Graphic by Technical Staff
Fujiwhara—when storms collide. This past Shabbat, after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, KYHS held its annual Fujiwhara shabbaton. Students had been looking forward to this event for over a year and a half and were ecstatic when the email came out that the wait was over. The weekend was filled with dancing, singing, inspirational divrei torah and so much more. Fujiwhara was definitely a shabbaton to remember.
The theme of the Shabbaton was “Origin Stories”. As Rabbi Wolk wrote, “we want our students to start thinking and talking about actively ‘writing’ their own Origin Stories with Torah values and Mitzvah performance at their core.” Throughout the weekend, stories were told and divrei torah were given that enhanced this message, leaving students with important key takeaways.
The 3 hour bus ride up to Orlando was spent talking to friends and teachers, listening to music, and playing games like charades. Upon our arrival, we entered the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel where we would be staying for the entire weekend. As we walked in, there was exciting music playing leading to a ruach-filled spontaneous chagiga. The exciting arrival was an early indicator of all the fun that was in store for us!
Then, students headed up to their hotel rooms to get ready for shabbat. Once everyone was ready, we went to the beautiful lobby and took pre-shabbat pictures with friends that we will look back on fondly. As the sun began to set, we went into the shul where a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat led by Shimmie Kaminetsky was held. The singing was beautiful, and a wonderful start to the davening that would occur throughout the weekend.
The delicious dinner began with a years long tradition— Dr. Kanner making kiddush. The meal was amazing not only because of the yummy food, but because of the meaningful conversations that students had with friends and teachers. Following dinner, we sat in a circle and sang shabbat zemirot. Rachel Amar (‘22) gave a beautiful D'var torah that tied in the theme of the Shabbaton with the parsha, parshat Vayeshev.
After dinner, students went to sessions and played a “choose your own adventure game” created by Rabbi Kimche. The activity connected to the theme by teaching us that our actions directly affect our own reality, determining our “Origin Stories”. The session was followed by a lively tisch, one for the girls and boys respectively. There was yummy fruit, cookies, candy and delicious kugel. Girls heard from Mrs. Perl who shared a powerful message about finding our true purpose in this world. The singing continued until late in the evening, enhanced by the eight NCSY advisors who came from New York to join us for the Shabbaton.
In the morning, students woke up and had the opportunity to go to breakfast and a shiur with Rabbi Stohl. Afterwards, Shacharit was held followed by a kiddush preceding musaf to calm the “davening hunger”. Students then went to their respective sessions with teachers who shared about their own unique origin stories or about an origin story important to them. It was fascinating to hear teachers’ stories and gave students a look into the teachers’ lives beyond the classroom.
We had a delicious lunch where once again students were able to talk with teachers and fellow peers at their tables. There was singing followed by divrei torah by Atara Sredni (23’) and Issac Rubin (22’).
After lunch, there was free time for students to hang out with one another, the NCSY advisors, and teachers. People played games, talked and had fun spending time together. Later in the afternoon, an informative and inspirational teachers panel took place. The girls’ panel included Mrs. Horowitz, Mrs. Mirzeoff, Mrs. Dubkowski and Mrs. Epstein. The boys’ panel was made up by Dr. Deutch, Rabbi Hochman, Rabbi Shulkes and Rabbi Nachbar. Students got to hear the teachers’ answers to different questions that they had sent in before the Shabbaton. Questions included “what can we do when we aren’t religiously motivated?”, “what was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened in your class?”, and many others.
The panel was followed by a delicious seudah shlishit and mincha. Afterwards, the girls and boys each had soulful kumzits. Students sang beautifully, many with eyes closed, taking in the moment. Sara Nagler (‘22) gave an inspirational d'var torah at the girls’ kumzits followed by a beautiful story shared by Mrs. Kanner, and Mendal Kahn (‘23) spoke at the boys’ kumzits.
To end off the amazing Shabbos, we had beautiful havdalah led by Shimmie Kaminetsky followed by a fun and energetic chagigah. Binyamin Hadar was the DJ, and gave students a preview to his new song “Al Hanisim 2.0”. Students enjoyed delicious pasta and ice cream before heading on the bus for Disney Springs where they walked around with friends, visiting different shops and attractions. After getting back to the hotel, several seniors enjoyed a beautiful kumzits.
The fun didn’t end there. After eating a scrumptious breakfast and packing lunch, students loaded the buses for a fun packed day at Universal Theme Parks. Some groups opted to go to Islands of Adventure and others to Universal Studios. Hailey Gately (‘22), who went to Islands of adventure said “The day was so so fun. I loved walking around with my friends and experiencing the incredible rides with them.” Chana Schadelson (‘22), who chose the other park shared “ I made so many unforgettable memories at Universal. I'm so happy we got to end our Shabbaton this way!”
After loading the buses, students returned home, ready for a great week ahead. Thank you to Mrs. Hochner, Rabbi Wolk, and the rest of the administration for planning such an unforgettable weekend. Chanukah, and stay healthy!
Article by Rebecca Henner ('22)
