Photos: Rosie Rimler/ Sholem Srugo/Yossi Jerufi
The CKids Shabbaton, held at the luxurious Armon Hotel in Stamford, CT, was an unforgettable event for the 800 participants from 26 different countries who attended the weekend gathering.
For many of the children who came from smaller Jewish communities, the Shabbaton offered a unique opportunity to make new Jewish friends and feel part of the global Jewish community.
The Shabbaton was packed with non-stop exciting and inspirational activities that delighted the kids. On Friday morning, the children took their JewQ final exam and then traveled to the Ohel for an uplifting visit where they had the opportunity to daven and ask for Berachos at the holy site. Next, the kids headed to Manhattan, where they enjoyed rock climbing and ice skating at Chelsea Piers.
The Friday night meal was a moving experience as Jewish families from around the world joined together to celebrate Shabbos. Singing and cheering filled the air as the counselors led the kids in new songs and chants. Throughout the weekend, the children proudly sang and chanted the new songs they had learned.
The Shabbaton was a five-star experience, complete with luxurious rooms, delicious meals, and a fully stocked 24-hour tea room.
Chana Devora Solomon, Shlucha and Hebrew School director at Chabad of Short Hills, NJ, brought many families to the event, “Being able to spend an incredibly inspiring Shabbos with our parents and students was an experience like no other,” said Solomon.
At the Havdala ceremony on Motzai Shabbos, emotions ran high as the kids posed for a group photo with their new friends from around the world. They then enjoyed a wacky science show from world-renowned Dr. Schnitzel, filled with excitement, laughter, and edge-of-your-seat fun.
The Shabbaton was not only a hit with the kids but also with the parents, who were thrilled with the experience. Jasmine, a parent from Short Hills, NJ, said, “My kids were a little apprehensive about coming, but the minute they got here, they went beyond, and they are even speaking about coming next year. It’s just an amazing experience for both the kids and the parents.”
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch and one of the celebrated speakers headlining the Shabbaton, said, “The CKids Shabbaton is a unique opportunity for Jewish families from around the world to connect with one another, celebrate their heritage, and have a great time. We hope it inspires them to be proud Jews back home.”
CKids International is committed to providing cutting-edge educational resources for Chabad Houses around the world. In addition to the JewQ competition, CKids offers revolutionary curriculums, exciting holiday clubs, and meaningful and fun Camp Gan Israel programs.
The CKids Shabbaton was an experience that left a lasting impression on all who participated. According to Rabbi Zalmy Loewenthal, director of CKids, “Both kids and parents left on a complete high.” The excitement for next year’s event is already building, and it is clear that the CKids Shabbaton will continue to inspire and unite Jewish children from around the world for years to come.
