Our Hillel Shabbaton Experience

by Sophie Moher and Ashira Gailor

On Friday, December 13^th, the grade seven and eight students of Hillel Academy participated in a weekend Shabbaton at Beth Shalom West synagogue in Craig Henry. We had loads of fun having sleepovers with our friends who live in the surrounding areas, participating exciting religious and educational activities, and the evening activity at Cyber Dome, a game arcade in the St. Laurent Shopping Center.

We arrived at Shul on Friday afternoon, for a wonderful Kabbalat Shabbat, led by Cantor Benlolo. After services, we stayed inside the sanctuary and played a few games led by Rabbi Alexandroff, and Rabbi Burger, to pass the time while dinner was being prepared. When the games were finished, we went downstairs for our Shabbat meal, skits, and a fun benching ceremony. After our wonderful evening, we walked home in our designated walking groups, led by our incredible Madrich and Madrichot, David Zeligman, Danielle Fainer, and Sara Kreisman for a stay with our local peers.

On Shabbat morning, we returned to Shul, rejuvenated after a great previous night. We enjoyed lovely Shabbat services, along with several amusing games and trivia questions. Jennifer Hadad and Tal-Or Ben Chorin delivered a beautiful D’var Torah to the congregation. At lunchtime, Ashira Gailor and Naomi Schwartz made another for their peers to enjoy, with the help of Rabbi Burger’s cautious attention.

After our great activities, we went back home for a wonderful Menucha, and yet again returned to Shul for Mincha-Maariv services and Havdalah. We then went home, and changed into our Cyber Dome clothes.

We had a great time at Cyber Dome, playing all the best games Ottawa has to offer. Rabbi Burger tried to fry his most “hated” student’s heads off during an intense laser-quest type game!! After air hockey, car racing, rock climbing and many other incredible games, our Shabbaton came to an end.

We have many great memories that we will cherish forever, and this wonderful Shabbaton opportunity would not have been possible without the following people: Rabbi Burger, Rabbi Braun, Rabbi Alexandroff, Rabbi Finkelstein, and most of all, our head of Judaic Studies, Mrs. Breiner. Also a hearty thank you to David Smith for providing the wonderful meals.

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Last Updated – Sunday, January 5, 2003