Steven Zimmerman, Reporter, New Mexico

15th International Russian-Jewish Shabbaton To Draw 1,000+ Ex-Soviet Jews & Families for Exciting Weekend of Jewish Pride, Solidarity, and Inspiration.

Aleeza Ben-Shalom, Manis Friedman, Yisroel Bernath & others to Lead Workshops on Jewish Matchmaking, Meaning in Life, Israel & More.

Every Jewish family has a history. We came from somewhere, and that move was not always by choice. In my family, on my father’s (zt”l) side, there are stories of being in Russia (now Ukraine and Belarus).

Stories of conscription into the Imperial Russian army lasted twenty-five years. There are stories of Catherine II forcing my family into the Pale Settlements. There was the time, after the civil war, when the then-new Bolshevik government created an environment where we flourished.

We all have stories, histories, and connections.

Even in the United States, no matter our level of observance, we have stories and connections. With Chabad Lubavitch, I can create new connections, rekindle old and lost connections, and attend events, such as the 15th Annual International Russian-Jewish Shabbaton, which will take place from 29 to 31 March in Parsippany, New Jersey.

What is a Shabbaton? A Shabbaton is a retreat. It is a chance for Jewish people and families to come together. This is a chance for ex-Soviet Jews from around the United States and Canada.

The Russian-Jewish Shabbaton, hosted by Chabad, will allow attendees to make challah, join others in prayer, and attend educational workshops. There will also be seminars, a speed-dating event, and a day camp for the kids. And, as is common, anytime we Jews get together, there will be food and entertainment.

Many would say that this is not the time to celebrate. How can we, many may ask, after what the Hamas started on 7 October and the growing antisemitic environment in the United States? I ask, how could we not?

The theme of this year’s Russian-Jewish Shabbaton is Am Yisrael Chai.

“This Shabbaton has become an annual tradition for thousands of Ex-Soviet Jews and their families, who make up approximately 10 percent of all American Jews,” says Rabbi Bentzion Laskin, program director at Chamah and organizer of the Shabbaton. “The theme of the weekend is Am Yisrael Chai, and our incredible assortment of speakers, entertainers, and inspirational guests will increase everyone’s sense of unity, Jewish pride, and connection to their heritage.”

Unity, pride, and connections to our heritage are more important now than ever.

My Bubbee (zt”l), who survived the camps, would often tell me that unity among us, as Jews, would be the first defense to stopping a future Holocaust. Looking at the world today, at the state of the Jewish people, we are beginning to drift apart to some degree. We need events like the Russian-Jewish Shabbaton to strengthen that unity.

This year’s Shabbaton will focus on Jewish dating, matchmaking, and marriage. It will feature workshops by Netflix’s “Jewish Matchmaker” Aleeza Ben Shalom, YouTube’s most watched rabbi” Manis Friedman, and noted educator Rabbi Yisroel Bernath—the “love Rabbi”–who will lead a series of speed-dating events, dating coach mentorships, and one-on-one sessions. Several couples who met at previous Russian Shabbaton were married and came back to the event with their children.

“The weekend brings together all sectors of the Ex-Soviet Jewish community,” Rabbi Laskin explained. “Russian, Ukrainian, Bukharian, Kavkazi, Israeli-Russians, and others will all come together to celebrate Shabbat and connect to their heritage, faith, and the Jewish people.”

The Shabbaton is hosted jointly by Lubavitch Youth Organization, the programming arm of Chabad-Lubavitch, and Chamah, the Chabad-affiliated organization to support Soviet Jews. “Celebrating Jewish pride is the strongest rebuttal to those who want us to be afraid,” said Kasriel Kastel, program director at Lubavitch Youth Organization. “Many participants have relatives in Israel and feel the added importance of gathering with their people.”

For more information, or to register, click below!

Welcome – International Shabbaton

👈🏼 Don’t Miss Out to join us for an unforgettable weekend of Jewish pride and unity under the theme “Am Yisrael Chai”! We’re absolutely thrilled with the incredible response and can’t wait to see so many of you at the event! Given the fantastic turnout, we have a few updates to share: **Room Availability at the Read more…