‘Pegisha’ Weekend in Buenos Aires

A Pegisha – Shabbaton for young adults and students took place in late August in Argentina, where dozens of Jewish young men and women were inspired and learned about Judaism.

The weekend event, now in its 25th year, is organized by Beit Chabad Palermo – El Lazo Youth Center in Buenos Aires, directed by Rabbi Shlomo Levy. The center provides programs and activities for students and young professionals such as classes, Shabbat meals, trips to NY and Israel, Lunch and Learn and more.

This year’s exciting weekend retreat took place in Carilo, Buenos Aires, a beautiful seaside location, with the hotel right on the beach. The hotel’s many features added to the appeal of the event, with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, soccer field and other sports available for participants.

Accompanied by Shluchim Rabbis Daniel Levy, Eliezer Shemtov, Daniel Zelione, Ari Levy and Rafi Tawil, the group enjoyed a weekend of fun, ispiration and learning about their heritage.

The group traveled 5 hours by bus from Buenos Aires on Friday morning, and arrived back home on Monday evening.

The topic of the Pegisha was “The mission in Life,” which the staff used to impart the message that life has a purpose, which we must all remember.

A main goal of the yearly Pegisha weekend is to teach participants about the Jewish approach to relationships and marriage. Another topic dealt with is intermarraige. Speaking on the topic was Uruguay Shliach Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov, author of the book “Rabbi, Why Can’t I Marry Her?”.

Kabbalat Shabbat was especially beautiful, with dancing, prayers, inspiration and singing. For many the event was their first time putting on Tefilin, and during Shabbos, many students had their first aliya to the Torah, and some of the girls recieved a Hebrew name, which led to great celebration.

A highlight of the weekend was a Motzei Shabbos kumzitz with the Shliach from the city of Rosario, Buenos Aires.

Other highlights included Challah baking with shlucha Rivka Levy, a bonfire on the beach on Sunday night, and a “Stump the Rabbi” session.

Special thanks were given to Yossi Levy for his dedication to coordinating the logistics of the event, as well as Zalmi Levy and Dovid Konfederak.

“We have seen so many of these young students come back uplifted from the Pegisha,” organizers said. “They are prepared to live up to the best of their abilities to ensure a Jewish future.”

To donate to Beit Chabad Youth Center in Buenos Aires click here.