The senior girls of Ezra Academy had a truly magical Shabbaton in Monsey last weekend. Arranged, by both Miss Meira Zakutinsky, Ezra Academy’s Judaic Studies teacher mechaneches, and Mrs. Esty Schwartz, part of The Traveling Chassidim. On Friday afternoon, the girls accompanied by Ms. Zak, loaded into a van to travel to the Schwartz family in Monsey for an unforgettable Shabbos.
Upon arriving at the Schwartz’s residence, the feeling of Shabbos in their home was palpable. After an inspirational Kabbolas Shabbos, and a delicious Shabbos seudah hosted by the Schwartzes, the girls were in for a real treat. Local high school girls from BCG, facilitated by their principal Mrs. Retek, joined the Ezra girls for a meaningful kumzitz and oneg Shabbos. The girls from both high schools “clicked” right away, as they stayed up talking through the night! The sight of Chassidim and Sephardic girls meeting, joining together, and sharing inspiration with each other was truly moving. The Ezra girls went to sleep Friday night feeling inspired both by the time they spent with Mrs. Esty Schwartz and her family, in addition to the time spent with so many wonderful girls their age who were warm, insightful, and inspirational. One girl said, “This Shabbos gave me the strength to continue on the path that I’m trying to create for myself, it was the push that I needed, and I’m forever grateful for this experience.”
Shabbos day was equally inspiring thanks to, Mrs. Esty Schwartz and her family, The Traveling Chassidim, and all the wonderful women who joined the Shabbaton. After a lovely Shabbos seudah graciously hosted by the Schwartzes, the girls were treated to an uplifting shalosh seudos in the home of Mrs. Esther Yenti Noe. There, the girls were enthralled by the life story of Mrs. Rivka Heller, and enjoyed spending time and learning from Mrs. Gelbman. The girls left the meal feeling inspired and on a high.
A true highlight of the Shabbos was being able to hear havdallah and receive personal brachos from the Nikolsburg Rebbe thanks to the involvement of Rabbi Royde who facilitated the meeting. The girls were all moved to tears as they were in awe of being in the presence of the tzaddik. They felt truly fortunate to have been able to have had such an incredible experience.
Their Shabbaton didn’t end with havdallah – Motza’ei Shabbos was meaningful, fun, and exciting as well. As the girls enjoyed a melavah malkah of pizza and fries at the Schwartz’s residence, they also participated in simchah dancing led by Mrs. Yocheved Hirsch. Thank you to Mrs. Rivky Kornhauser, Mrs. Esther Yenti Noe, and the high school girls of BCG for coming over and joining in the dancing!
The girls sang and danced through the night and left Monsey on a true spiritual high! As one girl said in tears on her way out, “This Shabbos has been the highlight of my life!” Another girl reacted, “This Shabbos will have a positive effect on the choices we will make for the rest of our lives”
Ezra thanks the Monsey community for being warm and welcoming to the senior girls of Ezra Academy and giving the girls a Shabbos they will never forget!
Ezra Academy Hosts Girls Shabbaton In Monsey
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