The 20th annual SimXa Shabbaton, which took place at the Brandeis Bardin Campus of the American Jewish University in Simi Valley, California over the secular New Year’s weekend, was “a resounding success,” says Moshe Davidoff, who heads SimXa Company together with his wife, Esther.
He explains, “Against all odds, a dynamic and thirsty for knowledge group of friends participated in this unforgettable experience … The location couldn’t have been better for this time of the year and prevailing challenging circumstances. Nestled in picturesque Simi Valley hills, with miles of hiking, animal ranches, tons of fresh air and open spaces, combined with well run and maintained array of comfortable cottages and state of the art lecture facilities, the Brandeis Bardin campus offers unique array of spaces and opportunities to conduct a wide variety of events and programs. It’s size was perfect to host our smaller SimXa group this year, and we took full advantage of the opportunities to learn and relax.”
Shabbos davening was very inspiring with Rabbi Izrael Zelman and Rabbi Mendy Polichenko as our chazans.
The speakers at the Shabbaton included Rabbi Aryeh Katzin, Rabbi Zelman, Mrs. Faye Zakheim, Rabbi Reuven Wolf, Mrs. Luba Perlov, and poetess and performer Katya Kapelnikova, who performed for women.
Moshe adds, “We owe them an extra measure of gratitude for taking the time to fly and to participate in the retreat. All the children were well taken care of busy participating in engaging fun programs, while all the adults attended lectures and presentations. The gourmet catered kosher meals of the SimXa carefully crafted menu were delightful, plentiful, and tasty.”
A live band concert of the popular clarinetist Leo Chelyapov delighted the Shabbaton crowd and some additional guests on Motzei Shabbos.
The Shabbaton attendees, who came from six U.S. states and Canada, walked away inspired and uplifted, and they are eager to come back next year.
A first-time attendee, Natasha Gold, says, “the Simxa Shabbaton was a fantastic success. We enjoyed the company of other Jews and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The Davidoff family was able to rise above the challenges that come with planning such an event in the current climate, and they brought together so many incredible neshamas. We walked away with a greater understanding of the oppression that the Soviet Jews endured, as well as the dangers that come from the Communist school of thought. We felt the Rebbe’s presence in our davening together, nature hikes, guest lectures, musical programs, and joyful Seudahs. IY”H, attending the Simxa retreat will be a family tradition for many years to come if not in Eretz Yisrael together.”
The Davidoffs are true dedicated shluchim of the Rebbe