Emet Outreach’s recent Alumni Couples Retreat offered the ideal setting for couples to step away from their routines and reconnect. Held at the picturesque Whispering Oaks Hotel in Norwalk, Connecticut, the summer retreat brought together close to 200 participants and staff for an uplifting Shabbos centered around the theme of “Elevation.” Through meaningful Torah learning, relationship-focused programming, gourmet meals, and relaxing activities, participants were inspired to elevate their marriages, spiritual lives, and everyday experiences.
“An integral part of Emet’s programming is the importance of continuity, and these retreats allow us to maintain meaningful relationships with our students as they move through different stages of life. It is especially beautiful to see how they have grown over the years,” said Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg, Emet founder and CEO.
The retreat opened on Friday afternoon with a welcome lunch, followed by “Elevated Together: The Couples Connection Challenge.” Led by Zev Freundlich, founder of TeamCorp, the interactive program engaged approximately 30 couples in team-based challenges designed to strengthen trust, communication, and partnership. The laughter and friendly competition helped participants ease into the weekend and quickly created a warm sense of connection.
As Shabbos began, couples enjoyed inspiring davening, a delicious dinner, and divrei Torah from Emet’s rabbinic leadership. Shay Yonaiev, Emet’s director of couples programming, welcomed the crowd. The evening continued with Emet “TED Talks,” during which each speaker had five minutes to share one focused and meaningful idea. A lavish Viennese table and late-night learning closed out the night.
Shabbos day featured an extensive selection of lectures and workshops addressing both the spiritual and practical dimensions of Jewish life. Six concurrent sessions explored topics including shalom bayis, honoring parents while protecting the home, personal growth, emunah, and the intersection of science and belief. Additional programming included separate sessions for men and women, as well as a keynote panel titled “Elevating Every Aspect of Our Lives.”
Along with Rabbi Rutenberg and Shay, speakers included members of Emet’s dynamic team: Rabbi Mordechai Kraft, Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Rabbi Binyamin Yuhanan, Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Mrs. Devorah Kigel, Mrs. Rivka Muskat, Mrs. Shonnie Rutenberg, Mrs. Rivka Yuhanan, Mrs. Mazal Musheyev, Rabbi Eliyahu Maksumov, and Mrs. Leah Maksumov. Dr. Mark Rutenberg, an innovator in medical technology with deep Torah expertise, particularly in the teachings of the Sfas Emes, also gave two lectures.
The full schedule was balanced by unstructured time for couples to rest, walk around the lake, take in the natural surroundings, and enjoy one another’s company. An outdoor s’udah sh’lishis on the patio created an especially relaxed atmosphere and featured divrei Torah by Rabbi Levi Mushaiev and Mr. Alex Scharg.
Following an uplifting Havdalah filled with music and inspiration, the retreat continued with a celebratory melaveh malkah. Couples enjoyed a lavish dairy buffet, spirited dancing, entertainment from illusionist David Schwartz, and a surprise concert by Emet’s own Shlomo Mash.
“We designed the retreat to offer couples a balance of Torah learning, practical relationship guidance, interactive experiences, and time to simply relax and enjoy being together,” said Shay. “It was gratifying to hear that couples found the weekend both meaningful and rejuvenating, and that the variety of programs allowed each couple to create an experience that was right for them.”
Sunday morning began with a gourmet breakfast and reflections from Shay, followed by a group photo. The retreat concluded outdoors with Rabbi Rutenberg’s popular session, “How to Like the People You Love,” leaving couples with practical insights to bring home.
“The Shabbaton was so beautiful, meaningful, and fun,” shared Peter and Naomi Benjamin. “We truly appreciated the sense of community and all the work the Emet staff put into creating such a special weekend. We look forward to staying connected and seeing everyone again at future Emet events.”