I got onto the bus on Friday and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Here I was, signing myself away for a weekend with no turning back. With this is mind, we rumbled off into the Catskill Mountains with the promise to return on Sunday. I didn’t understand the hype for Shabbaton. I didn’t get how it would be different from every other program the school makes. But I sure was in for a surprise. Because, from the moment I arrived till it was time to go back home, I was engulfed in an atmosphere I will never forget.
This weekend, Bais Rivkah High School had the most amazing shabbaton ever! Five hundred girls together singing, dancing, and breaking through boundaries.
The twelfth graders had gone to the hotel on Thursday and enjoyed some exclusive, fun-filled senior moments. When the buses pulled into the Raleigh Hotel on Friday afternoon, we were greeted by enthusiastic twelfth graders singing a welcome song, “Shabbatooon תשע”ח, let’s hear your spirit for the best one yet!” And when I and 477 other Bais Rivka girls walked out of the Raleigh Hotel on Sunday, we wished we weren’t. But although we were headed home, we knew that Shabbaton wasn’t over. What we learned during those three days will stay with us for a long time.
The weekend started with a carnival and ended with visiting the Ohel, and in between were never ending activities – farbrengens, glow painting, workshops, moon bounces, roundtable discussions, games, an hachlata auction, and so much more.
It was amazing to hear from people who had and have so many challenges and how they learned to break-thru with Simcha.
Hindy Markowitz, a 15 year old living in darkness, expressed how she learned to overcome the challenge she is living with. She doesn’t even consider her blindness a challenge when she was asked how she is helped with her challenges she replied, “What challenges!?”
The Rabbis who came to spend the weekend with us were brilliant and dedicated, sharing with us their stories and thoughts and answering the many questions we have. Rabbi Herman, Rabbi Estrin, Rabbi Avtzon, Rabbi Markowitz, and Rabbi and Mrs. Deren each stayed up till late into the night farbrenging. Chana Paltiel said, “I learned from Rabbi Estrin’s farbrengen that when you having a positive outlook on a challenge you can actually transform the challenge into something good.”
Getting to know our teachers and principals outside of the school environment by farbrenging and having discussions with them is something to cherish. Everyone dancing with achdus until the late hours of the night, all b’simcha, made us so proud and happy.The incredible feeling of being part of something so much greater than myself was overwhelming.
We got to know our friends so much better, and we took advantage of the opportunity to get to know other girls as well. It was incredible to be surrounded by so much positivity and so many friendly girls. All around, in every spot available, were girls talking, laughing, discussing, and enjoying each other’s company in a different setting with different perspectives. One of my friends said, “The school is a different place now; everyone is so united and together.”
When we boarded the busses to the Ohel, we were sad but happy at the same time. We were sad because we were leaving, but happy since we knew it wasn’t over – the friendships and growth will last for a long, long time. The mood was contemplative as we reported to the Rebbe what we had gained and the hachlatos we took on.
Thank you Mrs. Tiechtel, Mrs. Blau, Rabbi Stock, the school staff, 12th grade, and everyone else who made this weekend one to never be forgotten. A special thank you to all the parents who helped sponsor parts of Shabbaton. Can we have Shabbaton every year?
This weekend we all broke through our barriers with Simcha.
As Shani Azimov put it: “I felt the Bais Rivka pride so strongly! I’m so proud to be in this school!” It was not just a weekend, it was a lifetime!
Mrs. Tiechtel:
I am writing now as the images are so fresh in my mind, and I would like to share them with you
The scene that I just witnessed:
It’s 3 am and hundreds of girls are sitting in a circle on the floor
Singing songs about our connection to the Rebbe and our longing for the Geula Shleima
As their voices rise in unison I observe their faces and I see how they are focusing on the sentiments expressed in the song
Hands around each other’s shoulders, they all feel connected and most importantly so committed to positive growth
This followed two hours of dancing, Talent show, hachlata auction,
Canvas painting, inflatables, face painting and so much more
In addition during Shabbos the students participated in farbrengens and discussions with the visiting Rabbis and their own high school staff
It was an amazing Shabbos. There was such positive energy and feeling of achdus, and as countless girls told me that it was so amazing and inspiring and now they want to bring that energy and connection to Yiras Shomayim and Chassidishe values back to their daily lives
Parents:
“Very special thank you to Morah Tiechtel, GO and everyone who worked so hard on every single detail of this incredible shabbaton. We are blessed to have your care and concern for our daughters. My daughter came back exhausted, hoarse and exhilarated. Every detail was noticed and appreciated and enjoyed! Thank you so much!!!”
“Thank you Morah Tiechtel… And to everyone at BRHS for the amazing Shabatton bgu”r.
I was very inspired to hear that the culmination of the Shabbaton is a trip to The Ohel to give in a פ”ן to the Rebbe. (And to hear how organized it was at the Ohel with so many girls קע”ה).”
