Winter break in Orlando was a transformative experience for 20 students in the Emet Men’s Division. The six-day itinerary combined concentrated Torah study, energizing activities, and opportunities to connect with friends. Led by the dynamic team of Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, Rabbi Yakov Musheyev, and Rabbi Ari Hertz, the trip was geared towards those who have completed the Emet Leaders Fellowship and were ready for more advanced learning. “This trip was really meaningful to me. I learned a lot from the rabbis, established amazing friendships, and had some of my deepest conversations in a really long time,” student Daniel Abramov shared.
A luxurious estate was the home base for the group. Each day started with davening followed by “morning seder” and beis midrash-style learning at the Chabad of South Orlando. “The learning really can’t be paralleled. We provided an introduction to critical thinking about life and Torah values, and we encouraged questions. The guys were away from their everyday routine and comfort zone and able to experience aspects of a Torah-oriented lifestyle,” Rabbi Yakov explained.
After an invigorating morning of learning, the afternoons were balanced by an array of fun, physically challenging activities. The schedule included jet skiing, high speed Go-Karting, laser tag, bowling, barbecuing, and visits to a ropes course and shooting range. There was also time spent enjoying the pool, hot tub, billiards table, and other amenities at the estate.
Shabbos was welcomed as an opportunity for the group to further connect, since davening and meals were at the house. It was especially meaningful, since this was the first time some of the students kept Shabbos. There were incredible divrei Torah, thought-provoking conversations, spirted z’miros, and a rousing musical Havdalah led by Rabbi Kraft. An impactful highlight was that the students all made commitments to take on more spiritual observance in their daily lives.
The beauty of this and other trips, besides the incredible learning, is the lasting relationships that develop between the students and the rabbis. “I loved going on this trip since I had the opportunity to connect with the guys in a way that was so tailored to them. It was very comfortable and personal,” Rabbi Hertz said. Rabbi Fuzaylov shared that trips like this have been truly life-changing. “Some of our most devoted students come out of these experiences. Many students have gone on to study in yeshivah afterwards. A key takeaway is that the guys now have a connection with us where they feel comfortable turning to rabbis about any questions on Judaism and life.”
Eric Kalantarov, a student who went on the Emet Poland trip last summer and now participated in the Orlando experience, gave his perspective on the impact and enduring lessons. “I’ve come to realize that there are three themes that stand out from trips like these. The first is connection. You will not only form long-lasting friendships, but also a deep spiritual connection with being Jewish. The second is an opportunity to really find yourself. The rabbis offer such unbelievable and deep insights that open your eyes in ways that you can never imagine. The third theme is that Judaism is the truth. Our religion provides a life of meaning and purpose. Through trips with Emet, you strengthen your relationship with Hashem.”
