This year’s SimXa Shabbaton, held in Marina Del Rey, CA, over the Thanksgiving weekend, brought together over 180 Jews of different backgrounds, demonstrating a practical implementation of this year’s theme of Jewish unity.
Galina Vaisman, a first-time attendee, says, “I had a wonderful first experience at the Simxa Shabbaton. It was such a positive and inspiring weekend! I felt deeply touched, inspired, and motivated and want to continue growing spiritually and connecting more deeply with my Judaism, and I believe it is a significant outcome of such an event. It’s a testament to the power of community and shared experiences in fostering personal growth and spiritual development.”
“We enjoyed the Shabbaton very much,” says Itzhak Cherner, another first-time attendee. “Our children loved the children’s program. We met many wonderful people and enjoyed the lectures, the Jewish atmosphere, the food. We’d like to express our appreciation to the Davidoff family for organizing such a wonderful Shabbaton. G-d willing, we’d like to attend again next year.”
The participants enjoyed a full program of education and inspiration. There were lectures and presentations by both local and out-of-town speakers. The regular keynote speaker, Rabbi Aryeh Katzin, now of Jerusalem, Israel (previously of Brooklyn, NY) held mind-boggling discussions on several controversial topics of the current situation in the Holy Land, intertwined with his personal stories and presentations of revealed and open modern-day miracles that happened to families he personally encountered and interviewed. He also led a nature hike nearby.
Rabbi Yossi Eilfort of Magen Am conducted valuable and meaningful learning sessions on community and personal safety and situational awareness, as well as practical training on self-defense tactics and techniques.
Rabbi Yanky Kahn, Chabad shliach from Tarzana, gave an emotional presentation on his participation in a recent 30-rabbi support mission trip to Israel. Rabbi Reuven Wolf of Maayon Yisroel of Los Angeles gave a fascinating and impactful presentation on the mystical significance and the hidden meaning of the chant “From the river to the sea.”
Miriam Yerushalmi of Los Angeles delighted audiences with topics on relationships, parenting, and our tremendous internal strength and potential, as well as a dance presentation for ladies as part of her lunch & learn initiative. Rabbi Chaim Teleshevsky, Chabad shliach from S. Monica, gave a presentation on the concept of Emotion Code and how it can be helpful to improve each and every individual’s life.
Esther Tebeka of Las Vegas, NV (formerly from Palo Alto, CA) spoke about her journey from a “Chinese celebrity to a Jewish Acupuncturist” and told of her recent miraculous discovery, more than 20 years after her conversion, that her biological grandfather was Jewish.
Rabbi Yechezkel and Ora Rapoport, Chabad shluchim from Seattle, WA conducted in-depth learning sessions for men and women. Rabbi Lev Yakov Voskoboynik, a shliach on campus in Kansas, gave the participants a lot of chizuk with energizing and inspiring divrei Torah during Shabbos meals. Katya Kapelnikova, a bard and poetess from Chicago, IL, gave two awe-inspiring and soulful concerts for ladies.
Ahuva Perlov of S. Jose held a roundtable discussion on creating the reality for our internal growth, and Rada Konvisser made a presentation on the incredible life and impact of Golda Meir.
Rabbi Sadya Davidoff, a Chabad shliach from Shoreline, WA held a story-telling fahrbrengen for pre-teen boys and also delighted all the young children at this year’s retreat with a guitar kumzits over delicious smores on Motzei Shabbos.
Another meaningful children’s activity at this year’s Shabbaton was making toys for children affected by war in Israel, as well as writing letters to the IDF soldiers. The children’s program was headed by Chana Leah Schuraytz and run by a team of Machon BY volunteers.
Both children and adults felt inspired and strengthened by the Shabbaton. Marina Sragovicz, a repeat attendee from S. Diego, says, “Simxa Shabbaton is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, as well as strengthen our sense of community and unity. The sense of warmth and togetherness was so comforting during difficult times and provided a sense of support and encouragement. The gathering provided a space for women to share their feelings and thoughts and for both men and women to strengthen their commitments. The davening and learning was spiritually enriching and inspiring. Overall, the Shabbaton is a powerful way to deepen our faith and connection with the community, and we had a positive and meaningful experience.”
“This was an oasis of light for me,” said Hinda Langer of S. Francisco, “as I was able to relax and feel inspired by your choice of speakers, ambiance of friends from the community, and a warm atmosphere!”
The Shabbaton organizers, Moshe and Esther Davidoff are very happy with the Shabbaton’s outcome. Esther says, “For the first time in the 22 years of the SimXa Shabbatons were there this many speakers, educators, teachers, instructors, and entertainers of all different ages, all types of backgrounds, all walks of life, from various cultures, with diverse upbringing… all equally eager to share their knowledge, resources, expertise, talents, and emotions with the group. All hearts and souls were united as one like never before in their desire to contribute to Israel and its salvation from its plight. It was most awe-inspiring to see the sharing, giving, learning, and the davening around the clock! Our meeting rooms, shul, and banquet hall were at their max capacity throughout the entire retreat! When the program was over on Sunday, many people stayed extra time, continuing to learn and share, not wanting to leave. Some participants requested that we add more SimXa gatherings and events throughout the year. It was heartwarming to hear so many positive reviews throughout the entire weekend and made us feel that all the hard work we’ve put into this spiritual retreat was all worth it!”
Moshe adds, “I believe that this year’s Shabbaton was very successful. All of us experienced a great feeling of warmth, serenity, and inspiration simply by coming together away from everyday speed race. The feeling of elation was very palpable.”
