Temple Beth Rishon’s 7th and 8th grade Youth Group enjoyed their first overnight Shabbaton. For those that are unfamiliar with the term, it is a weekend retreat mixing education, celebration and Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. The full-time Youth Group Director, Jana Schwartz, and Scott Newman of Journeys 4 Jews, planned an interactive, transformational experience for the more than 15 students attending. The event took place at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Suffern, NY.
The participants and their families, staff and chaperones arrived on Friday, October 3 at 6:00 pm. After the orientation, a Kabbalat Shabbat service was held welcoming in the Shabbat. Youth Group members then shared a Shabbat dinner with blessings and songs with their families before parents left for home; a social icebreaker allowed for a little relaxation, and this was followed by Shabbat Services. The first part of the educational program was an Introduction to T’shuva, repentance. Although it is an important focus for Yom Kippur, discussing T’shuva year round gives an opportunity to discuss how to make better choices, make amends when necessary, and learn from our mistakes.
On Saturday, after meeting again to sing, and eat breakfast, the group had an interactive Shabbat morning service with a creative acting out of the Torah portion for Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They then ate lunch and had a craft project relating to the theme that everyone enjoyed. Then there was free time with several fun options.
A Havdalah service, a ritual concluding Shabbat and welcoming the new week, culminated with friendship circle as parents returned to pick up their child joined in. By 6:00 pm, the parents, participants and staff had left for home with great enthusiasm. Even those who were originally skeptical agreed that it was an amazing weekend. One parent wrote to say: “However, sadly, in this day and age, it takes a very special time for her to be so enthused after an event is over, it is usually ‘on to the next.’ However, the sheer joy in her voice when she discusses the great experience she shared last weekend with Jana and some of her Hebrew school classmates is wonderful! The entire experience was so educational & gratifying for her, as well as just great fun.”
A student wrote (How often does that happen?): “I feel Journey4Jews helped to make our Hebrew school classmates closer. It also taught us about the New Year, feeling of community and Judaism. I definitely suggest to everyone that they go on this retreat if possible. It was an amazing experience and I strongly suggest it to anyone who is able to go next year.” This is another example of how the Youth Group engages our Temple youth through activities that foster building a positive Jewish identity through socialization and participation in diverse programming with their Jewish peers. But most importantly, Youth Group is fun.
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(Courtesy Temple Beth Rishon )
