“Shabbos gives us the opportunity to step back, reflect, and reset – and this past Shabbaton did exactly that. From the meaningful speakers to the genuine connections formed over 25 hours, it was exactly what we needed,” shared Elyana and David Pinkhasov after Emet’s recent couples Shabbaton in the Five Towns.
That sentiment was felt by ten couples who came together for an uplifting Shabbos of Torah, friendship, and lasting connection. Hosted by Emet Couples Director Shay Yonaiev and his wife, Sonya, the Shabbaton gave participants the opportunity to strengthen their marriages and enjoy being part of Emet’s couples community.
“More than a memorable weekend away, this Shabbaton represented the heart of Emet’s Couples Division,” explained Shay. “Our mission is to help young couples continue growing long after college. Through inspiring Torah, meaningful relationships, and a genuine sense of belonging, we’re guiding them to build strong Jewish homes and lifelong connections.”
Shabbos began with Friday night davening at Congregation Shaare Emunah in Cedarhurst, followed by an elegant dinner catered by Simcha Palace. The couples were joined by Rabbi David Rubinoff, who offered words of chizuk that really resonated with the crowd. One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came when several participants shared heartfelt reflections on what Emet has contributed to their lives. Their words of gratitude and personal growth set the tone for everyone.
On Shabbos day, after davening at Shaare Emunah, the couples enjoyed lunch with neighborhood families while forming new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Following lunch, everyone gathered at the Yonaiev home for a relaxing Oneg Shabbos and interactive couples games. The group then headed to Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai in Cedarhurst, where they heard an inspiring shiur by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein on the beauty and significance of Shabbos. After that, it was back to Shaare Emunah, where Rabbi Yonatan Saban gave a shiur to the men and Rebbetzin Saban held a session for the women. As Shabbos drew to a close, everyone reunited at the Yonaiev home for a beautiful musical Havdalah led by Emet’s Shlomo Mash.
Couples were left with a sense of gratitude and belonging. “Shabbatons are usually outside of my comfort zone, but after attending our first one with Emet, my wife and I immediately felt welcomed. We had an amazing experience learning and meeting new friends. We’re looking forward to many more Emet Couples Shabbatons,” said Jonathan and Adelia Mavashev.
Elyana and David added, “It was especially beautiful to see couples from different backgrounds and at different stages of marriage united through Emet. The warmth, sense of community, and inspiration of the weekend left a lasting impact and reminded us why we joined Emet in the first place. Emet has a unique way of bringing people together while strengthening our connection to Hashem, and we’re so grateful to be part of this community.”