JSA Lights Up the Night with 2nd Semi-Annual Shabbaton

After a week of finals, the Jewish Students Association (JSA) of St. John’s University brought nearly eighty young students together for another unforgettable Shabbaton. In coordination with the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Jamaica Estates, Congregation Bet-El, and EMET, Jewish students were able to gather for the Shabbat services and three fully-catered meals, during which they learned more about what it means to keep Shabbat and how special it really is.

Just before sunset, the students along with the Rabbis met in the lobby of the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Jamaica Estates. Male students entered the shul for the evening Shabbat prayers, while females were brought downstairs to light the Shabbat candles near the beautifully set dinner tables. Shortly after the conclusion of the prayer services, the ladies joined the male students in the shul where the President of JSA, William Dayanayev, gave a warm welcome and shared his excitement for the upcoming night. Both old and newcomers listened tentatively as they began what would become a memorable and spiritual Shabbat with close friends.

Friday Night Dinner

Once everyone went downstairs to the catering hall and found their seats, members of the JSA Executive Board handed out specially made sing-along pamphlets containing numerous Shabbat songs, such as Shalom Aleichem and Ki Eshmera Shabbat. As custom goes, everyone began to sing Shalom Aleichem, and some students put their arms around each other and swayed to the melody.

Towards the middle verses, all the male and female students formed two large circles with arms around each other and sang the song. This not only served as an effective icebreaker for the rest of the Shabbaton, but also as an introduction to the wonderful level of spirituality and connection to Jewish roots that everyone would be feeling from that moment on. Following the evening, Rabbi Mordechai Kraft reflected that the moment “was so special and it was very spontaneous” and that “sometimes when things happen spontaneously, it’s a sign that everyone is so ready to participate and wanted to be a part of it.” After the song, Rabbi Kraft also taught the students how to bless one another and later said that, “It’s beautiful that everybody gave each other a Bracha. It’s so empowering, to bless each other as students.” To this, Hilla Kozuch, a representative of EMET, added, “It was so powerful. Our common denominator of all being Jewish and proud can really build bridges and connect us all no matter where we come from or how different we think we are.”

Many students were moved by this spontaneous moment as well. Sophomore Raquel Ilyaich said “Typically on a normal Friday night, my family tends to speed through the songs, but I liked that we all joined together and sang. It felt like one big happy family enjoying Shabbat together as a whole.” Additionally, junior Joseph Sachakov similarly stated “I thought it was something new and a great bonding moment. It made me embrace that fact that I am a Jew and I was with my Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Following Kiddush and hand-washing, President Dayanayev spoke about the plan for the Shabbaton and welcomed the esteemed guests, such as Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Rabbi Reuven Kiegel and his family, and Ben Kozuch and his wife Hilla Kozuch who joined from EMET. As the night progressed, several students, such as Michelle Aronbayev, Alex Dzhurayev, and Raquel Ilyaich, spoke of how they found out about the Shabbaton, what JSA has done for their school community thus far, and what Shabbat means to them.

After a few speeches and L’Chaims, the room lit up further as the students partook in the joyous singing of Ki Eshmera Shabbat. Towards midnight, a variety of games were taken out and chairs shifted as people began mingling and meeting new students over the necessary green tea that concludes every Bukharian meal.

Despite the near freezing temperatures, after Birkat Hamazon, everyone participated in a nice stroll outside with their friends as they went to their host houses or walked each other home.

Secretary of JSA Isack Iskhakov concluded it best in describing it as his favorite part because, “Everyone got closer to each other, telling stories, staying late together, and walking home together – it made us feel like a true family.”

Saturday Morning and Lunch

After a pleasant night, many students attended the Shabbat morning services at nine in the morning in the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Jamaica Estates. Raquel Ilyaich stated that “My favorite part was going to Shul in the morning because I never do that at home, so that was different and inspiring for me.” She was joined by dozens of other students who participated in the morning prayers and in the listening of the Torah reading.

After Musaf, President Dayanayev gave a brief speech to the congregation about JSA and expressed gratitude to the congregation on behalf of all the students for bringing them in and allowing this special Shabbaton to happen in the shul of their community. The students were then led downstairs for another delicious Shabbat meal, consisting of fish, eggs, and the much anticipated Cholent and Oshisavo, a traditional, Bukharian dish eaten on Shabbat. Throughout the meal, Rabbi Musheyev gave inspiring words and was followed by Ben and Hilla Kozuch who spoke about their story of becoming religious. Mrs. Kozuch explained that, “It was nice to see that people were interested! I don’t usually share much about myself because… I like to focus on the other person present. But if sharing our journey gives a boost of inspiration, it’s well worth sharing. My husband in particular has had a very similar upbringing as some of our students, so I thought that was especially powerful. We have so much respect for everyone who is on the same journey and would love to help and answer questions!”

