Technion’s Shabbasino: Where Jewish Community Meets Casino-Themed Fun

The Technion campus came alive during an unforgettable weekend when JLIC Technion Students, led by student Shoshana White and her committee of dedicated peers, in conjunction with Rabbi Evan and Tova Levine (JLIC Directors) and in partnership with Mizrachi, hosted their semester Shabbaton—cleverly branded as “Shabbasino.” The casino-themed Shabbat gathering brought together over 140 students representing an impressive 23 countries, creating a truly global Jewish experience that has become a hallmark of the Levines’ programming.

The event transformed the Beit Midrash Hall into a tasteful casino-inspired atmosphere, complete with poker chips, playing cards, and dice motifs—though as the organizers made clear, no actual gambling took place at this Shomer Shabbat event. Students enjoyed a full schedule of activities, including Friday night dinner, Shabbat davening, cholent competition, and the highly anticipated poker night that kept participants engaged well into the evening.

One of the weekend’s standout moments was the thought-provoking student panel titled “Is God Playing Dice With Our Lives?”—a nod to Einstein’s famous quantum mechanics debate with Niels Bohr. More than 80 students packed the room to hear their peers from diverse religious backgrounds—atheist, agnostic, and religious—engage in profound discussion about divine involvement in the universe.

“The panel created this incredible space where students could explore deep theological questions from different perspectives,” shared an attendee. “Is everything random? Can you find meaning in randomness? Where is God in our personal lives? These aren’t questions we typically discuss in our engineering classes!”

The conversation, moderated by Rabbi Evan, featured Gabe B.; Michael H.; R. F.; and Yael R., each bringing unique theological perspectives to the discussion. What began as an academic exploration of Einstein’s famous quote quickly evolved into a deeply personal conversation about faith, science, and how different backgrounds inform one’s worldview. The dialogue exemplified the intellectual curiosity and respectful exchange that JLIC Technion consistently fosters among its diverse student population.

The Shabbasino schedule thoughtfully balanced traditional Shabbat observances with entertaining social activities. From candle lighting, davening, meals, student panels, and games, the weekend provided multiple entry points for Jewish students of all backgrounds to connect. Friday evening featured davening, followed by dinner that set the tone for the weekend’s blend of Jewish tradition and contemporary engagement.

Saturday’s activities included Shacharit, followed by lunch and the highlight panel discussion. The day concluded with a spectacular musical Havdalah ceremony where students gathered in a circle as the intertwining melodies of traditional Havdalah songs filled the night. The glow of the braided candle illuminated faces from around the world, creating a powerful moment of unity as voices joined together in harmony. Many students later remarked that this musical conclusion to Shabbat, with its blend of tradition and music, was among their most meaningful experiences of the weekend.

The success of Shabbasino builds upon the students’ creativity as well as Levines’ encouragement and track record of creative and engaging programming at the Technion. Previous events have included themed dinners, holiday celebrations that attracted hundreds of participants, and innovative educational programs that consistently draw students from across the religious spectrum. It has been wonderful to see experiences that seamlessly blend Jewish tradition with contemporary student interests, creating multiple entry points for Jewish engagement on campus.

“What makes Technion students’ and the Levines’ programming so special is how they manage to create experiences that feel authentic and meaningful to such a diverse community,” explained one student leader. “Whether you’re traditionally observant or exploring Jewish identity for the first time, their events somehow manage to speak to everyone.”

The event’s international character highlighted JLIC Technion’s unique position as a hub for global Jewish student experiences. Participants from North and South America, Europe, Australia, and across the Middle East found common ground in both their academic pursuits and their exploration of Jewish identity.

As one international student remarked, “Where else could I discuss quantum physics and theology with peers from around the world over a delicious cholent? Only at Shabbasino!”

As students departed on Saturday night, many expressed enthusiasm for future events and a deeper connection to both Jewish tradition and their campus community. The Shabbasino wasn’t just a weekend of activities but another building block in the vibrant Jewish community that continues to flourish at the Technion under the creative and dedicated leadership of student Shoshana White and her committee as well as Rabbi Evan and Tova Levine.