NJ Shluchim Enjoy a Weekend of Unity and Inspiration

On Shabbos Parshas Vayechi, 59 families and children (close to 400 in total ka”h!) of New Jersey Shluchim came together to spend an uplifting and beautiful Shabbos together, in what may be the first statewide Shluchim Family Shabbaton of its kind.

This past Shabbos Vayechi, the Mental Health Initiative of Chabad of New Jersey hosted the first-ever statewide NJ Chabad House Shluchim Family Shabbaton at the Marriot Delta in Woodbridge, NJ.

59 families and children (close to 400 in total K’ah!) came together to spend an uplifting and beautiful Shabbos together, in what may be the first statewide Shluchim Family Shabbaton of its kind!

The Shabbaton was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Pearl Herson, AH.

The Shabbaton far exceeded all expectations, creating an atmosphere of connection, joy, and inspiration. From the first moments, the unity of shluchim and shluchos was palpable, as they shared insights, experiences, and inspiration throughout the weekend.

From the beautiful welcome baskets at check-in Friday to the breakfast before checkout Sunday morning, no detail was overlooked to provide a calm and uplifting Shabbos together.

A special thank you to Nati of Mendy’s Catering along with Yitzy Silver, who graciously went above and beyond to provide abundant delicious and stunningly prepared food for all the Seudos thought the weekend.

Rabbi Mendy Herson welcomed the family of Shluchim during the Shabbos seudah, and shared how the Rebbe encouraged his father Rabbi Moshe Herson, Head Shliach of New Jersey, to maintain good working relationships with politicians, and how this vision of the Rebbe ultimately contributed to the funding and establishment of the New Jersey Mental Health Initiative.

One of the most memorable highlights were the Shabbos peer-led Shluchim and Shluchos Farbrengens both Friday night and Shabbos day, where the energy was nothing short of electrifying — culminating in spontaneous dancing that reflected the high spirits and strong bond among the attendees. The sense of achdus was tangible, with everyone leaving feeling rejuvenated and deeply connected to one another.

Hachlotos were made to increase efforts to help Yidden put on Tefillin, to reach out to fellow Shluchim when they need encouragement, and to increase in chavrusa learning regularly.

The children’s program, featured separate tracks for boys and girls both with older and younger divisions, with all the details planned by the MyShliach team under the auspices of Suite 302, who oversaw an incredible staff of Bochurim to lead the boys’ division program. The kids were engaged and well-cared for, giving parents the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the event’s inspiration. Babysitting and Hallway monitors were provided as well, ensuring that the adults could fully participate in the farbrengens.

A special thanks to all of the NJ Shluchim’s very own 8th-grade, High School, and post-High School girls who did an outstanding job staffing the babysitting and girls programs throughout Shabbos.

Motzei Shabbos featured swimming for boys and later for girls, a beautiful Melave Malka, and a spectacular children’s show by NJ Shluchim’s very own Dr. Schnitzel, bringing laughter and excitement to the children and capping off an unforgettable experience.

Reflecting on the event, one Shlucha shared, “I never imagined that this Shabbos together would be this amazing. The level of care, the relationships formed, and the positive energy was beyond anything I could have imagined. This Shabbaton will have a lasting impact on my entire family — I truly believe it will resonate and stay with us for a long time.”

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for this to become an annual tradition. The care, energy, and lasting friendships made this Shabbaton a resounding success.

This event stands as a testament to the incredible growth of Chabad in NJ and the Rebbe’s vision of unity and strength in Shlichus. The impact of this Shabbaton will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.

Credits & Thank You:

We are deeply grateful to all who volunteered their time to make this Shabbaton beautiful! A hearty Yasher Koach to all the Shluchim and Shluchos who prepared Shiurim, presented and shared talks, and farbrenged throughout Shabbos.

Rabbi Moshe Herson, Head Shliach to New Jersey for his vision to help the Shluchim and for all his encouragement and support.

Mental Health Initiative of NJ Va’ad who planned and organized the entire Shabbaton:
Rabbi Mendy Herson
Rabbi Shalom Lubin
Rabbi Avi Richler
Rabbi Sruly Goldberg
Mrs. Nechamy Simon
Mrs. Mushky Levinson

A special thank you to Rabbi Chaim Shapiro and to the kitchen staff at the Rabbinical College of America who arranged groups of Bochurim along with food for Shabbos, so Shluchim’s Shuls could run smoothly over Shabbos.

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