Shabbaton Year 5

The Year 5 Shabbaton

From 13th-15th January 2017, Year 5 enjoyed a wonderful Shabbaton at the Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey. The Shabbaton started with a fabulous Friday night, which consisted of the children lighting the candlesticks they had made,  lots of singing and dancing to welcome Shabbat, dinner with a fantastic ruach (atmosphere), the Mitzvah treasure hunt and a bedtime story from Mrs Baron! After breakfast on Shabbat morning the children enjoyed a full Shabbat morning service in our own Shul followed by a giant Kiddush! The children also took part in the Parashah plays activity and enjoyed learning lots of new games with the Tribe Madrichim (youth leaders). After a delicious lunch the children enjoyed a Woodland walk led by Miss Feiner and Miss Coren and then spent time playing board games and getting to know each other better. Seudah Shlishit (third meal) was again filled with lots of singing! Just before Shabbat went out the children took part in a circle time which gave them the chance to reflect on their Shabbat experience. This was followed by a fantastic Havdalah complete with singing, dancing and glow sticks! After Shabbat there was dinner followed by an ice cream party and the amazing International Shabbaton Showdown! The children had a fabulous weekend and loved every minute of this very special experience!

Here are some of the children's comments following the Shabbaton:

"I  enjoyed sharing a room with my school friends and spending time with them."

"I loved the dancing and singing."

"I loved doing everything but especially playing games I had never played before."

"I loved being with such caring friends."

"I loved all the preparations we did for the Shabbaton and learning more about Shabbat."

Here are some of the many thank you messages which were received from the parents:

"I wanted to say a very quick thank you for organising a terrific Shabbaton. By all accounts the kids had an absolute ball. This was my daughter’s first time away from home and she loved it – it was a positive experience for her, which I know she will cherish as a great memory in years to come."

 "I just wanted to send an email to say a huge thank you to all who were involved with the Shabbaton. My child had a truly amazing time and didn't want to come home! The organisation of the weekend and preparations were outstanding and really well planned and accommodating for every child's needs.It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to bond even more. Please pass on our thanks to all the staff involved. Another Etz Chaim success."

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you for the fantastic Shabbaton this weekend.  My daughter absolutely loved it and had such a wonderful time.  She has come home so excited about all the different things she did this weekend, she really enjoyed every minute."