Our Second Shabbaton: Saturday!

It was a Saturday night that would go on to stay in my memory for a really long time. It was so meaningful for me to spend the weekend with my fellow Diller teens and our amazing staff. We started off our morning by having a nice discussion about prayer, and were then introduced to the concept of peoplehood. It all really got me thinking and I realized that the Jews truly are one people who have something that no other nation will ever have: the fact that we always stand as one. If one Jew falls down, we will all work together to make sure he gets back up. Peoplehood isn't something that's understood right away. It takes a while but once you get it, it can change you forever.

After the morning discussion, we took a fifteen minute walk to the Torah Centre and had the pleasure of listening to Rabbi New. He too spoke to us about peoplehood, and recounted some of his unique personal experiences. We were kindly served with some yummy food and then went back to the hotel. We were given some downtime, which we took advantage of and spent chilling with one another. It felt so good to spend some time getting to know the other fellows, people who have the same backgrounds and traditions as you. 

After an amazing self-defense (or Jewdo/Jew-Jitsu as we like to call it) session with a professional trainer, we got in a circle for our Ma'agal Laila, also known as a night circle where we sit around in order to relax and reflect about the day. This was my favorite part of the Shabbaton, because it gave us the chance to really appreciate and reflect on our experience and everything we've learned. Diller Shabbatons are great experiences, and I hope to enjoy many more of them in the future!

By: Avital Moalem