The ink was barely dry on Emet Outreach’s expanded lease in Jamaica Estates when the new space became an essential part of planning for the first JBoard Shabbaton of the fall semester. With registration climbing to include students from more than four campuses, Emet’s staff and student leaders were determined to accommodate the growing crowd. “We just signed the lease, and the space was unfinished,” recalled Sara Basiratmand Benyamin, Emet Program Director. “Rabbi Rutenberg suggested using the Emet Center’s new lower level, and that sounded impossible. I didn’t think we could get it ready in time, but by Friday morning, the area had been cleaned, and tables and chairs were delivered. We made it happen.”
That determination, teamwork, and commitment were evident throughout the Shabbaton. Held October 16–17, the weekend brought together 150 students and staff for an uplifting Shabbos filled with ruach, friendship, and Jewish unity. Founded last year, the Emet JBoard is a collaboration of student leaders from Queens College, St. John’s University, Adelphi University, and New York Institute of Technology. As part of its mission to coordinate cross-campus programming, the JBoard first held an uplifting challah bake to commemorate the third anniversary of October 7. The Shabbaton followed just days later, reinforcing the message of Am Yisrael Chai.
JBoard President and Co-Founder Ariel Akbashev felt this Shabbaton was particularly special because of the students’ involvement. “One of the highlights of this Shabbos was how the students brought their own energy and ideas to the experience. They learned Torah, learned from one another, and enjoyed the special gift of a 25-hour break from the world.”
The Shabbaton began Friday evening with Kabbalas Shabbos at Congregation Kol Israel. Female students heard an inspirational message from Rebbetzin Devorah Kigel after candle lighting. A lively communal dinner and Oneg Shabbos followed in the ballroom. Students continued to connect at the Emet Center with games, snacks, and conversation late into the night.
On Shabbos morning, the group returned to Kol Israel for davening before enjoying lunch in the homes of local families. Four of the host families were Emet alumni couples: Yuri and Esther Shimunov, Boris and Marianna Musheyev, Daniel and Suzy Yagudayev, and Emil and Miriam Isanov. For Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Emet Campus Director, seeing former Emet students now opening their homes to the next generation was a meaningful full-circle moment. “The students really appreciated it and were blown away,” he shared. “These alumni families serve as important role models, showing students what it looks like to build a Jewish home and family.”
“I had such an amazing time,” said Esther Tsitsiashvili, who attended her first Emet Shabbaton. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’m so glad I went. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and I was able to connect with the other girls. One of my favorite parts was during the Shabbos meals, when everyone introduced themselves and shared a little about their lives. The whole experience was really beautiful, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it. I would definitely love to go again.”
Following lunch, students gathered once again at the Emet Center for games and socializing, and later for Seudah Shlishis. The new space was filled to capacity, with every chair occupied and standing room only for the overflow crowd. The Emet Center will undergo renovations before officially opening in the coming months, providing a central location for additional Emet classes, programs, and events.
Rabbi Kigel was particularly impressed by the students’ maturity and enthusiastic participation throughout Shabbos. He described their involvement from beginning to end as “a real tribute to Ariel, Emily Nisimov, JBoard Vice President, and the JBoard board members who inspired their peers.” Shabbos concluded with a moving musical Havdalah led by Emet’s own Shlomo Mash and a grand raffle.
“I’m still on a high from the Shabbaton. There were people there who have never kept Shabbos before, have never been to a Shabbaton before, and are growing. The energy was incredible,” Sara shared.
In addition to Ariel Akbashev and Emily Nisimov, Emet would like to recognize the entire JBoard team for their dedication and hard work: Queens College’s Emet Student Association (ESA): Leia Aminov, Sophia Nektalov, and Daniela Akbashev; St. John’s University’s Jewish Student Association (JSA): Abigail Mavashev, Michelle Kakureb, Eliana Katanov, and Ethan Pinkhasov; Adelphi University’s Jewish Organization of Adelphi (JOA): Joshua Aminov, Daniel Niyazov, Sarah Khodzhiyeva, and Keren Kazakov; and NYIT’s Jewish Education Team (JET): Nathan Khaimov, Gabriel Khaimov, Ethan Sionov, and Mark Khaimov.