Following a successful Mivtzah run by the YG Shluchim, a Shabbaton for the Yeshivah Year 10 boys took place for the first time at the luxurious Space Hotel in downtown Melbourne, and davening in the majestic and historical East Melbourne Synagogue, which an arsonist had tried to burn down just months before.

Baruch Hashem, what took place this past Shabbos in Melbourne was nothing short of revolutionary! For the first time ever, an incredible Shabbaton for the Yeshivah College Year 10 boys lit up the heart of the city, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This wasn’t just an event, it was a breakthrough!

From start to finish, the excitement was palpable. The boys came buzzing with energy, and by the end, they were radiating with joy and Judaism. Every single participant had an incredible time. 

Boys earned this lucky token of appreciation for completing a Mivtzah run by the YG Shluchim. YG Shliach JJ Hecht said this was possibly his most successful Mivtzah he’s seen, after almost two years of Shlichus in Melbourne. 

The Five-Star Shabbos Experience

The luxurious Space Hotel, is right in downtown Melbourne on Russell St., which served as our Shabbos headquarters. And wow… What a venue! The boys were spoiled with glory! This wasn’t just a stay; it was a dream. The boys enjoyed top-notch facilities, including the rooftop with stunning city views, not to mention not having to bring your own linen on a Shabbaton is already a luxury for any Yeshivah Bochur. 

And who made this all possible? None other than the owners, who are part of the legendary Feiglin family. The hotel is run by the warm and lovable Reb Mottel Feiglin, who went above and beyond to make sure the boys felt like kings all weekend long. Reb Mottel spoiled us like sheep. And we thank him for it greatly. 

Making The Hotel Work for Shabbos and the Chassidishe Yingelach

Now, let’s talk about the biggest challenge: turning a bustling hotel filled with strangers and elevators into a Jewish delight and a Shabbos paradise. 

Space Hotel was designed for tourists, not a group of Frum Chassidishe boys, but the staff worked hand-in-hand with our team to make sure everything was kosher. The Jacuzzi served as the Mikvah, and of course, we made sure to use bathers courtesy of this fine country’s standards. The cinema was transformed into a kosher streaming hub, and the rooftop was a special site for the pretty city onlook. 

While things were definitely tricky, all the staff were well aware of our Shabbos keeping limitations and they worked accordingly. For example, all the electric doors were turned off, the prearranged lighting, comfortable heating and more. The Shluchim felt that the Space Hotel staff were understanding, kind and hard working the whole weekend long. And for that, we say thank you.

The hotel was about a ten minute walk (less than one kilometer) from the majestic and historical East Melbourne Synagogue, run by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gutnick. The Shul is a true Melbourne landmark, especially after a Jew hating scoundrel tried burning it down just months before. Thank G-d, he failed and was caught. Hooray to the world, and hooray to the police. Davening there was an experience in itself. To see the boys fill the beautiful old shul with the sound of Torah and Tefillah was magical. 

We must emphasize that the Shabbaton was functional thanks to the help of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gutnick and their amazing family. Their warmth, care, and hospitality elevated the entire Shabbaton. We ate both the Shabbos meals by the Shul, and the Rebbetzin made sure that no one went home hungry. (And all the other Rebbetzins, mothers from boys in the class, that contributed to the yummy menu). We also had delicious spiritual food from the Rabbi as he taught and inspired the boys all Shabbos long. Thank you to those that nourished us.

Of course, a stunt like this doesn’t just happen. It takes vision. It takes passion. It takes fighters to ignore those skeptics who thought it wouldn’t happen… It takes YG Shluchim. Enter JJ Hecht and Mendel Oster to the chat, the unstoppable duo from Yeshivah Gedolah. These two didn’t just organize the Shabbaton, they engineered an experience that was doubted by many but loved by all. From arranging the stunning accommodations to planning the perfect schedule, it was all awesome. The Shabbaton was Yiddishkeit in full boom. 

And behind it all, as always, were the clear Brachos of the Rebbe, guiding and blessing every step of the way.

We thank Hashem for granting us the Hatzlacha in this historic event. THANK YOU!

May this tremendous success bring even bigger and better things in the future, serving as an inspiration for the Boys to flourish, especially BiRuchnius. May all these efforts and all the hard work put in truly hasten the coming of Moshiach Now!

MOSHIACH NOW!