, welcoming, and enjoyable for Jewish students. Whether you come every week, occasionally, or have never attended, we'd love your feedback.This survey should take about 5-10 minutes. While this survey is anonymous, you will have the opportunity to give us your information at the end for a raffle for the chance to win a UMBC Hillel baseball cap.
About You
What year will you be at UMBC this fall? (please only select a specific year if returning)
*
New (freshman, graduate student, or transfer)
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate student
Alum from fall 2025/spring 2026
How connected do you currently feel to Jewish Life at UMBC?
*
Not at all connected
1
2
3
4
Very connected
5
1 is Not at all connected, 5 is Very connected
How often have you attended a UMBC Hillel Shabbat program in the past year?
*
Rows
Never
Once
A few times
About monthly
Most weeks
Frequency
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Current Shabbat offerings
How satisfied are you with the current UMBC Hillel Shabbat offerings?
*
Very dissatisfied
1
2
3
4
Very satisfied
5
1 is Very dissatisfied, 5 is Very satisfied
Which parts of our current Shabbat offerings do you enjoy the most? (Select all that apply.)
*
Relaxing and social atmosphere
Seeing friends
Meeting new people
Food
Singing/prayers
Jewish learning/discussion
Shabbat rituals (Kiddush, Motzi, candle lighting)
Crafts/activities
Themed events
NA
Other
What prevents you from attending Shabbat more often? (Select all that apply.)
*
Scheduling conflicts
Too busy with coursework
Don't know many people there
Shabbat isn't my preferred type of event
Timing is inconvenient
Location is inconvenient
Food options don't meet my needs
Services/ritual feel too long
Services/ritual feel too limited
I'm home over Shabbat
Not interested
NA
Other
How satisfied are you with the current food offerings at Hillel Shabbat
*
1
2
3
4
5
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Future Shabbat Programming
Which kinds of Shabbat experiences would you be most interested in? Please rate each (5 being most interested)
*
Rows
1
2
3
4
5
Traditional Shabbat dinner
Shabbat services
Casual oneg with snacks and conversation
Student-led Shabbat
Shabbat with games and social activities
Shabbat with guided discussion
Musical Shabbat
Volunteer/service-oriented Shabbat
Shabbat retreat or off-campus experience
Outdoor Shabbat (i.e. picnic)
Partnerships with other student organizations
What themes or topics would you be most interested in or make you more likely to attend Shabbat?
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Jewish identity and personal journeys
Jewish holidays and traditions
Israel and Israeli culture
Current events and issues affecting Jewish communities
Mental health, wellness, and self-care
Jewish life post-college
Social justice, service, and repairing the world (tikkun olam)
LGBTQ+ Jewish life
Jewish food, culture, music, and arts
Celebrating student milestones (birthdays, graduations, achievements, etc.)
No specific theme—I prefer to just focus on Shabbat
Other
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Ritual and Services
What level of ritual would you prefer at UMBC Hillel Shabbat events?
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No formal ritual
Very brief ritual (5 minutes)
Some ritual integrated into the event
Traditional Kiddush/Hamotzi and songs
More traditional service experience
Would you be interested in attending Shabbat services on campus if offered?
*
Definitely yes
Probably yes
Might attend occasionally
Probably not
Definitely not
If services were offered, which style would you prefer? (Select all that apply.)
*
Reform
Conservative/traditional egalitarian
Orthodox
Musical/spiritual
Short and informal
No preference
Not interested in services
Other
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Food Preferences
What kinds of food would you be most excited to have at a Shabbat dinner? (Select up to 5)
*
Traditional Shabbat meal (chicken, rice/potatoes, vegetables, challah)
Israeli cuisine (falafel, shawarma, hummus, pita, rice bowls)
Sephardi/Mizrahi cuisine
Comfort foods (mac & cheese, baked pasta, mashed potatoes, etc.)
BBQ or grilled foods
Vegetarian or vegan meals
International-themed dinners
Build-your-own meals (tacos, pasta bar, baked potato bar, deli, etc.)
Brunch-for-dinner
Sushi
Other
Which oneg refreshments are most appealing to you? (Select up to 5)
*
Traditional Shabbat treats (challah, rugelach, babka etc.)
Desserts and baked goods
Coffee, tea, and hot drinks
Chis and dips/spread
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Israeli snacks and treats (bissli, krembo, etc.)
Ice cream or specialty treats
"Charcuterie" grazing (cheese, crackers, dried fruit, olives, etc.)
More substantial food (bagels, pizza, etc)
Candy
Other
Do you have any dietary needs?
*
None
Specific stringencies around kashrut (i.e. only certain hechshers)
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten free
Dairy free
Peanut allergy
Tree nut allergy
Sesame allergy
Other
Please elaborate on kashrut chumrahs (stringencies)
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Apartment Shabbat Lunches
How interested would you be in attending a Shabbat lunch in a student apartment or off-campus home?
*
Not at all interested
1
2
3
4
Very interested
5
1 is Not at all interested, 5 is Very interested
Would you be interested in hosting or co-hosting an apartment Shabbat lunch?
*
Yes, definitely
Maybe, if I had support
Maybe in the future
No
If you might host, what support would help (select all that apply)
Funding for food
Help with planning
A co-host
Ritual supplies
Marketing/invitations
Transportation support
Other
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Final Thoughts
What's one thing we could do to make Shabbat more appealing or meaningful for you?
*
If you could create your ideal Shabbat experience at UMBC, what would it look like?
*
Name (optional, required for raffle)
First Name
Last Name
Email (optional, required for raffle)
example@example.com
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