(Courtesy of Bnei Akiva) Each year, Bnei Akiva hosts the IDP (Israel Day Parade) Shabbaton at Camp Moshava in Indian Orchard, Pennsylvania. This weekend brings together teens from across North America to connect with each other, deepen their connection to Israel and prepare to proudly march in New York City’s annual Celebrate Israel Day Parade.
This year the shabbaton centered on connection and ruach, building a sense of unity and energy that could be channeled into action. The day began with learning about Lag B’Omer, where teens learnt in chaburot. These learning sessions emphasized how Torah values shape the way the Jewish people show up as leaders in their communities and in support of Israel.
The first activity, or peulah, was titled “Od Lo Avdah Tikvatenu — Giving Hope to Others.” These words from Hatikvah served as a launching point for reflection on Jewish resilience throughout history and the Jewish people’s responsibility to carry that hope forward in the present.
Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to enjoy classic camp experiences. Sports tournaments, challah baking, silent DJ, and tie-dye gave teens a chance to enjoy time with friends between the structured sessions and discussions.
As Shabbat approached, the entire group gathered outdoors for Kabbalat Shabbat. The singing, dancing and energy was uplifting. That night, a lively tisch kept the ruach going strong. Betzalel Hazen, shaliach from Cleveland, shared a powerful story about his time in the army, describing how he felt God’s protection while under fire, and the deep spiritual connection he experienced bringing his arba minim with him. Many teens stayed up late into the night, continuing to learn, connect and be inspired by the Torah and by one another.
On Shabbat day, the focus on learning deepened, with one central discussion addressing how to process and respond to today’s complex reality in Israel through both a Torah lens and a leadership lens. Rav Shaul Feldman, executive director of Bnei Akiva of the United States and Canada, gave a powerful dvar Torah on this topic. Reflecting on the shabbaton, he shared, “As we discussed throughout the shabbaton, to become kadosh you have to be someone who takes action. It’s about stepping up, leading and taking responsibility. This shabbaton was filled with teens who truly stepped up as leaders, connecting deeply to Torah, to Am Yisrael, and to something greater than themselves. That is true kedusha.”
A highlight of the day was hearing from guest speaker Jen Airley, the mother of Sgt. Binyamin Airley, HY”D, who was killed in Gaza. Her message, drawn from personal experience and deep faith, offered powerful insight into resilience, loss and hope. Her words left a lasting impact on all who heard them. “Hearing Jen Airley talk about losing her son was incredibly meaningful and changed my perspective on this war. Walking on 5th Avenue, I was reminded of the achdut of Am Yisrael during these challenging times,” said Bezalel Sinensky from Lower Merion Snif.
Shabbat was ushered out with slow shira, where everyone gathered in song together and heard final words from Airley. The night ended with a barbecue where music, conversation and singing continued late into the evening, marking the final night of the shabbaton.
At 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, it was time to pack up and head to Manhattan. After davening and loading the buses, the group joined tens of thousands of others in the Israel Day Parade, marching proudly down 5th Avenue. Flags waving, songs ringing out and smiles on every face was a powerful expression of pride and solidarity with Israel.
The IDP Shabbaton is more than just a weekend, it’s part of a broader mission. Bnei Akiva’s goal is to inspire young Jews to live lives of Torah, leadership and deep connection to Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael. Through year-round programs in local communities, summer camps and global events, Bnei Akiva continues to educate and empower the next generation of proud, committed Jews.
