Yavneh 8th graders as well as their rabbis and teachers from the Academy in Paramus spent a sleepover Shabbos at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh. Many of these students already participate in a monthly intergenerational information technology program at the Home.
The girls and teachers lit candles at 4:00 p.m. to usher in the Shabbos Queen. The Shabbaton began with the Mincha followed by singing and dancing during Kabbalat Shabbat. A festive Shabbat dinner was served and the youngsters had an opportunity to sit with the residents and get to know one another. Friday night concluded with Jewish songs and Torah thoughts presented by the students.
“What one child can do for a resident, a hundred rabbis can’t do. They have the power to help them reminisce and reflect on their own youth,” said Rabbi Simon Feld, JHR’s Director of Rabbinic Services. “I went to Yavneh myself,” he added. “The students led the service and read the Torah. They gave classes to the residents on the Torah portion of the week.”
Shabbos day was also exciting, beginning with a Shacharit and Mussaf, followed by an elaborate Kiddush. In the afternoon, the students visited the residents on all units, and the day ended with a Havdalah service as well as singing and dancing. “This is the first time, a group of elementary day school students were actually sleeping over at the Jewish Home and spending Shabbat with our residents,” said Rabbi Feld. “Our residents were very excited about this special event.”
Asked about the Shabbaton, Barbara Rubin, assistant principal of general studies at Yavneh who attended the event said, “Our children were phenomenal with the residents and one another. Everyone at Rockleigh treated us royally.”
The Shabbatons which have been held during the winter months at JHR over the past three years, included older students from NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth). They are meaningful to residents and students alike.
For further information about the Rockleigh Jewish Home please call 201-784-1414.
