By David Yagudayev, Science and Technology Editor
During my first two years at Yeshiva University, I spent most of my Shabbatot at home, rarely attending any of the major YU Shabbatonim. As an in-towner, the logic was simple: my grandparents’ food was unbeatable, and it was more convenient to head home for the weekend. Plus, I love leining (reading from the Torah) and performing hazzanut (being cantor) at my shul every week, which always made going home feel worthwhile. Despite my friends’ constant urging to join them at a YU Shabbaton, I just wasn’t feeling it.
This year, however (my final year at YU) I made a conscious effort to spend more Shabbatot on campus. I attended all four major YU Shabbatonim hosted this year: the Beren campus Sephardic Shabbaton, the Teaneck Sephardi Shabbaton, the Isaac Breuer College (IBC) Heights Shabbaton and the Long Beach Shabbaton. To my surprise, each experience surpassed my expectations. I met new people, forged valuable connections and spent quality time with friends, which is arguably the most rewarding part of it all.
I also enjoyed the insightful shiurim from rebbeim like Rav Benny Rofeh, Rav Mordechai Becher and Rav Dan Cohen at the Beren campus Sephardic Shabbaton and IBC Heights Shabbaton who also graciously answered a very diverse range of questions from students. YU Shabbatonim provided me with opportunities to connect more deeply with these incredible educators outside my morning shiurim.
In addition to the learning, I also gained exposure to vibrant communities beyond YU. I learned more about the Teaneck and Washington Heights communities, experienced new synagogue environments and learned from talented hazzanim. Perhaps most importantly, these Shabbatonim pushed me out of my comfort zone. When organizers sought volunteers for leining, student speakers and minyan leaders, I hesitated at first. But I realized this was a chance for personal growth. With each Shabbaton, my confidence grew, and I found myself stepping up to fill whatever role was needed at every Shabbaton. The hesitation I once felt about public speaking and leading tefillah (prayer) in front of others quickly faded and it felt great.
Mark Kuznicki, IBC Student Representative and IBC Shabbaton Organizer (SSSB ‘25), captured this student-led sentiment perfectly: “There are many reasons to go on a YU Shabbaton. Never mind the fun and memories you’ll make – it’s an amazing opportunity to experience Shabbat through another culture and meet new people,” he said. “IBC Shabbatonim are especially unique since they are entirely student-led, from the divrei Torah to the leining. It’s a genuine, collaborative experience.”
Opportunities for the Beren and Wilf campuses to come together for large events are rare, and these Shabbatot are truly special. The Melave Malka events were a pleasant surprise as well. Whether it was painting on Saturday night at the Long Beach Shabbaton or just eating pizza and chilling, these gatherings provided a relaxed environment to meet new people and build friendships. And while I’m still terrible at painting, that’s okay. It’s the fun and the shared experience that matters most.
Although the food will never ever top my grandparents’ cooking, these events gave me a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures and minhagim (customs) at YU. For all you in-towners like me: give it a try. As a 20-year-old on the brink of graduation this May, I can’t help but feel a little regret that I didn’t start attending these Shabbatonim sooner with my friends. These years fly by, and you only get so many chances to immerse yourself in experiences like these.
The Shabbatonim I once shrugged off have now become some of my greatest college memories with friends.