Released Time Shabbaton Gave Children a Taste of Shabbos

With meticulous planning, Released Time hosted an unforgettable 36-hour Shabbaton experience dedicated to a Refuah Shlaima for Rabbi Sholem Ber Hecht. Crown Heights families warmly opened their homes, hosting the children for beautiful and uplifting Shabbos meals.

Crown Heights came alive with a remarkable Chanukah Shabbaton, leaving a lasting impact on dozens of Jewish public school students from the Released Time Program.

With meticulous planning and a heartfelt dedication to Jewish education, the Released Time program delivered an unforgettable 36-hour experience. This transformative event strengthened the children’s connection to their Jewish heritage and deepened their appreciation for the beauty of Shabbos observance.  “When the children say they want to start keeping Shabbos after the Shabbaton, you know it was a major success,” said Rabbi Yanky Hecht, Director of the Shabbaton.

The Shabbaton began with an exciting trip and a pizza lunch setting the tone for true friendship and connection. This was followed by an inspiring program where speakers shared heartfelt words about the beauty and importance of Shabbos, setting the stage for a meaningful Shabbaton.

Shabbos itself was the highlight of the event. Crown Heights families warmly opened their homes, hosting the children for beautiful and uplifting Shabbos meals. Their gracious hospitality provided the kids with a firsthand experience of traditional Jewish family life, helping the children feel at home, connecting them to the warmth and holiness of Shabbos.

On Shabbos day, the children enjoyed a variety of engaging programs, from a Shabbos-themed scavenger hunt down Kingston Avenue, to a lively Shabbos party led by Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum of Tzivos Hashem. The contagious energy and enthusiasm left a lasting impression, reinforcing the children’s love for the weekly Released Time program and excitement in Yiddishkeit.

As Shabbos came to a close, the children participated in a grand Havdalah ceremony, followed by lighting their own Menorahs and enjoying a festive Melave Malka Chanukah party. The evening featured spirited singing, dancing, and a live performance by renowned saxophonist Shua Katzman.

Led by coordinator Moshe Elberg, the Shabbaton concluded with an unforgettable visit to Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah, another project sponsored by the N.C.F.J.E. The children joined the celebration and had the unique opportunity to ascend the cherry picker to light the tallest Menorah. This thrilling moment of public Jewish pride brought the Shabbaton full circle, leaving the children with memories that will last a lifetime.

The impactful Shabbaton would not have been possible without the incredible support of the Crown Heights community. Families graciously opened their homes, organizers worked tirelessly, and a team of dedicated Released Time bochurim ensured every detail was executed flawlessly.

The success of the Shabbaton is evident—not only in the joy and memories it created but in the seeds of Jewish growth it planted in the hearts of the children. Many kids expressed a newfound desire to keep Shabbos, start wearing tzitzis, and deepen their connection to Jewish life.

Released Time is the flagship program of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education. The Shabbaton was in the Zchus for a speedy Refuah Shlaima for Rabbi Sholem Ber Hecht, Sholem Dovber Ben Chava, Chairman of the N.C.F.J.E.