Jewish Girls Unite held two Jewish Girls Retreat sessions in December and in January during Yeshiva vacation.
Surrounded by creativity, nature, and the ubiquitous spirit of Judaism, Jewish girls (grades 3-12) convened from NY, CT, MA, NC, and FL, ILL. to grow as leaders at the NEW Jewish Leadership Campus in East Greenbush, New York.
Retreats were jam-packed with inspirational and re-JEW-venating activities. Between cocoa club then prayers, and late-night bonding, campers enjoyed various workshops, a talent show, nature walks, cozy fires, adventurous trips, movie nights, singing and spontaneous dance parties!
The theme “Discover Chanukah” at the weeklong Chanukah retreat emphasized topics like determination, conviction, transcending challenge, G-d-consciousness, and initiative. Lessons were internalized through daily learning and challenges, art and culinary arts, discussion circles and heartfelt presentations. Highlights included helping to execute Chabad of SRC’s community Chanukah party; an illuminating Shabbos with story and song; a banquet and candle-lighting, where participants shared their Maccabee stories of overcoming personal struggles through transforming them into a source of purpose and light.
The Retreat staff for December. and January were: Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber, founders and co-directors; Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Chaya Shepherd, EMT and admin; Chana Laber, program and art director; Chaya Eber, Chana Rahmani, and Ilanit Chamish, Chava Zajac, Esther Morozov, counselors; Shaina and Raizel Laber, kitchen team; Heather Bianco, house manager; Rivkah, Shaina and Raizel Laber, photography and videography.
Girls speak about their experience:
Aeden from North Carolina: I love JGR because of how nice everyone is and how everyone can feel accepted. When I’m here I feel closer to Hashem [G-d].
Rena, CT.: At first, I honestly wasn’t so excited about JGR; I thought it would detract from my winter break. But now I realize it’s the best way I could spend my break!
Sima, MA: JGR, Such a warm, loving, happy environment! The week passed so quickly, yet I knew without a doubt that the journey was not over… JGR was a place I could grow in my own personal challenges and turn them into something good…made a huge impact on my life, teaching me so much about life and just being me. I hope you continue your amazing work, inspiring other girls like me in their own lives and to grow as proud, young Jewish girls!
One must experience it for themselves to fully appreciate why the Jewish Girls Retreat has been dubbed, “where Heaven and Earth meet!”
Partner today in building the future through various high-impact programs at the new Jewish Leadership Campus! Registration is now open for the Summer Jewish Girls Retreat and Family Pesach Retreat.
Contact Nechama Laber at 518-727-9581 for more information.
To learn more, visit JewishGirlsUnite.com.
