A return from an extended break is a perfect time for a Shabbaton. It gives a community the chance to reconvene and share enthusiasm for the semester ahead.
With this in mind, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls held its first Shabbaton of the semester in West Hempstead on February 9 and 10. The genesis of this Shabbaton was a bit different from the norm – the event was coordinated by Central’s Leadership Track, a new initiative launched in partnership with Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership. Based on the idea that leadership is less a natural talent and more a learned asset acquired with experience and effort, the track is designed to nurture students who are interested in becoming leaders within their community.
Planning an event as elaborate as a Shabbaton is a tall order – which made it the perfect opportunity for the Leadership Track, comprised of Central Student Ambassadors, members of the school’s Government Organization (G.O.), and Central F.I.R.E. (Friends Inspiring Religious Engagement) Fellows, to gain event-planning experience. “We wanted the girls to get as involved as possible,” said Judaic Studies Department faculty member and Central Programming Director, Mrs. Yael Axelrod. “The hope was that the event showcased the amazing student leaders Central has.”
The Shabbaton began on Friday with a dinner, followed by a schoolwide oneg at the home of Central Dean of Students, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz, offering singing, games, food, and bonding. After shul on Shabbos morning, Leadership Track students were treated to Kiddush and an address by special guest Rabbi Ari Rockoff, the David Mitzner Community Dean for Values and Leadership at YU. West Hempstead-based faculty members then hosted students in their homes for lunch.
The afternoon of Shabbos took place at the Young Israel of West Hempstead and featured a shiur, open to the community, by Mrs. Axelrod. The Shabbaton concluded with seudah sh’lishis, where the wider Central community, including current students, mothers, alumnae, and eighth-grade applicants, gathered together.
The track’s involvement in the planning of this Shabbaton only made it more meaningful for all participants. “We divided the jobs among ourselves,” said senior Sari Beer. “We planned games, we made song sheets. It was really fun.” The Leadership Track is an innovation that has made a big impact on Central culture this academic year. “Something really special about this track is the fact that the girls are self-selected,” Mrs. Axelrod added. “They applied to the program on their own initiative. They are here because they want to be here – they want to develop these skills to become better leaders.” Senior Esti Goldberg agreed: “This was a new opportunity to plan something for our peers,” she said. “People were waitresses for the events, people made centerpieces for the tables – we did everything. It was different from anything we’ve ever done.”
