From Thursday, September 26, to Shabbos, September 28, Parshiyos Nitzavim-VaYeilech, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) marked another important event of the new school year – Shabbaton 5784, which took place at Camp Kaylie! Both visitors to the school and current students agree: One aspect that makes YUHSG so special is the tight-knit nature of the community. The bonds between the four classes, and those that students maintain with their teachers and administrators, is strong. And the school’s annual Shabbaton is one reason why.
“The school’s theme for this year is Cultivating Courage,” said Central’s Programming Director, Mrs. Yael Axelrod. “We took that idea and applied it to the Shabbaton. Because the Shabbaton is happening four days before Rosh HaShanah, the theme was “The Courage to Crown” – crowning G-d as our king is such a big part of the holiday.
We explored the big questions: How do you crown G-d as your king, and how does that guide your actions and life? We went with a royalty theme for the event, reflected in the decor and activities.”
Festivities began early for the senior class, as they departed for a scavenger hunt at Woodbury Commons, followed by an early arrival at Camp Kaylie to greet the underclassmen as they arrived. In the evening, the entire school enjoyed supper together before unwinding with a DJ in the shul.
On Friday, all four grades took a trip to Middletown Mall to experience the Urban Air Adventure Park, which included trampolines, go-karts, and a warrior course. Friday night was filled with activities: amazing singing in the dining room, Central’s G.O. hosted a fun and interactive game, and the annual teacher skit, followed by an oneg, a schoolwide kumsitz, and a senior panel.
On Shabbos day, the annual “Choose Your Own Schmooze” sessions with faculty members gave students a chance to get to know their teachers in a new context. It was – as is every Central Shabbaton – filled with warmth and fun and fellowship. “Shabbaton at Central is definitely the highlight of the year,” said junior Rachel Turk. “I love having the opportunity to spend time with my friends and teachers outside of the classroom. Shabbaton gives us the chance to create memories that will last forever.”
On Wednesday, October 9, the Central community engaged in another much-loved annual event: the Great Round Challah Bake. “The Great Round Challah Bake is always an incredibly uplifting and meaningful event for the Central family,” said Central’s Dean of Students, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz. “This year’s Challah Bake holds even more significance as we join together in loving memory and merit of those affected by October 7. Coming together during Aseres Y’mei T’shuvah, led by our amazing Programming Directors, Mrs. Yael Axelrod and Ms. Sydney Daitch, will provide us the opportunity to find strength and inspiration in our community.”
After a delicious supper, the Central community gathered together to be inspired by Mrs. Jackie Bitton, who spoke to our community about the power of t’filah for Eretz Yisrael. The Central community attended in full force, with mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters, sisters, alumnae, and even incoming eighth graders, working together to make challah after the inspirational words of Mrs. Bitton.
This event was made possible with the assistance of the Central Parent Council and the Central Cooking Club, as well as the coordination of Mrs. Axelrod and Ms. Daitch. We thank our generous sponsors for this event. This community event is a prelude to another highly anticipated annual gathering: Central’s Open House, which will take place on Sunday, November 3.
