It was no ordinary sheva brachos when over 300 Emet Outreach alumni and staff showered a newly married couple with dancing and simchah. The moment was a fitting highlight at Emet’s tenth annual Fellowship Alumni Couples Shabbaton and Retreat, which is a celebration of marriage at all stages.
Held over Thanksgiving weekend at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, New Jersey, the theme of the weekend was “Reflections.” Designed to promote spiritual and marital reflection and rejuvenation, the retreat balanced Torah lectures and growth-oriented sessions with a variety of activities. “This retreat is a treasured part of our scheduled yearly programs since it’s like a family reunion. We’ve watched so many of our couples grow from the time they were single college students, and we’re honored to still be part of their lives as they build their own families,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet Co-founder and Director.
Pauline and Nison Mirakov, a long-time Emet couple, echoed Rabbi Rutenberg’s words as they shared, “When we look around the room every year, we really feel a sense of warmth, family, and continuity with the group. We’re in awe of how everyone is growing and how much Emet has accomplished. We’re grateful to be able to connect with each other and spend time with the same rabbis and rebbetzins who have been guiding us spiritually since we were starting out as students.”
Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, couples received a comprehensive retreat program and were able to map out the lectures and workshops that were most relevant to them. The dedication in front of the booklet by Zev and Brenda Pieprz, parents of Rabbi Akiva and Shonnie Rutenberg, set a meaningful tone of the weekend. They dedicated the retreat to the courageous chayalim and chayalot of the Israel Defense forces and encouraged that in the merit of the Torah learned over Shabbos “may Hashem bring success to all of the IDF’s efforts to achieve complete victory, to bring all the hostages home to their families, and to bless Israel with an enduring peace.”
Throughout Shabbos, the melaveh malkah on Motza’ei Shabbos and culminating Sunday afternoon, participants felt the warmth and achdus of being together at lavish meals, and they were uplifted by the constant stream of 34 insightful lectures and workshops. Discussion topics ranged from profound Torah concepts to practical tips to enhance marriage, relationships, intimacy, and parenting. Select sessions were geared towards couples based on how long they were married, and at times there were separate sessions for men and women to delve more deeply into certain topics. “We planned the many elements of this retreat to not only be relaxing and share Torah, but also to offer options for meaningful learning so that the couples would gain a renewed appreciation for their marriage,” said Shay Yonaiev, Emet Couples Director.
Along with Rabbi Rutenberg and Shay, speakers included members of Emet’s dynamic staff: Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Rabbi Binyamin Yuhanan, Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Mrs. Devorah Kigel, Mrs. Rivka Muskat, Mrs. Shonnie Rutenberg, Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, Mrs. Dina Fuzaylov, Rabbi Yakov Musheyev, and Rabbi Eliyahu Maksumov.
There was an incredible lineup of guest lecturers, including Mr. Nissan Borr, an experienced marriage and family therapist who runs Kesher Counseling in Queens; Dr. David Lieberman, a renowned psychotherapist, author, and internationally recognized leader in the fields of human behavior and interpersonal relationships; Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi, premier women’s educator; Rabbi Naftali Reich, a renowned lecturer who synthesizes chasidic concepts with inspiring themes; Dr. Mark Rutenberg, an innovator in medical technology, who is very knowledgeable in many areas of Torah, and extremely well-versed in the Torah of the S’fas Emes; Mr. Elie Pieprz, a political and marketing consultant who serves as Director of International Affairs for Israel’s Defense and Security Forum. Emet is especially grateful that Dr. Akiva Perlman and his wife Dr. Tamar Perlman, licensed clinical psychologists, returned for yet another retreat to share their wealth of knowledge and experience.
In addition to the incredible ruach from the sheva brachos at the melaveh malkah, there was an illusionist and a delectable dairy buffet. Sunday’s last session was an energizing version of Emet’s popular “TED Talks.” Shay moderated a fast-paced discussion, as many of the key speakers shared empowering messages to reflect on important themes from the weekend. Emet would like to especially thank Simcha Gurgov, of Simcha Palace Caterers, who provided the lavish, plentiful, and delicious meals for every aspect of the weekend. Planning has already begun for next year’s alumni retreat. Until then, couples are invited to attend Emet’s engaging monthly workshops and events.
