Fair Lawn—The 17th Annual Yachad-Yavneh Shabbaton, a highlight of the year, brings together Yachad children and their advisors, eighth graders and staff from Yavneh Academy, and the Ahavat Achim community, including their young people.
Max Agress, a junior at Lander’s College for Men says, “It’s my favorite Shabbos of the year. When it’s over, I can’t wait for it to come again.” Uri Garfunkel, an eighth grader at Yavneh Academy, says, “I definitely look forward to the Shabbaton. It’s a good time to be thankful for what you have and joining with friends to do a big group chesed.” Hadar Schachter, an 11-year-old says, “It’s fun because you get to meet new people.” Her sister, Dasi, agrees the Shabbaton is fun. “We play games with the Yachad kids during shul.”
Madeline Plotnick, a junior at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls says, “It’s like a vacation where everyone is so happy. It’s so refreshing. It’s a joy to see how much a community can come together.”
Shul members hosting Yachad children and their advisors in their homes, and they have communal meals in the shul for Yachad members, their advisors, Yavneh Academy 8th graders and visiting faculty. During davening, led by the Yavneh students, Yachad members shine.
Madeline says of the davening, “Everyone is singing and dancing.” Max adds, “They bring a ruach to the shul. There’s a special feeling and a sense that everyone belongs whether it’s a Yavneh 8th grader, Yachad member, or a shul member.”
The Shabbatons have created some lasting and meaningful memories. For Madeline, the memory centers around Lydia, a Yachad member she got to know over the years. Lydia greets everyone with “I love you.” Madeline asked Lydia if she remembered her, and Lydia recalled details of past Shabbatons. “It made me happy that we bring joy and give the Yachad members something meaningful,” says Madeline. For Max, the memory revolves around circle time during Seudah Shlishit. He loves the feeling of the whole community engaging in the Yachad experience, which includes songs and divrei Torah. For Dasi and Hadar, the memories focus on the special games they play—charades and ‘in the cholent pot’ (a version of duck, duck goose).
The impact this Shabbaton has on the youth of the shul is long lasting. Max is now an advisor for junior Yachad. He also works at JESC, a Sunday School for special needs children. Madeline believes the Shabbatons have made her more open to people and helped her appreciate the happiness one person can bring to another. Uri has grown to appreciate life more due to the Shabbatons. For Hadar, it’s about having different people in the shul and creating a unique experience.
Uri is part of the crew readying the shul. He will be involved in cleaning the shul, decorating, and setting tables for the Friday night dinner. Uri will also lead Mussaf. Ultimately, Yachad means “togetherness” and that’s what it’s all about. Last year, while Max was leading the shul’s youth groups, a Yachad member walked in with her advisor. The advisor apologized because the Yachad girl wanted to stay, but Max was pleased to have her in groups. “She deserved to be there and to have a place in shul,” he says. Yes, and those at Ahavat Achim are happy to host her and the rest of Yachad and the eighth grade of Yavneh for a Shabbaton filled with happiness, ruach, and togetherness.
By Larry Bernstein
