RKYHS freshmen and sophomores spent a beautiful shabbaton together this past Shabbat, appreciating the time to bond with fellow students and faculty. After some pre-Shabbat snacks, everyone enjoyed a musical kabbalat Shabbat then a delicious Shabbat dinner in the Radisson Piscataway. Students took part in a round-robin learning program where they heard from different faculty members and students about their personal journeys on the topic of “My Jewish Life: My Relationship with Myself, Others and Hashem.” Afterwards, each grade came together for their own grade games and grade bonding. All the grades then joined in spirit and song afterwards for an RKYHS school-wide tish. To keep the night going there were opportunities for “shabbaton social” which included chess and board games and additional shabbaton shiurim led by faculty members. A Q&A with faculty members rounded out the Friday night activities.

After a meaningful Shabbat morning davening, a plentiful kiddush and learning sessions on the topic of “My Jewish Life, My Jewish Relationships,” it was time for lunch followed by shabbaton shiurim on a variety of topics including “How to Choose in the Game of Life,” “Why Shabbat?” and more. Students enjoyed the opportunity to relax and hang out with friends and classmates the rest of the day. At seuda shelishit, the entire school came together to sing and relish the last moments of Shabbat followed by a Kushner kumzitz. As Shabbat drew to a close, everyone joined as one for an incredibly moving Havdala followed by spirited dancing and singing. The entire Shabbat was enhanced by the musical accompaniment of the musical trio Rinas Amcha and elevated by the work of the student-led Jewish Life committee. Motzei Shabbat students enjoyed a school-wide outing at the Branchburg Sports Complex for sports, games and a melave malka.