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“Wow and wow, a truly incredible and spectacular event . Thank you, Mrs. Tiechtel and Bais Rivkah!!
On a side note, you may have heard that Rabbi Markowitz’s 15-year-old daughter, Hindy who is blind sang for the girls last night. The standing ovation they gave her was incredible…”
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“Wow and wow!!
Just finished hearing a review of the 1000 details of shabbaton and sharing what’s on my mind…
In life we live by the adage, “No news is good news!” but in the world of media, “Good news is no news.”
In a recent meeting with a PR company we consult with on promoting our school, the director explained to me that the rule for written media is that negative news brings traffic and traffic brings advertisers …
That being said, I am hopeful that… [you] share the incredible energy and positive culture which took place the last 72 hours at the Beth Rivkah shabbaton as quickly as other events are shared.
What could they possibly say?
Electrifying
Powerful
Soulful
Spirited
Incredible
are some of the words that come to mind.
Was it the mini farbengens? The heart to heart talks ? The Break-ThrU you theme?
The talent show?
The hilarious seminary song?
The soulful singing of a blind 15 year old girl
Or maybe the dancing, the camaraderie, the spectacular Bais Rivkah energy of 500 voices pulsing through the hotel walls…”
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“I can’t even describe how thrilled my girls are with the shabbaton. I couldn’t get off the phone because my daughters has so much to share. The energy, excitement and real emotion about life attitudes is truly incredible. What a gift you have given our girls. Another reason I am so happy our girls are in Bais Rivka.”
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“My daughter left me such a beautiful message how she’s having such an incredible time and that she won the raffle…! From 500 girls… she’s in seventh heaven!! Can’t even breathe!! You’re right! This is not just for one Shabbos… It’s literally an experience of a lifetime!!! Bais Rivkah!!! So so proud!! Outdid yourselves BIG TIME!!!”
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“Beautiful! I am super proud of our girls, They organized and arranged a fabulous Shabbaton! So special that to culminate this incredible and inspiring shabbaton they are on their way to the Ohel…”
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“Wow!! So happy for my girls to be part of this chayusdike school- keep it up!”
“My daughter said this was her best 48 hours of her life!!”
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“Wow!!!! Just speechless!! I’m so so grateful to you Morah Tiechtel and the whole staff for doing so much for our girls!! Working literally round the clock, making this Shabbaton an unforgettable experience… there’s no words to express the gratitude we have … a BIG YASHER KOACH to YOU!!!!”
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“My daughter came home in a high-thanks for all those that put it together-looks like it was a smashing success.”
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“They are on such a high .. said it was the BEST Shabbaton!!”
“Looks like an amazing program… Thank you to all the staff and students that worked so hard to make such a memorable event.”
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“Thank you to the amazing staff teachers and Morah Tiechtel for the most inspiring and fun shabbaton. My girls came back so happy and uplifted. Yasher koach!”
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“Forever amazed at your attention to so many details at once. Thank you for the report and for ALL that you do for our daughters.”
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“My daughter had such an amazing time at the Shabbaton. Thank you so much. She said it was unforgettable. Tizku l’mitzvos!!!”
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“My daughter told me today, with great exuberance, that she had the best time this Shabbos that she ever had in her life!! She described to me in detail the farbrengen she was at… She wished she could have been by all of them! She talked about the harchava of the food (described in detail) and the DJ on Motzei Shabbos, the dancing for hours… She mentioned that hatzalah stayed for Shabbos bec 500 girls, she spoke about Morah Tiechtel taking an interest and seeing to it that girls went to sleep, the roundtable discussion with the teachers, the game with students and teachers… her conclusion:”Bais Rivka really has it together and knows how to make the most incredible Shabbaton!!” So thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving our girls such a Chayus!”
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“Thank you for everything you do!!! To listen to my daughter’s detailed description of the energy and joy of the shabbaton was profound! אשרינו מה טוב חלקנו.”
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“My daughter came back with no voice; proof that she had a great time!”
“Incredible!!!My daughter was especially moved by Hindy Markowitz.”
Teachers:
“The shabbaton was sooo inspiring.. . Thanks so much all organizers!”
“Agreed!! It was so unbelievable to see how much effort the principals, teachers, G.O. staff, girls put in behind the scenes into every single tiny detail to make sure everyone would be happy and gain from the Shabbaton. And it all really made a difference!!!”
“It was a beautiful Shabbaton! I’m so happy I joined. Thank you!”
“To Morah Tiechtel, the one behind and on top of it all!! If this is not nachas then what is!! Talking about this being the biggest thank you!!”
“To all of you running coordinating managing… such a tremendous tremendous operation! Thank you is not even enough!!”
“What an incredible shabbaton it was, what an unbelievable experience. Such positive energy- the girls are on such a high, BH BH!!”
“I’m so so so proud and happy to report how incredible this Shabbaton was!!! Thank you thank you thank you to the amazing hard working people and whoever’s at the Ohel please please thank the REBBE on our behalf.”