Several other students, such as President Dayanayev and Paltiel Simkhayev, spoke of how they came to keep Shabbat. For many students, this all culminated into a very motivational and inspiring facet of the Shabbaton. Freshman from Hofstra University Rachel Aronov stated, “What affected me the most was realizing the fact that everyone has the potential to grow spiritually, no matter what level they are on. Listening to people’s stories and experiences really opened my eyes up to this idea.” Similarly, sophomore student from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Jessica Bril added, “Hearing the stories of how people became more religious thanks to the Shabbaton last year and JSA was very inspirational, that was my favorite part.”

At around three o’clock in the afternoon, male and female students were led to their respective lectures that JSA had planned out. The male lecture was led by Rabbi Yitzchak Aminov and the women shiyur led by Hilla Kozuch. Following the lectures, everyone met for a buffet-style Seudah Shlishit at the Congregation of Bet-El catered and prepared by the executive board of JSA. Here, students ate warm Sufganiyot provided by the shul as an early start to Chanukah and had mini debates led by Rabbi Musheyev regarding marriage life.

Concluding Shabbat with a Musical Havdalah

As Shabbat was coming to an end, everyone prepared for a beautiful, musical Havdalah to be led by Rabbi Kraft, who brought his guitar for the special event. With a heavy emphasis on unity and Jewish pride, everyone brought their chairs together in a circle, the lights were dimmed, and Rabbi Kraft led them through an inspiring, heart-warming Havdalah where he musically explained why we perform each step. Having been lit up by a mere candle, the room was filled with song, laughter, and the spiritual light of all the students in the room.

Rabbi Kraft reflected that, “We started with singing and we ended with singing – this truly touches the heart and Neshama, or soul. It leaves a lasting impression so students can be inspired to do it again next week. I personally felt elevated and felt the unity that so many Jewish hearts are feeling the same way; There’s power in the unity of everyone together.”

Student Impressions

The Shabbaton truly did touch many hearts and souls with a welcoming environment, as brief interviews afterward showed. President Dayanayev stated, “I thought everybody was really happy and the atmosphere was very friendly…everyone was talking and listening…the speeches and the crowd were amazing.” Natalie Pleshty, a long-time member of JSA whom many students refer to as the “First Lady” stated, “I think the atmosphere for Shabbaton was really warm and happy. I personally really enjoyed it because I was with my closest friends and we were just experiencing Shabbat together.” Joseph Sachakov seconded that “it was a very upbeat and positive atmosphere…I thought it was an uplifting experience.”

In keeping with its united values, JSA welcomed students from other campuses with open arms as well. Rachel Aronov from Hofstra University stated, “I felt that I was in a very warm and comfortable atmosphere. Everyone around me was smiling and it felt so comforting to be spending a shabbat with fellow Jews like myself. I felt very welcome, even though I am not part of the St. John’s community. I did not feel like a stranger at all and would definitely do it again!” Jessica Bril from NYIT agreed and added that “the general mood was very welcoming and I definitely enjoyed it…it was very nice to meet some new faces and make new friends.”

Planning the Shabbaton

As with every other JSA event that takes place, planning the Shabbaton took a lot of hard work and effort. President Dayanayev stated that “A lot went into planning the Shabbaton. We had to settle everything with the two shuls…make sure the right amount of students signed up because we understood that it may be difficult to leave their own families for Shabbat and join their JSA family that week. We had to raise a lot of money for the event which required the entire board to work together with the community, but I’m glad for it because it turned out to be a great event!” Secretary of JSA Isack Iskhakov added that, “There was definitely a lot going on. We had to make sure the caterers were prepared, call the shuls, contact the community for housing. We also had to organize and divide up which students were sleeping where and make sure everyone was satisfied.” President Dayanayev also stressed that EMET played a huge role in assisting the planning of the event this year.

In contrast to last year’s Shabbaton, many agreed that this year’s was more student-led. Hilla Kozuch explained, “This shabbaton was for the majority in the hands of the students, which showed that the students themselves want to initiate programming that explores their Judaism. It makes us so proud at EMET!” Rabbi Kraft added that this has been one of the best student-led Shabbatons he has been to because of both how it was organized and the JSA executive board’s attention to detail.

Amidst the rising attacks of anti-Semitism, the Shabbaton was not only a much coveted, but also necessary event that ignited the Jewish pride and unity of the many students who attended. Having taken place before the holiday of Chanukah, the Shabbaton taught the students about the many miracles that had occurred and allowed them to greet the holiday with more knowledge and spiritual light. JSA would like to thank EMET, the congregations who helped make this possible, the kind families who lent their homes, and those who attended! It has truly been a remarkable, unforgettable Shabbat. Here’s to another one next semester! L’Chaim!

 By: Sharona Priyev