Recently, our 8th graders had the opportunity to participate in our annual YHT/Yachad Shabbaton at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. The goal of Yachad, an organization under the auspices of the Orthodox Union, is to help bring together developmentally disabled Jewish children with mainstream children of the same age. By the end of the Shabbaton on Motzaei Shabbat, it was clear that both the Yachad members and the YHT students had shared a most meaningful, enjoyable and even transformative experience.
The 8
th
graders had a training/orientation session before the Shabbaton, led by Yachad staff members that helped them understand their important role at the Shabbaton and the many opportunities for personal growth that the experience could offer. After a lively question and answer discussion and after viewing a video that highlighted the important work of the Yachad organization, our students were prepared for a most special Shabbat.
Immediately after Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, together with the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates community, our students and the Yachad members participated in several ice breaker activities and learned the many lively songs that are the hallmark of a Yachad Shabbaton. By the time we all went downstairs for the Friday night Seudah, the YHT and Yachad participants were already good friends! Divrei Torah were shared at all of the meals, there was tremendous Ruach and we all joined in the games and activities. Shabbat tefilot were inspiring and included the participation of both YHT students and Yachad members.
Shabbat afternoon our 8
th
graders were invited to a special YHT Oneg at the home of the Dror and Ilana Rosenfeld family. Over delicious treats, our students were given the opportunity to share their feelings about the “Choice of High School” process. The Oneg ended with spontaneous spirited singing. Seudah Shlishit and a Melaveh Malkah back at the Young Israel ended the Shabbaton. As you can see from the photographs from the Melaveh Malkah, new friendships were formed, sensitivity to others was cultivated and we learned and practiced how to be inclusive of all.
