With the Jewish People still reeling from October 7, everyone is asking, “What can we do?” For those not serving directly in Israel, Project Inspire offers the perfect solution: Unity! No matter how a Jew identifies – affiliated or unaffiliated, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, chasidish, etc. – we are one family and must support each another and stand united. To that end, Project Inspire, a project of Aish HaTorah dedicated to inspiring the frum community to share the beauty of our heritage with fellow Jews, hosts the annual “Body & Soul Shabbat Retreat” at the Woodcliff Lake Hilton in New Jersey on the weekend of the Annual Shabbat Project. (The Shabbat Project is an international movement bringing together Jews from all levels of observance to keep one Shabbos.)
As soon as guests entered, the palpable solidarity, catalyzed even more by the situation in Israel, made us feel that our combined energy would strengthen each other and those fighting this war. As usual, Project Inspire runs their Shabbatons with professionalism and passion. Warmly welcomed with handsome and treat-filled gift bags, we enjoyed the plentiful hospitality buffet, greeted both new and old friends and perused the exciting schedule of events.
Soon enough, we came together to light Shabbos candles. Watching all the heartfelt Shabbos blessings being made, not only for loved ones, but for all those in Israel, was elevating and emotional, typifying the Jewish mission: to bring light into the world.
Senior Rabbi of The Village Shul & Aish HaTorah Learning Center in Toronto, Rabbi Tzvi Sytner, opened the program. As a motivational speaker, therapist, and popular video blogger on Aish.com, he elevated our spirits, despite the ongoing challenges, by connecting us to the serenity and harmony that Shabbos and our camaraderie create. Moving musical accompaniment by Aryeh Barnett & Friends lifted our evening prayers on high, leaving us exhilarated and in full Shabbos mode.
As we met our dinner companions, the Friday night meal showcased the superb work of Diamond Caterers to everyone’s delight. Project Inspire’s Executive Director, Yossie Friedman, whose comprehensive management of the entire weekend makes these events so memorable, launched the Keynote Session by introducing two highly entertaining speakers: Miami’s Rebbetzin Yaffa Palti, known for her charisma, depth, and humor, as well as the wildly popular Rav Gav, Rabbi Gavriel Friedman, who keeps us in stitches while explaining meaningful Torah concepts. The evening rounded off with a beautiful dessert buffet reception and the panel discussion, “Everything you wanted to know about Judaism but were afraid to ask.”
Among the other phenomenal speakers were:
- Rabbi Yitzchok Fanger, whose stirring life story from the Israeli Army to India’s jungles to Torah Judaism wowed the crowd
- Rabbi Yitzchak Feldheim, whose deep and life-altering Torah talks can move even the most secular and liberal audiences
- Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish HaTorah, who spoke of Advocacy for Israel and answering critics.
This incredibly upbeat and well-run Shabbos is just one of the ventures of Project Inspire, headed by founder/director Rabbi Chaim Sampson, talmid of Rav Noach Weinberg zt”l, founder of Aish HaTorah. Furthering Rav Noach’s dream of engaging all frum Jews to befriend and encourage less-affiliated Jews, Rabbi Sampson addressed us with rousing words of how vital our unanimity is, especially vis-à-vis the current situation. His support team of Rabbi Mordechai Tropp, Executive Liaison, R’ Simcha Barnett, Education & Community Director, and R’ Yaakov Giniger, Programming Director, make Project Inspire the amazing organization it is.
This weekend had it all: phenomenal speakers and time to personally speak with them, activities for the adults (wine tasting, floral arranging, martial arts, Zumba dancing), as well as a great children’s program. The unbeatable ruach underscores that we are indeed one united family. Check out ProjectInspire.com’s famous three-day retreats and have a share in creating more achdus.
By Leah Bleiberg
