KINGSTON, R.I.- Jan. 30, 2017 – To bring people of all faiths together to share their unique differences and cultures, the Hillel Jewish Student Center at the University of Rhode Island will hold its annual Avi Schaefer Multicultural/Multifaith Shabbat Dinner. The dinner is also the closing event in this year’s URI Martin Luther King Jr. week.

The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Norman M. Fain Hillel Center, at 6 Fraternity Circle. The event is inspired and named for Avi Schaefer, a Brown University student who was killed by a drunk driver in 2010. Throughout his short life, Schaefer dedicated himself to promoting the values of mutual respect and active listening. After his death, his family set up a fund to perpetuate the goals that guided their son during his lifetime.

The dinner will begin with student-led blessings from several faith traditions, followed by an eclectic, global vegetarian meal and conversation focused on sharing backgrounds, religions and cultures. The evening will conclude with a performance by Rhody Rhapsodies, URI’s premiere acapella ensemble.

The Avi Schaefer Multicultural/Multifaith Dinner is co-sponsored by the Chaplains Association and the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, as part of its Critical Community Conversations Series. Additional support comes from the Avi Schaefer Fund and the Hinenu Department of Hillel International.

The event is free for the University of Rhode Island community members and students, but reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, please visit  or call (401)-874-2740.

Media Contact:
Josephine Maida
josephine.maida@gmail.com / (973) 309-0234

About Us: Hillel creates a warm and caring atmosphere where students are encouraged and empowered to explore Judaism in ways that are meaningful to them.  Hillel offers an array of social, cultural, religious, community service and Israel-related programming, as well as leadership development opportunities.