Chanukah Retreat Wows Guests

Photos: Yaakov Rosenthal

This past weekend, over four hundred Jews from all walks of life gathered for three days of learning and inspiration, world-class kosher dining and entertainment at Chabad of Northwest CT’s family retreat – (Cretreat.org).

Guests were treated to a high caliber of lectures featuring Rabbis Manis Friedman and Yossi Jacobson, musical performances by the 8th Day Band, Sandy Shmuely and Torah Tots. A 24 hour tea room along with private swim and fitness hours, inspirational farbrengens to the wee hours of the morning and the spectacular Coco Keys water park completed the entertainment at the annual retreat.

The huge increase in this year’s retreat attendees (over 150%) is attributed to the great effort, focus on detail and personalized reception by the staff of the Chanukah Retreat. “To see almost all of our previous year’s guests return is the greatest testament to the quality of our program, and the most dedicated staff at our Chabad,” said Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach, who together with his wife Mina, direct Chabad of Northwest CT, organizers of the event.

The brightness of the Chanukah Menorahs took on an extra shine when one witnessed the many types of Jews, externally differently dressed but inside all the same Neshama. From traditional Chabad garb to shtreimels and bekishas, from Modern Orthodox to Yeshivish, from Sefardi to Ashkenazi, the feeling of Achdus was palpable.

Friday night after a gourmet Seudas Shabbos, the guests had the opportunity to participate in a “Cross Fire” session with Rabbis Freidman and Jacobson. Guests were able to pose any questions or dilemmas on their minds to the two world renowned lecturers, which lasted well after 3 AM!

“It was an extremely spiritually moving discussion. There was an atmosphere of complete openness and people were unabashed to bring up really deep issues that they may have been struggling with,” commented Mina Eisenbach, co-director of Chabad of Northwest CT. “Guests were so emotionally involved, and the rabbis were on target with their responses – we kept hearing people repeat snippets of what occurred for those who did not attend that session.”

To cater to all the guests, there were three different minyanim, followed by an elaborate gourmet Kiddush with fish stations, a full bar and passing of lchaim shots. Afterwards, there was a sit down main course with Rabbi Manis Friedman and Yossi Jacobson farbrenging.

“Participating in the Chanukah Getaway Retreat was one of the most powerful and special gifts I have ever given myself,” wrote a first-timer to Chabad of Northwest CT. “The Rebbe’s mission was to create the foundation and love for Yiddishkeit in every Jew anywhere in the world, but the lighting of the match to ignite that love of Torah, he left to the individual. I am so grateful that I was able to strike that match for myself and join in the joy of celebrating ‘Am Yisroel Chai’ surrounded by 400 or more Jews joined in unity and faith.”

Since the Chanukah retreat ended, Chabad of Northwest CT has been receiving dozens of such calls and emails praising the high caliber of the lectures, the luxurious setting, and the gourmet food, supplied by Levi Feigenson’s Table One Catering under the supervision of Badatz of Crown Heights.

One of the highlights of the retreat was a musical Havdalah led by Rabbi Yossi Jacobson joined by guests with instruments of their own. Rabbi Jacobson explained the role of Havdalah in helping us descend from the spiritual high of Shabbos and in conferring its inspiration to the everyday activities of the week ahead.

Motzei Shabbos followed with an elaborate buffet Melaveh Malka and musical entertainment by Sandy Shmuely. The energy was electrifying and it was most enjoyable to see the crowd dancing, at times three generations together. The family highlight was the indoor 50,000 square foot indoor Disney style water park. “Florida weather on Chanukah, just a short drive from NYC was heaven,” a participant said.

Sunday morning’s finale was another chance at the indoor water park, followed by an Israeli hotel style breakfast spread, and a rocking concert by the 8th Day Band. The hotel was shaking with the joy of Chanukah, the happy faces of the guests, the excitement of the children, the warmth of the hosts, the wisdom of the lecturers, the engaging musicians – this was one of the most spectacular retreats ever.

As over four hundred Jews now return to their everyday lives in communities, moved by the Rebbe’s guidance and inspiration they begin ‘unpacking’ the spiritual treasures gained at the Chanukah Getaway Retreat, including scores of resolutions to increase in Torah and Mitzvos, connecting with their local Chabad shluchim and learning Chassidus with vigor and joy.

To learn about the upcoming retreats, pls e-mail: [email protected]. For more pictures visit: www.chabadNW.org/pics