The serene beach and rolling waves provided the ideal backdrop for the 11th annual Emet Outreach Fellowship Alumni Couples Retreat. Held over Thanksgiving weekend at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, New Jersey, the retreat brought together more than 300 Emet alumni and staff for a Shabbos of connection, learning, and renewal. Centered around the theme “Reaching Higher,” the retreat fostered spiritual and marital growth by blending meaningful Torah learning with reflective sessions and a range of enriching activities.
“This retreat is a cherished part of our annual programming, and it truly feels like a family reunion,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet Co-Founder and Director. “We’ve had the privilege of watching so many of our couples grow from their days as single college students into building families of their own, and it’s wonderful to continue being part of their lives along the way.”
As couples arrived on Friday afternoon, they received a comprehensive retreat program and were able to plan the lectures and workshops most relevant to them. A meaningful dedication at the front of the booklet, written by Zev and Brenda Pieprz, parents of Rabbi Akiva and Shonnie Rutenberg, helped set the tone for the weekend. They dedicated the retreat to the courageous chayalim and chayalot of the Israel Defense Forces, and in memory of the strength and values exemplified by their parents, Shumel and Esther Leah Pieprz, A”H, and Nissan and Paula Shor, A”H.
Throughout Shabbos, the melave malka on Motzaei Shabbos, and culminating Sunday afternoon, participants experienced the warmth and achdus of being together at lavish meals and were uplifted by a steady stream of 34 insightful lectures and workshops. Discussion topics ranged from profound Torah concepts to practical guidance on marriage, relationships, intimacy, and parenting. At times couples attended lectures and workshops together, and there were separate sessions for men and women to allow for deeper exploration of specific topics.
“We planned the many elements of this retreat to not only be relaxing and rooted in Torah, but also to offer meaningful learning opportunities so couples could 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, Rabbi Eliyahu Maksumov, Mrs. Leah Maksumov, and Rabbi Hersch Goldberger. The retreat also featured an impressive lineup of guest lecturers, including Mr. Nissan Borr, LMFT, an experienced marriage and family therapist who runs Kesher Counseling in Queens; Mrs. Rochel Goldbaum, a premier women’s educator and mentor; Dr. Akiva Perlman and Dr. Tamar Perlman, licensed clinical psychologists who returned for yet another retreat to share their wealth of knowledge; Rabbi Raphael Butler, President of Olami and the Afikim Foundation; Dr. Mark Rutenberg, an innovator in medical technology with deep Torah expertise, particularly in the teachings of the Sfat Emet; and Mr. Elie Pieprz, a political and marketing consultant who serves as Director of International Affairs for Israel’s Defense and Security Forum. A highlight of the weekend was a timely presentation by Emet alum Mr. Boris Musheyev, CPA, who shared practical insights on year-end tzedakah tax strategies.
There was tremendous ruach at the melave malka, which featured spirited dancing, a delectable dairy buffet, and a hilarious performance by acclaimed comedian, Ami Kozak. Sunday’s final session was an energizing edition of Emet’s popular “TED Talks,” moderated by Shay, as key speakers shared empowering reflections on central themes from the weekend.
Couples who attended expressed gratitude for the experience. “We’re feeling very grateful after such a meaningful and uplifting weekend,” shared Alexandra and Sergey Davydov. “The retreat was truly beautiful and inspiring. The program, speakers, and overall atmosphere made it a very special experience for us. We loved connecting with the Emet staff and other couples, and the retreat felt warm, intentional, and well-organized. We would absolutely love to participate in future couples events.”
Emet would like to thank Simcha Gurgov of Simcha Palace Caterers, who provided the elegant meals throughout the weekend. Planning has already begun for next year’s alumni retreat. Highlights from the weekend and TED Talks can be found on Instagram @EmetOutreach.