On Friday we started our Shabbaton journey this year, too. This meant that we were able to connect to each other like never before due to the nature of Shabbat. We arrived just before sunset, therefore we just had enough time to lay down the rules and talk about what would happen during our Shabbaton. Then we took pictures of us to cap off on not only one of the last nights we had together but probably some of the BT students’ last Shabbaton. Then we started a core part of a shabbaton which is praying, in my opinion this part of a Shabbaton, especially on Friday is one of the most important things a program like this can offer. The most amazing thing about praying together on Shabbat is the fact that we not only do get closer to G-d but through Hashem we find a way we can get closer to each other. After welcoming Shabbat with praying, we had our first shabbat dinner together. After our amazing dinner, we prayed and went on to have a bit of free time at the end of the day. This I think it is the best part of not only the Shabbaton but the whole trip. Here we talk, we laugh without our phones or other distractions of modern-day life and get not only the most traditional Jewish experience but a great connection to Hashem, and gives a new meaning to Jewish identity in my opinion, which for me gives a new perspective to not only my everyday life but expands my Jewish identity by sharing my experiences that I would have never before been able to experience. On Saturday morning after everyone woke up and had their quick breakfast we went to the great shul of Beth Tfiloh. In the shul we had our morning prayers together and after that we had the opportunity to have kiddush with the shul’s community. It was so nice to see that we were strangers for the people in the community, but a lot of them came up to us and we had amazing conversations with them. After the morning activities we had about an hour and a half free time, then our students and the BT students organized mini games for the whole group. We had a lot of fun together during the whole Shabbaton. Soon most of us realized that this wonderful week was already in the finish line. Before the end of Shabbat we had our prayers together and created a circle with all participants of this program and some of the SOS alumni’s also joined us. Similarly to last year this activity was one of the most meaningful of the whole week. We sang together and some of us could share their thoughts about the week. After this emotional group activity we waited for the sunset together. In conclusion, the shabbaton is still one of the best opportunities for us to make lifetime connections and this is the main mission of this program.
Benedek P., Grade 10
Amir K., Grade 10
