“Amazing!” “Incredible!” “Thanks so much!” These were just some of the reactions to Rambam’s 21st annual Alumni Shabbaton in Israel.
Rabbi Friedman, who has been spearheading this trip every year since 1996 (except for the past two years due to COVID), said, “I don’t know who enjoys the Shabbaton more, me or the boys. It is such a wonderful experience to see the boys grown up, involved in learning, davening, and avodas Hashem.”
This year’s Shabbaton, hosted by Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush) included 46 alumni all learning in Eretz Yisrael. Also joining were a married Rambam alumnus and his wife, for whom Rabbi Friedman served as mesader kiddushin at their wedding in May.
As always, the Shabbaton featured divrei Torah, z’miros, shiurim, “catching up,” and shmoozing, whether over cholent and kugel at the tisch, meals, kiddush, lunch or s’udah sh’lishis!
During his week stay, Rabbi Friedman visited various yeshivos, including Yeshivat HaKotel, Har Etzion, and Migdal HaTorah, and was invited to give shiurim. He also got together with older alumni who made aliyah and started families.
Rabbi Friedman was glad that he was able to make it to Israel after the COVID hiatus and looks forward to going again next year.