In an effort to counter complaints about the expense of Shabbat dinners at Hillel for students not on the kosher meal plan, Hillel has unveiled a program which offers subsidies to students.

“This is something I’ve been working on for a long time,” said Hillel Rabbi Avi Orlow. “Price should never be a barrier to people who want to join a community.”

The new plan, which went into effect last Shabbat, was developed with Bon Appetit Catering, the service responsible for meals on campus.

Under the new system, students will have the option either to pay full price or to accept a subsidy for their meal. Students with extra points can choose to donate those points into the Hillel point pool which will finance the subsidies.

“This is something that really speaks to our values,” said Orlow. “Not only does it help us welcome students in, but it helps to teach students that they can give to the community as well.”

Many students have observed that attendance at Hillel dinners has been down as compared to previous semesters. Some students living off campus have suggested that the price of dinners was one factor keeping them away.