This week, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) class of 2026 engaged in a rite of passage: their annual gradewide Shabbaton. For these soon-to-be rising seniors, this year’s event, held on March 7-8, Parshas T’tzaveh, in New Rochelle, carried a timely Purim theme.
Shabbatonim are an important opportunity for students to reinforce friendships and strengthen ties with faculty members – each an important component of every student’s inclusion in the Wildcat community. “Every year, I look forward to the amazing Shabbatonim,” said junior Gabriella Badalov. “They are an amazing opportunity to establish new bonds and create lasting memories.”
The group departed from the Holliswood campus on Friday afternoon. After a pre-Shabbos welcome at the home of YUHSG Programming Director, Mrs. Yael Axelrod, the juniors traveled to the Young Israel of New Rochelle for Minchah and Kabbalas Shabbos. The seudah was followed by an oneg that evening.
On Shabbos morning, davening at the Young Israel of New Rochelle was followed by Kiddush and a learning session. In the afternoon, lunch, Minchah, a Shabbos party at Mrs. Axelrod’s house, and a shalosh s’udos at the home of YUHSG Associate Principal Ms. Leah Moskovich, completed the day.
A collective of students assisted in planning the festivities for this year’s Shabbaton. Junior grade representative Orli Fish helped to coordinate events. “As grade rep, planning for the grade-wide Shabbaton has been so fun,” she commented. “I love seeing the grade come together and hanging out with my friends.”
Junior Eva Edery spoke to the impact of Shabbatonim on the student experience: “They’re the highlight of the year!” she said. “They bring everyone together and make everyone feel included. It is so much fun getting to spend Shabbos with all my friends and enjoy the programming.” Junior Julia Klayman agreed: “What I love most about Shabbaton at Central is the unity and spirit that can be felt throughout the entire Shabbos,” she added. “Whether it be through singing songs together at the end of Shabbos, or through dancing and celebrating together, the energy and warmth of Central is apparent and felt by all.”
With each event, each meal, each celebration, the class of 2026 became a closer unit, preparing for the experience of their senior year. “You just know it’s a memory that will last forever,” junior Rachel Turk said. Many thanks to Mrs. Axelrod and YUHSG Programming Director Ms. Sydney Daitch for coordinating this year’s events, and additional thanks to all of the families in New Rochelle who welcomed the juniors into their homes this past weekend.
Upcoming events for YUHSG juniors include a trip to the Stern College for Women campus at Yeshiva University on March 17, the junior college fair on May 13, and – of course – the annual junior class trip on May 27-28. Other upcoming events include the YUHSG Rambam Bekius program’s visit to the Yeshiva University campus, festivities for Taanis Esther and Purim, competitions for History Bowl and Model Congress, and YUHSG’s participation in the Yeshiva League Science Olympiad.
