The serenity of Shabbos took on real significance for students in the Emet Leaders Fellowship. This past weekend, 30 college students from Queens College, St. John’s University, Baruch College, Adelphi University, and other schools left the intensity of their weekday lives for a spiritual Shabbos in Passaic, New Jersey. Celebrating Shabbos was a welcome opportunity to show unity as Jews, in light of the devastating events in Israel and the rise in anti-Semitism on campuses. “It was amazing to come together during such tragic times and keep Shabbos in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel,” said Milana Yagudayev, Queens College student.
Experiencing Shabbos has always been a highlight of the introductory Fellowship program, but this Shabbaton was especially significant. “At this unsettling time, when people have been glued to their phones, it was important for us to show our students that disconnecting from technology on Shabbos allows us to connect more fully with Hashem and with one another,” explained Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Emet Campus Director. “A powerful form of activism right now is learning Torah and keeping mitzvos.”
Rabbi Kigel and his wife Devorah have been hosting Emet students for over 16 years, but parents were more anxious this time around. “We understood the parents’ concerns and were able to reassure them that there would be increased security,” Rabbi Kigel said. “We can’t let the threat of terror prevent us from sharing the light of Torah. We wanted our students to feel part of our family and appreciate how special it is to be an observant Jew – especially when the world seems frightening.”
In addition to the Kigels, students were joined by Emet team members Rabbi Yakov Musheyev, Chava Zaretsky, and Chava Rina Stolper. On Friday night, everyone gathered at the Kigels for a delicious dinner, melodic z’miros, and uplifting divrei Torah. “I felt so much warmth at the Kigels. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone, and Rabbi and Mrs. Kigel created a home away from home for us,” said Allen Izrailov, a student at Touro University. Rabbi Kigel set a tone of Jewish achdus when he asked everyone to increase their observance and take on mitzvos for the z’chus of the people in Israel. Shabbaton participants committed to a variety of things such as keeping Shabbos, dressing modestly, putting on t’filin, and davening more. “The situation in Israel made the Shabbaton more meaningful because we all had in mind that we were keeping Shabbos to merit all the soldiers, hostages, and everyone in need,” Allen added.
After davening on Shabbos morning, the group separated to enjoy lunch with their host families. In the afternoon, Mrs. Kigel enthralled the girls with a discussion on gratitude, relationships, and her personal, spiritual journey. Rabbi Kigel led a compelling conversation for the guys with noted attorney and speaker, Harry Rothenberg. Mr. Rothenberg shared advice on the importance of making a difference and having integrity at work. The group reunited for s’udah sh’lishis and a musical Havdalah. “It was beautiful to be together and feel the sense of Jewish unity in these tough times,” Chava Zaretsky said. “By the end of Shabbos, the bonds between us were stronger.”
Students went home feeling more hopeful and energized. “The Shabbaton was an unforgettable experience. It felt liberating to be away from our phones and troubles and to just enjoy time with friends,” Milana continued. “I had great conversations that really put into perspective how important it is to take something upon ourselves to help Israel. I’m so grateful to Emet and the Kigels for making this happen.”
