My Shabbos in the “Tent”

Mrs. Malka Werde, Director of Chabad at FIT (Fashion institute of Technology), a division of Chabad Midtown Manhattan, writes:

Just recently I was privileged to spend Shabbos at Abraham’s Tent which is a new breathtaking hostel catering to young adults visiting Israel.

Abraham’s Tent is an appropriate name that the 2 young dynamic brothers – Rabbi Yosef and Mendel Eichenblatt – conceived to attract young Jewish wayfarers touring Israel on Birthright trips and the like. They provide them with an opportunity to advance beyond the initial inspiration experienced when coming to Israel.

I had just finished running one of my many Birthright trips and I saw what a great need Abraham’s Tent fills. There are thousands of young adults who come to Israel every year on various trips and become inspired to strengthen their connection with Judaism and Israel. However once their trip is over the inspiration often fades. With this program the problem is solved!

As the Eichenblatts’ put it, “Abraham’s Tent is the bridge between the inspiration experienced in Israel and the continuation of it in ones life and community. From here these inspired young adults find out about the many opportunities available to them in Israel and abroad, such as scholarships to Yeshiva or the Chabad House in their home town they didn’t yet know about.”

The program is unique in its all-encompassing approach – providing: lodging, social events, Shabbos meals and much more. Serving as a home away from home just a few steps away from the Kotel!

On Friday afternoon we basked in the glow of the setting sun over Jerusalem enjoyed music and food on the roof of Abraham’s Tent. Following candle lighting us girls sat on the balcony and sang and welcomed the Shabbos queen while the boys were on the roof singing and learning about this special time and Shabbos.

We then danced our way down to the Kotel where we experienced a Shabbos Davening like none before, with singing, dancing and inspiration flying high. After Maariv at the Kotel 50 of us marched back up to the outdoor balcony with a panoramic view of the Temple Mount and the Eastern hills of the Judean desert where a meal fit for a king awaited us. We dined from this magnificent porch to the sound of Niggunim and typical Chabad house tunes.

Abraham’s Tent unbelievably low rates and great accommodations, make this place a sure success. However – top that with two young ambitious couples who are loving and enthusiastically hospitable to all – young and not so young, you have a formula that cannot be BEAT!

I wish amazing Hatzlocha to the Eichenblatt brothers and special thanks to their father in Los Angeles who served as their inspiration.

Find out more about them at AbrahamsTentInJerusalem.com