One thing that all high school juniors can agree on is that eleventh grade has its challenges – specifically the academic side of it. Junior year is the most demanding and challenging year for most, as students begin prepping for college, taking on a rigorous course load, studying for the SAT/ACT, and joining several extracurricular activities.
Fortunately, Student Life Director Oded Karavani was able to bring a spec of light to Hillel juniors when he informed them about their eleventh-grade Shabbaton Trip in the American Northeast. This educational excursion took the class from a typical school setting to the serene Camp Seneca Lake to enjoy a weekend of bonding and fun. Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Camp Seneca Lake provided the ideal setting for the students to escape the hustle of city life and immerse themselves in a peaceful and reflective environment (especially following the tragic events taking place in Israel).
Once landing in the Northeast, the first stop on the itinerary was to visit the Jewish Museum of Heritage in New York City. Although the purpose of this trip was for the juniors to enjoy some time away from school, Oded felt that the grade needed to visit the museum. It served as a somber (yet crucial) prelude to the weekend, prompting deep reflections on the impact of history on the modern-day.
After spending the day in the museum, the students had a long bus ride to Camp Seneca Lake. Once they reached the campsite, the juniors settled in their bunks and made sure to be well-rested for the exciting days to come. In the following days, student activities consisted of a sports league for the guys, a challah bake for the girls, “capture the flag” with glow sticks, swimming in a heated indoor pool, and engaging in deep discussions about religious principles. These sessions – led by Hillel faculty – provided a unique opportunity for the students to explore their Jewish identities more profoundly. Shabbat allowed the juniors an opportunity to disconnect from the online world and embrace the sacred day together.
When asked what was so unique about the Shabbaton experience, Tali Cohen said, “Seeing the whole grade coming together during Shabbat was so unique. I loved seeing everyone singing and dancing together after Shabbat dinner. It was very memorable.”
The Shabbaton was not merely a trip but a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on the student population. The Shabbaton fostered an environment where education extended beyond the classroom walls.
Thank you to Rav Oded and all the staff members who made this Shabbaton possible! Let’s hope to see many more incredible Shabbatons to come!
