In a typical year, students from The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies would have participated in a shabbaton weekend. Students from the supplementary Sunday school program for teens in Bergen County report that the shabbaton weekends are highlights of their five years as BCHSJS students.

Of course, this is an atypical year. A weekend away at a hotel was not a possibility, and so in lieu of a shabbaton this year, BCHSJS had its first ever Sundayton on Sunday, May 2. It was a nod to the shabbatonim of years past, with the flavor of this year baked in. Students participated in outdoor sporting events, designed mask chains, participated in a cake decorating challenge where their cake structure had to be one foot tall and have a Jewish message, and tie dyed T-shirts with the message: Community Boosts Immunity. This statement is obviously not scientifically proven, but it’s very clear that community has held us together this year.

The culminating event was a drum circle. One drum alone is loud but hearing many drums together is powerful. This was a perfect representation of why being part of a community is great.