Livingston—During Shabbat parshat Shemot, January 9 and 10, the JKHA 7th grade students spent Shabbat with their teachers. The 7th grade girls had a fantastic Shabbaton in West Orange, while the boys spent a wonderful Shabbat in Passaic. The students were housed in the homes of JKHA families, faculty members, and their neighbors.

Debbie Finkelstein, JKHA principal, graciously opened up her home to the girls for meals and Shabbat afternoon activities. The girls appreciated spending time with JKHA MS faculty members Morah Bluman, Morah Goldstein, and Mrs. Zeif. They had a great time making challah at school on Friday before the Shabbaton, eating delicious meals at Congregation Ohr Torah and at the Finkelstein home, singing zemirot, hearing divrei torah given by students Hannah Kirsch, Maya Mendelson, and Keren Raskin, and painting pottery on Saturday night at Doin’ Dishes in Montclair.

The boys had an equally special Shabbat experience. Judaic faculty members Rabbis Selengut and Sukenik generously hosted the Shabbaton activities. The boys enjoyed spending time with them, along with Rabbis Feit, Hertzberg and Wachtel, and all of their families. The boys were privileged to see the unity and diversity that is Passaic, through davening in three different shuls, learning in a beautiful Beit Midrash, and hearing words of Torah from Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, their rebbeim, and friends. Delicious food, inspiring stories, fun games, and competitive bowling after Shabbat made this Shabbaton a great success.

The JKHA MS 7th grade Shabbaton is held every year, and this year’s 6th graders are eagerly anticipating their turn.

By Jill Kirsch