A lot of amazing things happen at Bruriah High School, but none as amazing as the highly anticipated school-wide Shabbaton, the week of Parshat Titzaveh/Zachor.
The ParsIppany Hilton became home to about 400 Bruriah students, faculty and families for an entire weekend. Under the direction of Aliza Blumenthal, director of Student Life, and Dena Lichtman, director of Programming, the weekend is inspiring, transformative and awesome. Together with G.O. student government and faculty, they create a magical and memorable Shabbos that includes zemiros, guest speakers, excellent food and kumzitz.
The week leading up to the shabbaton is almost as fun-filled as the shabbaton itself. A highlight of shabbaton prep is taking time to write Shabbat-O-Grams, greetings for a beautiful Shabbos to friends and faculty. An annual fundraiser, this year the money raised from the purchase of Shabbat-O-Grams is being donated to the Chabad of Parkland, FL.
During prep week, students crafted beautiful centerpieces and murals, wrote entertaining skits and practiced songs with the choirs. The G.O. feverishly practiced their own entertaining skit.
The weekend kicked off Thursday night for the seniors, who were treated to dinner on Elmora Avenue and a trip to the mall before heading to the hotel, where the G.O. waited with smiles and music. The dancing lasted long into the night, complete with Purim-themed relay races. After a late night, the seniors woke to a breakfast catered just for them. Newly energized, they welcomed the faculty and rest of the students.
The G.O. broke out its theme of “The Greatest Shabbos,” and the excitement was contagious. Girls settled into their rooms, curling irons and eyeshadow strewn about, to get ready for Shabbos. Once Shabbos began, inspirational Divrei Torah were delivered, beautiful zemirot were sung, delicious food was served and stimulating conversation with teachers enhanced every moment of Shabbos.
Bruriah was lucky to have the talented Leanne Safier speak about her life before becoming a ba’alat teshuva. Between the constant flow of food, friends, faculty and fun, this year’s G.O. Shabbos was unlike any other. Even when the flickering candle of Havdala and school-wide kumzitz signaled the end of Shabbos, the weekend was far from over.
Decked in customized shirts, each grade participated in a series of game shows, from Kahoot to Lip Synch, to prove their grade’s abilities. A melaveh malka and chagiga followed, complete with grade slideshows and a song written and sung by Principal Rabbi Oratz, and accompanied by guitar.
The night was capped off for the seniors with a special program as they relived their fond memories of Bruriah. As the sun came up, the Bruriah girls sleepily enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading for their buses home. While they could barely keep their eyes open, Bruriah students and faculty will never forget their amazing shabbaton and the memories they shared.
By Rivki Hook (‘18)
