Dozens of students from Yeshiva University experienced an uplifting Shabbos in Crown Heights, bonding over inspiring farbrengens, Shabbos meals, and a grand Melava Malka concert.
By Anash.org reporter
Photos: Dovber Hechtman, Yossi Fajnland/Anash.org
Dozens of students from Yeshiva University experienced an uplifting Shabbos in Crown Heights, bonding over inspiring farbrengens, Shabbos meals, and a grand Melava Malka concert.
On Friday afternoon, 2 buses packed with dozens of students from Yeshiva University arrived in front of Oholei Torah for the beginning of the annual Oholei Torah-Yeshiva University Shabbaton.
After registration and a quick bite, the program kicked off with a tour of 770 and the Rebbe’s library led by Rabbi Levi Garelik who gave the students a glimpse of its rich history and its everlasting vibrancy. For some, this was the first time they had ever been inside 770.
After this packed program, students scrambled to meet their hosts, among fifteen Crown Heights families who generously opened their homes and hearts to make the Shabbaton possible.
Meeting back together at Oholei Torah, the students and bochurim began Shabbos with a soul-stirring Seder Niggunim. After a short speech given by Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum of Tzivos Hashem, everyone moved to 770 for Kabbalas Shabbos in the Rebbe’s Room.
Following Kabollas Shabbos, the students made their way to their Friday-night meals with their gracious hosts, followed by electrifying farbrengens deep into the night.
On Shabbos morning, the group studied Chassidus together with Rabbi Zalmen Vilenkin of Oholei Torah, followed by davening in the Oholei Torah Zal with “Reb Michoel’s Minyan”.
After davening, everyone came together for a grand Shabbos lunch punctuated by lively singing and Divrei Torah from Oholei Torah and YU students.
Following seudas Shabbos, some students took the opportunity to learn in the Oholei Torah Zal, or tour Crown Heights, while others stayed in Oholei Torah to Farbreng with the Bochurim.
The Shabbaton concluded with a Melaveh Malkah Banquet, featuring the Zushe Experience. The Melaveh Malkah ended with lively dancing, and as the YU students boarded the buses to return to YU.
YU students offered overwhelmingly positive feedback, ecstatically discussing how much they enjoyed the Shabbaton, which is making a buzz on campus. Some students reported that the Shabbaton allowed them to appreciate Chabad and chassidus more than they had previously had. For others, it only reinforced positive feelings.
This year’s Shabbaton was arranged by a number of Oholei Torah bochurim, with the help of Rabbi Levi Sputz, the new shliach at YU. Organizers extended a special thank you to Rabbi Yossi Langsam, Rabbi Shmeilach Rosenfeld and Tzvi Eber. “Without them, the entire Shabbaton simply wouldn’t be possible,” they said.
However, say the organizers, they can’t pull this off without your help. Please become a partner and help them make this the greatest Shabbaton ever!
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