The Jewish Girls Winter Retreat, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber, took place at a resort in Lake George, NY for four days last weekend.
60 campers from all backgrounds came from as far as California and as close as Albany, NY to participate. There were some girls who experienced their first real Shabbos at the retreat.
The retreat focused on the theme: “Dream it Real”. On Shabbos, campers were taught the secrets to achieving their dreams by a panel of extraordinary women.
They were Chaya Mindel Way and Samara Harris, counselors who chose to keep Mitzvot while studying in a secular school, Chana Atara Madvig, the camp’s head chef and a Shlucha who chose to convert to Judaism and Leah Caras, who published YALDAH magazine as a young girl.
After Shabbos, the girls enjoyed a “LIVE from JGR” celebration with virtual guest singer, Chaya-Bracha Rubin, who explained the inspiration behind her theme song, “Nothing Stands in the Way of Will.” Lyrics include the words “with Heaven’s help your dreams will be fulfilled, make your cup, it’s waiting to be filled.” The inspiration and connections made at the Winter Retreat will continue to blossom through Jewish Girls Unite online classes and celebrations.
(Click to view recording for women & girls of our 2nd Virtual Celebration: http://room613.adobeconnect.com/p64j7kodlph/.)
After a fun Tzedakah auction, where many girls won gifts, everyone formed a circle for a special candle lighting ceremony.
Golda, from Saratoga Springs, NY lit a candle and spoke: “We all got a gift tonight. We received the gift of enjoying time together at the Jewish Girls Retreat. When I go home, I’m going to use my siddur and pray more.”
Among all the girls who spoke about their experience, Chana Alyza said, ” I learned that you can accomplish your dreams.” Audrey added, “One of the things I learned is that when you have a dream you have to let other people in because you never know what they can contribute to it and if you do it yourself you can only give the scope of what you have.”
“Throughout the retreat, we reflected on our personal dreams to change the world which will lead us to our collective dream, a world of redemption.. a world of peace,” said Nechama Laber.
For more information about the Jewish Girls Summer Retreat, visit www.jewishgirlsretreat.net
YOU GUYS R THE BEST!!
Rivkah Mendelsohn!!!!!
Luv u;)
JGR is a priceless resource in our world right now.
Consider helping create a permanent home for this spectacular organization. Many small gifts added together will grow a meaningful giving community with profound impact…… ahomeforjgr
Rashi Gold!!
oh wait we didnt forget shimona we love you too
u guys lookin so good
JGR is the warmest, friendliest , and best place for girls to grow!
we’re missing you in boston!!
ruth
you look great;)
ruth 😉
woohoo this is awesome!
go chana and shemona!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shimona u Rock!!
jgr is an experience that can’t be repeated anywhere else!!! thank u jgr for shaping a lot of who I am today!!
KOL HAKAVOD TO YOU ALL
I spot cousin esther backman !!
and montrealers too!..
yay labers and company!
a true LABER OF LOVE:)!
i love you!!!!!!!!!
go chana and shimona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best counselors ever!!!!!
Planted seeds in me…
#JGRAlumni
to #4: I totally agree with you, thank you Nechama Laber for everything is was an amazing weekend. Let’s all dream for a home away from home for many girls! thanxs to all the other people who helped make this weekend a unforgettable one!
The impact that these 4 days have on the girls lives is incredible!!!
Keep it up!!
You are the best! Love me!
BEST COUNSELORS IN WHOLE ENTIRE WORRLLLDDDD!!!! U GUYZZ R AMAZING!!!!
LOVE DORMIES
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Woohoo go sara ash!!!!!!!
JGR is a camp that literally changes lives; both the counselors and campers experience something so special there. You don’t know what true Ahavas Yisrael is until you go to JGR. Nechama Laber, continue doing what you do and the dreams of many girls out there will come true.
A Girl also came from Alaska too for her 4th retreat!!
melts my heart…
May all your dreams come to reality and may we merit to see the geula shlema bekarov by all the mitzvos that were accomplish and taken upon by those beautiful girls
Love from Montreal