Local college students recently shared a milestone Shabbos of connection and unity when the Emet JBoard hosted its first Shabbaton in Jamaica Estates. Launched last fall, the JBoard is a collaboration of the dynamic student leaders at Queens College, St. John’s University, and Adelphi University together with Emet. The debut Shabbaton attracted 150 students and even had a waiting list! “The JBoard is an incredible initiative of student leadership that has taken campus associations to the next level,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet Co-Founder and Director. “Emet has been working in tandem with the JBoard to bring Jewish programming to these campuses, and we are proud of their drive and determination.”
Ariel Akbashev, one of the founders of the Emet JBoard at Queens College, explains its philosophy. “The JBoard is more than a regular board. What makes us unique is that we are all equal. There is no president, vice president, owner, or sole leader. We are all leaders of our own campus associations, and together we bring a diverse understanding of Judaism and are driven to make a difference and build Jewish identity.” In addition to Ariel, board members include Liora Yunatanov, Julia Abayev, Rachel Tsadyk, Gabriella Samander, Emily Nisimov, and Aaron Koen.
The Shabbaton opened on Friday night with a beautiful davening at the Bukharian Jewish Congregation. Rabbi Rutenberg welcomed the students who filled the shul to capacity. A Bukharian-style dinner was enjoyed in the ballroom, and the sense of community was evident from the beginning. Members of the Emet JBoard introduced themselves, and a representative from each table also spoke. In addition to Rabbi Rutenberg and his wife Shonnie, Rabbi Yakov Musheyev and Alexandra Zarka were also on-hand from the Emet Campus Division. The ruach was felt during the singing of z’miros and as the students bonded over dessert. A highlight was a question-and-answer session that went on late in the evening and covered the Torah perspective on various topics from relationships to marriage and having a work/life balance.
On Shabbos day, the sense of community was further appreciated when students were hosted for lunch at local families. It was a full-circle moment for some of the hosts who were Emet alumni and were now sharing the sanctity of Shabbos with the next generation. “It was really moving to see some of our earliest students, who experienced their first Shabbos with Emet, now serving as role models around their own Shabbos tables,” Rabbi Rutenberg commented. The extended group reconnected for seudah sh’lishis and continued the warmth of the weekend. A meaningful aspect of the Shabbaton was the personal Jewish journeys that many of the students spoke about. The Shabbaton came to a heartfelt close with a musical Havdalah and dancing led by Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Emet Co-Founder and Educational Director.
Students were grateful for the Shabbaton, and many offered their thoughts. Michelle said, “The whole Shabbaton, including the company, food, and hosts, was amazing. It was nice to take my mind off of school, and to connect with everyone over Shabbos.” Jordan added, “Not only was this the best Emet Shabbaton I’ve ever been to, but it was also the best Shabbos of my life.” Talia concluded, “Thank you, Emet, and the JBoard for an unforgettable Shabbaton! It was so nice to see everyone come together. This was a very inspiring and uplifting Shabbaton. May we all continue to grow closer to Hashem.”
The Emet JBoard has many exciting events and collaborations in the works, including a challah bake planned for after Pesach.
