The Hillel Jewish Student Cultural Center held a three-day Road Trip Shabbaton – an event that combined travel, relaxation, Jewish traditions, learning, and shared adventures.
Three days outside the city became an opportunity to change the familiar surroundings, spend time in nature, and be together. The participants enjoyed relaxation, a pool, creative workshops, activities, plenty of socializing, laughter, and new experiences.
The Shabbaton program was filled not only with entertainment but also with meaningful discussions. We talked about Jewish diasporas and Israel, learned about the lives of Jewish communities in different parts of the world, discussed questions of identity, and explored what unites Jews regardless of their country of residence. One of the key parts of the program was a quest that brought participants together in teams and added a spirit of adventure and healthy competition to the event.
A special place during the event was given to traditional moments. Together we welcomed Shabbos, held festive Shabbos activities, and had the opportunity to start the day with Shacharis – the morning prayer, which became another way to feel the rhythm of Shabbos and Jewish tradition. The conclusion of Shabbos was a meaningful Havdalah ceremony held together under the open sky.
“Road Trip Shabbaton became a space where we managed to combine relaxation and learning, tradition and modern format, activities and moments for unhurried conversation,” says Alona Kolpina, Director of Hillel. “Three days flew by very quickly, but left behind vivid memories, new knowledge, and strengthened friendships. All participants felt that they are part of a great Jewish family, and the sense of unity that accompanied us throughout the Shabbaton was made possible by the constant care and support of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