“Thank you to everyone so much for sharing thoughts videos and pictures of the Shabbaton. It makes those of us who weren’t able to come feel a part of it.”
“Very, beautiful, well planned out, full, rich program for the girls!! It’s obvious that a tremendous amount of behind the scenes work went into this, and I think the girls really appreciate it! A yasher koach to everyone who planned and pulled this all together!”
“Wow! Thanks so much to all the teachers! Working non stop and so many girls said their favorite part was talking to teachers at the roundtables.”
“To all staff and students working tirelessly for the Shabbaton:
Shabbos was incredible!! Positive, warm, dignified atmosphere. Unbelievable!!! Thank you all for creating the כלים נאים so we teachers can provide the אור.”
“The hachlata tables are incredible!! The ruchnius and the gashmius!”
I have to day I’m so happy to be called a bais rivkah high school student this was the best shabbos ❤ of my life it was incredible all the love and all the laughter was incredible and can’t wait to go again
Thank you Bais Rivka! You’ve done it again!! Thank you Mrs. Blau, Morah Tiechtel, Rabbi Stock, GO girls, Shluchos, teachers, Rabbis, guests, staff — (this was in no particular order) — everyone who helped make it happen and put it all together needs to be thanked! It was very obvious that tons of effort — and time, and money — went into this — and it paid off!! So everyone deserves thanks – and people reading this, the thanks should keep coming so we can counteract any negative energy!
My daughters had an uplifting, fun Shabbaton. They came back so inspired from all the beautifully programs. Kol Hakavod
Everything everything everything about it. From the 12th grade having their own fun day on Thursday, Friday night Farbrengens with Rabbis, teachers and friends. Especially Rabbi Estrin, he was amazing! Very down to earth yet Chassidish and had amazing answers for questions. Shabbos day with Hindy was very inspiring. If she thinks her challenges aren’t struggles, then what are ours? Huge thank you goes to Rabbi Stock, Mrs. Teichtel, Faiga, Goldy, all the Shabbaton heads, GO, all the teachers who put up with teaching half a class some days 🙂 and every single girl in Bais Rivkah! So proud to… Read more »
Beautiful the main thing is you had a great time and that’s the most important thing
This years shabbaton was so amazing that the fact that no one slept at night didn’t change anything the Chayis and spirituality was amazing it was worth every penny and if only they can do it every year it’s really inspiring and uplifting,
There is so much negativity surrounding BR (some of it is deserved) so this is wonderful to read. I am the proud mother of BR graduates, Shluchos today, and I have great Hakores HaTov to Morah Tiechtel, Mrs Laine & my former colleagues (yes, I was a teacher in BR!) for inspiring my daughters and tens of thousands of others to be the dugma chayot they are today. Girls… back in the world of reality, don’t forget the impact this Shabbaton had on you. It should be a stepping stone to greater things for everyone. You can continue with the… Read more »
The girls had such a nice time, thank you to all who took part in arranging, it was something special that they will remember for a long time.
Benji has done it again! Thank you thank you!
I just wish this had been a feature when I was in BRHS 30+ years ago!
I really can’t even express how much this Shabbaton inspired me. It’s so so true. It’s not just a weekend it’s a lifetime. Thank you so much Sarale blau Rabbi stock the shluchos g.o girls Shabbaton heads and everyone who made this possible. Thank you thank you thank you
We all know that you guys made this happen!
Kudos to you!
I graduated in 2010 and this is reminding me of the amazing Shabbaton I had!
Bais Rivkah produces the absolute best girls in the world!! Look around the world and see what peiros the Rebbe’s school has wrought.
רבות בנות עשו חיל ואת עלית על כלנה
Girls! Stand tall and strong! YOU are the future of the Jewish people.
Yasher Koach faculty, staff, supporters, and parents.
The shabbaton gave my daughter and her friends a real spiritual boost. It’s really special to hear about how morah teichtel and the staff put so much energy into making this so successful. They are really building the future. Thank you!
It was suuuuch a blast!!!
Shabbaton really was amazing. My daughter had a fabulous, meaningful time! Well done!!!
it was the best shabbaton in history!!
renewed friendships and learnt a lot!!!
was worth every cent put into it!!
shabbaton was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ki besimcha tzeitzeihu:)
go brhs!!!!
My 12th Grade daughter came home inspired. Amazing to be able to spend time likw that with your principals and teachers.
I’m almost 10 years out of high school and the word BR Shabbaton brings such incredible memories and emotions. When Beis Rivkah does a shabbaton, they do it right!! To the detail, amazing gashmius, and even more incredible ruchniyus. The energy in the place is electrifying, the atmosphere between staff and students is so warm and open, real life long decisions are made and the impact it has on our lives is invaluable. The work and money that goes into these shabbatons are well spent, and have everlasting affects. Beis Rivkah, thank you for giving me the most incredible chinuch,… Read more »
sounds like it was a lot of fun