Annual Russian Shabbaton to Celebrate Jewish Pride

The 15th Annual International Russian Jewish Shabbaton, scheduled to take place in three weeks, will be the largest celebration of Jewish pride for the Russian Jewish Community in the US.

There are only three weeks left until the largest celebration of Jewish pride for the Russian Jewish Community in the US. As more yidden are inspired to embrace Jewish unity, registration for the Shabbaton skyrocketed and is almost totally sold out.

What more appropriate time can there be than the joyous month of Adar to celebrate the International Russian Jewish Shabbaton? And what more appropriate theme for this year’s Shabbaton can there be than “Am Yisrael Chai”? One thousand yidden from 40 communities and 16 states, from the full spectrum of Torah observance will gather b’achdus and declare with one voice that Am Yisrael will vanquish her enemies, now and forever.

Keynote Speaker Aleeza Ben Shalom, flying in from Israel, world famous matchmaker, star of Netflix show, “Jewish Matchmaking”, will share her inspiring spiritual journey.  

The amazing lineup of speakers include: Yair Ansbacher, PhD, strategic consultant to Prime Minister’s office, IDF combat soldier in special counter-terrorism force, who will share his story of being under fire in Gaza;  Rabbi Manis Friedman, world-renowned expert on relationships, author, lecturer and philosopher; Rabbi Yehoram Ullman,head of Rabbinical Court, Sydney, Australia; Ilya Axelrod, side-splitting comedian and IDF reservist; Avi Peretz, Israeli singing sensation; Isabella Reichel, EdD, Touro University professor and researcher; Itay Milner Spokesperson and Consul for Media Affairs at Israeli Consulate, New York, and many more renowned speakers. 

For the full lineup of this year’s speakers, for more information and to register, visit www.russianshabbaton.com.

This herculean undertaking is pulled together each year by Rabbi Benzion Laskin, Shabbaton Director, is joint project of Lubavitch Youth Organization, under the directorship of Program Director, Rabbi Kasriel Kastel and Chamah International: Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman, President, Rabbi Moshiach Chudaitov, Executive Vice President, Rabbi Binyomin Malachovski, Executive Director, and Rabbi Berri Spitezki, Director of Development. Many weeks of meticulous planning is evident by the smooth running of the event by Rabbi Laskin and his hard working Program Committee: Rabbis Baruch Lepkivker , Moshe Chaim Levin. 

Velvel Belinsky, and Eli Kogan

From the lavish welcome buffet lunch on Friday through the farewell meal Sunday afternoon, it’s one joyous celebration. Guests choose from seventy lectures by some of the greatest Torah scholars in the Jewish community, rabbis, doctors, and professors, which are delivered both in Russian and English on a broad range of topics, at times six sessions running simultaneously. 

The learning touches people’s minds and hearts. The vast array of topics including halacha, kabbalah, text-based Torah study sessions, Torah and science, optimizing good health, interpersonal relationships, family, chassidus, and hands-on workshops, such as challah baking, food decorating, and more.

The guests will spend three idyllic days at the luxurious Hilton in Parsippany, New Jersey, learning, relaxing and rejuvenating in company of their friends, old and new. Each year families with small children, bubbies and zeidies, professionals, students, singles, and teens, even three-generational families, experience an authentic Shabbos, many for the very first time. No effort nor expense is spared to provide the ultimate learning experience and world-class entertainment. The sensational concerts, the abundant gourmet cuisine, plus 24-hour tea room, the beauty of a traditional Shabbos celebration, the feeling of achdus that permeates the large crowd—makes a lasting impact on the guests.

One of the main accomplishments of the Shabbaton is creating Jewish families. An extensive singles program is planned. Rabbi Yisroel Bernath, the “love Rabbi”, founder of JMatchmaking International, will lead the speed-dating events, dating coach mentorship, and one-on-one sessions followed by matchmaking right at the Shabbaton. Separate events are held for younger and older singles. Each year several couples who had met at the Russian Shabbaton are married. Last year, a couple who met at the first Shabbaton came back with their children.

The fun-filled and educational children’s full-day program, which frees the parents to fully participate and enjoy the program will be headed by Bracha Zaltzman, and professional babysitting services will be headed by Mrs. Sima Vernick.

The fun-filled Motzoei Shabbos program for women will be kicked off by an incredible Jewish Jazz Concert by vivacious and acclaimed Israeli Composer and Singer Zlata Razdolina, and virtuoso violinist Rivka Miriam Fisher. The grand concert for the entire crowd will feature Israeli singing sensations Avi Peretz and  Vladi Blayberg  and famed Cantor Moshe Shur. 

The Shabbaton is the perfect medium for Shluchim to bring their mekuravim up to the next level. It is their hard work year after year that makes the Shabbaton such an amazing event. The Shabbaton lasts three idyllic days but its impact lasts a lifetime.

For more information and to register visit russianshabbaton.com or call 646-565-3735.