Cohort 2: Highlights from the JCM Shabbaton

Shabbat shalom!

The Shabbaton was an amazing experience that brought all of the Kashlash Diller Fellows together. On Friday, we all met in a circle so we could share what we wanted to gain form the Shabbaton. On Friday night, some of the Chicago Fellows lead Kabalat Shabbat and ended it with a meaningful discussion with the other Fellows on what Shabbat meant to them. Everyone agreed that Shabbat is a time where friends and family can come together and enjoys time together, and that is exactly what we ended up doing on that weekend. 

Post-Shabbat bonfire

The next day, the Fellows did an activity called "Café Dilemma," in which four fellows sat together to discuss Israeli society. This was particularly interesting because many of the American Fellows had the opportunity to learn about the pressing issues in Israel from Israelis. When the Fellows had free time, they all hung out and got to play their favorite game, Sumo. That night, we ended with Havdallah, which then became a dance party. The Fellows ended their night on a more serious note in the Ma'agal Lailah, as they all shared their deeper thoughts on how to be better people. 

Planning community week

This Shabbaton deeply connected all of the American and Israeli Fellows together, and everyone is extremely excited to reunite in Israel!

By: Henry Wolle