The annual SimXa Shabbaton that took place on December 26th-29th, over Shabbos Chanuka, in Marina Del Rey, CA was an inspiring and enjoyable event for both first-time and veteran attendees.
With its theme of Unlocking the Supernatural Powers Within Us, the Shabbaton encouraged the attendees to reach beyond the usual and the ordinary and to form deeper connections with themselves, with others, and with the Creator.
Ilanit Abehsera, who attended the SimXa Shabbaton for the first time, describes it as “really amazing. The organizers gave of themselves so much. Everything ran smoothly and was very pleasant. The speakers were very approachable.” Ilanit especially enjoyed Rabbi Reuven Wolf’s talk on current events, which she found “mindboggling.”
Other speakers included Rabbi Aryeh Katzin, Director of RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience), Miriam Yerushalmi, the author of children’s and adult books, speaker, counselor, and family therapist, and Esther Tebeka, an acupuncturist who shared both her spiritual journey and her expertise in natural health.
The attendees were a diverse crowd, a mix of Russian- and English-speaking Jews. Ilanit did not know most of the attendees, but she found herself immediately connecting with “lovely people” and making new friends. She loved the atmosphere of learning and growth and was impressed by so many people who keep coming back to learn year after year.
The highlight of this year’s Shabbaton was the dedication of SimXa Company’s own Sefer Torah, dedicated to peace and unity in Eretz Yisrael. VJ Hirsch, one of the attendees, describes it as “a truly moving experience.” He appreciated the opportunity to hold the scribe’s wrist as he completed one of the last letters of the scroll. VJ wrote, “Then I became more overwhelmed with how the celebrations continued… The singing, the jumping, the dancing, the Torah, the movement with the Torah, the thought that this is what keeps the Jewish people in existence and together for thousands of years.”
Esther Davidoff, who heads the SimXa Company together with her husband Moshe, was also very moved by the Sefer Torah dedication, a culmination of much work. She wrote, “It was heartwarming to see a long line of people waiting to sit down next to the sofer to dedicate their very own letter in this special Torah scroll. When the final letter was completed, I was suddenly overcome by a rush of emotions and my eyes teared up as my husband elevated this Torah scroll for the very first time and everyone started reciting V’Zois HaTorah. It’s a feeling that is hard, no impossible, to describe in words! All I can say is, ‘Thank you, Hashem, for this incredible honor and blessing in our life!’”
In addition to the memorable Hachnasas Sefer Torah and the thought-provoking lectures, the program included a nature walk, wine tasting with Shirah Winery, live Klezmer music with Leo Chelyapov, concerts for women with Katya Kapelnikova, a late night movie screening and Russian Tea Room.
The activity-packed children’s program, headed by Tamari Gassman, was enjoyed and appreciated by children and parents alike. As always, the gourmet catering was top notch and this year’s delicious new menu was met with much praise and delight.
Moshe Davidoff wrote, “Reflections that some of the attendees shared with me were very satisfying. The ‘energetics’ were especially on a high level, as one of the participants mentioned to me that the organization was virtually flawless. Things just fell into place. Catered meals were fresh and on time, speakers were inspiring, the weather was absolutely amazing with morning ocean breezes and afternoon sunlight.”
Esther adds, “Every SimXa Shabbaton is beautiful, magical and openly miraculous, but this year’s Torah Dedication event during Shabbos Chanukah was epic for me.”
The attendees left the event filled with inspiration and looking forward to next year’s SimXa Shabbaton.
