Approximately 75 ninth graders and 25 staff members joined together at the Clinton Holiday Inn for Bnei Akiva North East’s annual shevet naming shabbaton on December 21-22. The shabbaton celebrated the group becoming a united “shevet” and receiving their shevet name: Dorot (generations). Meaningful educational programming, lively tefillot and an exciting carnival on Motzei Shabbat were just some of the highlights of the shabbaton.

Every year since 1933, ninth graders involved in Bnei Akiva throughout the world have received a unique shevet name that is symbolic of various aspects of Judaism, Zionism or other Bnei Akiva values. The name of the shevet becomes a source of identification and unification for all those involved, for the rest of their lives.

Over the course of the shabbaton, the participants learned about the significance of their shevet name. The name Dorot represents the values of tradition and striving toward a common goal.

The shabbaton was a massive success and the first of many programs for the newly established shevet Dorot.