By Racheli Jian, Senior Arts & Culture Editor
Up in the Catskills at Camp Romimu, the Yeshiva University Beren campus students had their annual Camp Shabbaton filled with Torah and singing. After a busy first few weeks back in school, students left the rush of New York behind to spend quality time with each other while learning from many YU faculty. Those who attended included Dr. Rabinovich, Mrs. Rachel Besser, Rabbi Nachbar, as well as Rav and Rebbetzin Schachter Dean Cypess and YU President Ari Berman.
After the meal on Friday night, Dean Cypess and President Berman sat on a panel answering questions posed by Gabriella Steinberg (SCW ‘25). They shared funny stories from their early days as educators as well as insights into which middot they think are most important for a Jewish leader to have. This unique opportunity to hear from individuals high up in YU’s operations meant a lot to the students. Instead of seeing the president or dean as someone who sits in an office somewhere distant and makes decisions based on their own thoughts, these leaders showed their students they want to be more available to them. The panel gave a different perspective and allowed students to see both individuals as real people, rather than just officials in an office.
The night panel was followed by a tisch. Singing is not uncommon at Stern events, but the music was especially powerful that night. There is something unique about being in the middle of nowhere, up in the mountains and singing to Hashem. Students were so inspired by the beautiful songs that the melodies ended up finishing off at 2 AM.
Despite the late end to the night, the amazing programming continued the next day with an opportunity to meet new staff in breakout shiurim throughout the day. Mrs. Besser, Rabbi Nachbar, Dr. Rabinovich, and Rabbi Schonbrun each gave a different shiur after Kiddush. Topics ranged from dissecting a pasuk in the parsha to understanding what it means to pray in the context of Elul Zman. These chances to learn were especially relevant as we are all spiritually preparing for the chagim. Even the shiurim that didn’t focus specifically on Elul Zman or Rosh Hashana still focused on how we can grow in our Judaism and Torah learning.
Many students were appreciative of the opportunity to go to these shiurim. Ilana Pollak (SCW ‘26), told the YU Observer that she specifically appreciated that “there were many opportunities and varieties of shiurim to choose from.”
After the shiurim there was a Shabbat lunch where students got to sit with different faculty members. Throughout the Shabbaton, each faculty member and their family sat at a different table which ensured that students would be able to share a Shabbat meal with staff of their choice. This was a special opportunity that students don’t usually have throughout the school year unless they attend the Shabbaton. It creates a bond that goes outside the classroom. This open-invite to chat with professors and other faculty created a welcoming environment between peers as well.
Sarah Tobias (SCW ‘26) felt welcomed by this opportunity to meet her fellow students, and told the YU Observer, “In this beautifully open environment I was able to meet new people, chatting in fun conversations with people I wouldn’t have known before Shabbat.”
After the lunch meal, there was a panel with Rav and Rebbetzin Schachter. Students submitted questions before Shabbat and the panel provided everyone there with life and Torah advice as well as stories of the Rav and Rebbetzin’s first time meeting. Students enjoyed the rare opportunity to hear the Rosh Yeshiva share personal experiences. It was a gift to spend Shabbat with a Rosh Yeshiva who has so much Torah to share.
The Shabbat closed off with a beautiful Seudat Shlishit. For each song at the meal, a student connected the meaning behind it to one of the six hostages that were murdered by Hamas a week prior. Rather than thinking of Rachel Imeinu when singing “Rachel Mevaka,” students focused their prayer towards Rachel Goldberg-Polin who has been crying for the release, and passing, of her son for over 11 months. This balance between the joy of Shabbat and the realities of what awaits students after havdalah created a very powerful environment.
The Shabbat ended off with a beautiful havdalah led by Rabbi Fine. Students gathered in the Beit Knesset and escorted the Shabbat out in unison. Overall, this Camp Shabbaton was one to remember. With inspiring faculty, welcoming peers, and beautiful grounds, the Shabbaton allowed students to reflect and recenter before the school year gets into full swing.
Photo Caption: Students on the Beren camp Shabbaton
Photo Credit: Gittel Friedman