The undisputed highlight of the Bruriah school year is the Shabbaton, known as “G.O. Shabbos.” Students and faculty alike anticipate this event each year, and alumni fondly recall their own G.O. Shabbos as a formative part of their Bruriah experience where they made strong, lasting connections with friends and teachers.
G.O. Shabbos took place this past shabbos, Parshat Yitro, at the Holiday Inn in Piscataway, New Jersey. Shabbos was centered around the theme of “שש אנכי על אמרתך כמוצא שלל רב,” or Appreciating Hashem’s Treasures, a beautiful continuation of the Yom Iyun earlier this week with Mrs. Tehilla Bollag. Students welcomed in Shabbos with a beautiful Kabbalas Shabbos, followed by a delicious Shabbos seudah. The seudah featured a dvar Torah from sophomore Sarah Plotsker, followed by a hilarious skit by the hosts of the Shabbaton, the G.O. After the seudah, students heard the first address from the featured guest speaker, renowned educator and speaker Mrs. Shevi Samet who spoke about the unique relationship we have with Hashem. Students then enjoyed a beautiful and lively oneg led by their grade advisors.
Shabbos morning began with an inspiring davening, including a drasha by Halacha Department Chair and Rav of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Highland Park, Rabbi Miodownik. A delicious kiddush followed davening, along with dynamic workshops led by various faculty members exploring the concept of spiritual needs and satisfaction. The Shabbos seudah followed, with a dvar Torah from junior Eliyanah Gruenebaum. Following the seudah was the highly anticipated and hilarious faculty skit, followed by afternoon relaxation with friends and teachers. After Mincha, which featured a Mincha Minute by freshman Reena Greenberg, students were treated to a delicious shalosh seudos featuring sushi, poke bowls, and an inspiring dvar Torah by senior Michal Stadler. As Shabbos came to a close, Mrs. Shevi Samet reinforced the important messages and values that the students explored throughout the Shabbaton. Talented singer and chazan, Ari Mandelbaum, led a gorgeous musical Havdalah with junior Mimi Pearlman on guitar.
Motzei Shabbos ushered in the famous Bruriah Grade Wars in which grades competed against each other in a series of highly competitive games like bubble soccer, pictionary, and more. After a decadent Melave Malka complete with brick oven pizza and a pasta bar, DJ Eli brought the energy and the ruach with upbeat music and dancing which lasted well into the night.
Students departed the GO Shabbos 2025 on Sunday morning, uplifted, inspired and proud to be a part of the Bruriah family.
