No matter where you are at school, you've probably noticed the official arrival of the Jewish High Holidays. Like me, students everywhere were excited to celebrate—some flocking home for a family meal, some attending local dinners and services on campus, and maybe some just sending a selfie with the "L'Shanah Tovah" Snapchat filter. Either way, while last week consisted of lots of amazing Challah, apples, and honey for Rosh Hashanah, this coming week calls for the dreaded Yom Kippur fast. While I definitely have my fair share of work with midterm "szn" beginning to pick up pace, my friends and I made sure to attend Rosh Hashanah dinner at Chabad—and we were definitely not alone. Here are the top 5 things I realized while sharing an amazing meal with over 100 other Badger students just like myself...

1. The power of a home-cooked, Jewish meal.

While Madison truly has the best to offer when it comes to restaurants, there's something about these traditional dishes that simply can't be beat. Sitting with friends clearing full plates of challah, hummus, veggies, chicken, kugel, and (of course) dessert had us all stress-free, laughing, and in a great mood.

2. A newfound appreciation for my community.

At a Big 10 school like Wisconsin, it can be easy to feel as if you're lost within the huge crowd. However, sitting across from other students who chose to attend dinner and celebrate their religious heritage granted me a sense of deeper belonging and allowed me to feel at home amongst a group of welcoming, familiar people.

3. A greater understanding for my grandparents :)

I must admit, in the past I rolled my eyes when my grandparents made a huge fuss over holiday dinners and making sure to say every single prayer, but my perspective has definitely changed. Chabad has shown me that celebrating our heritage is special, and I've come to truly appreciate the effort my grandparents put in each year. Without them (especially my grandma's fab cooking), it wouldn't be possible!

4. The importance of tradition.

As I'm sure you can agree, college life is busy! Students are sprinting from class to class, meal to library, and still making it out at night. Recognizing tradition, like being sure to gather together for holiday dinners, allows us to feel calm, grounded, and a part of something- no matter how stressed out we may actually be.

5. How fortunate we are.

We're all so so lucky to have a place here on campus where we can safely come together to celebrate the things that are important to us. Not everyone has this opportunity, and this is important to recognize and be grateful for.

Happy Holidays to all of you out there celebrating!!!!!!!!!