SAR HS’s Senior Slumberton was a spiritual experience in which students shared special moments via their singing, learning and passion for Shabbat. In a nod to their sophomore year when they spent the night in the school building, the students revisited this experience and once again turned their classrooms, hallways and grade floors into their home.
The weekend kicked off with a meaningful day of chesed during which students split into about eight different groups and volunteered at several different programs in the community. Students worked at the SAR ELC, Pantry Packers, The Friendly Fridge, the Afya Foundation and cleaned up the grounds at Van Cortlandt Park, among others.
After a brief hiatus to prepare for Shabbat, they returned to school where they took photos with their friends, lit candles and headed into a truly moving Kabbalat Shabbat featuring a melodic acapella group harmonizing in the background. Along with the inspirational divrei Torah, it set the tone for a memorable Shabbat.
“A major highlight for me was davening Kabbalat Shabbat as a grade,” said Nadiv Edelman. “It felt like a huge grade-bonding moment and I can speak for everyone when I say it gave us goosebumps singing in unison.
Eliora Roseman agreed. “Kabbalat Shabbat was a meaningful way to begin Shabbos. Hearing our own classmates lead and the entire grade sing together was really beautiful.”
After dinner, zemirot, divrei Torah and shtick, students participated in enriching discussion based sessions centered around the theme of “The Water We Swim In.” This theme focused on paying attention to how the views and experiences they’ve been exposed to shape the way they think and the choices they make, with the charge to make mindful choices when exposed to new views and experiences following their graduation.
The evening ended with dessert and a cholent cook off, a tish and free time.
On Shabbat morning, the students davened together, ate together and experienced more amazing ruach. Students attended elective sessions under the theme of “What to Know Before You Go” before heading to seuda shelishit, slow shira and a beautiful Maariv and Havdala. The program ended on an upbeat note with pizza making and karaoke.
The Shabbaton was an experience that these seniors will never forget. They appreciated the company of their amazing faculty that they’ve grown close to over the years. The ruach and excitement was through the roof, from candle lighting to Havdala.
“The shabbaton was a great bonding experience while also being extremely meaningful,” said Rachel Littman. “I loved exploring my Jewish identity through eye opening sessions that intellectually challenged my perspectives and helped prepare me for my future.”
“I really loved the Shabbaton,” said Adira Rebarber. “I felt a deep sense of community. It was the closest our grade has ever been.”
The seniors are looking forward to next month’s schoolwide shabbaton and their senior trip at the end of the year to create more meaningful memories before they graduate.
