Nearly 1,000 participants of the CKids Shabbaton joined together for a Havdalah Jewish Pride Concert and Dance Party on March 28, marking one of the most electrifying highlights of an already unforgettable Shabbat. Held just before the JewQ International Torah Championship on Sunday, the Saturday-night celebration brought Hebrew-school kids and their parents together for a burst of Jewish pride, energy and unity.
For many of these children, who are often the only Jewish student in their class, being surrounded by hundreds of peers just like them was a rare and powerful experience. They left the room standing taller, reminded that they’re part of something bigger, uplifted by the largest annual gathering of Hebrew-school families in the world.
“This night gives these kids something they can carry home with them,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “You could feel the energy, the hope, the positivity, despite everything going on. These kids walk away not only knowing they’re not alone, but ready to be role models and leaders in their own communities.”
The concert, led by Jewish music superstars Eli Marcus and Yanki Horowitz, followed a full Shabbos of immersive workshops, learning and inspiration. After spending a weekend recharging their Jewish identity, the students danced arm in arm with new friends from across North America, singing “Am Yisroel Chai” and “I Am a Jew and I’m Proud” with renewed strength and spirit.
The room, packed wall to wall, pulsed with light, joy and connection.
“I had an amazing time!” said silver medalist Ava Weiner, who joined from Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts in Redondo Beach, Calif. “I loved my counselor. Everything was so well-planned. I met kids from all across the United States and Canada. The music, the dancing—there was so much energy. The whole weekend made me proud to be a Jew.”
The experience left a deep impression on parents as well. Maya Mardechayev, who attended with her children, Uriel and Daniella, and Chabad of Sheepshead Bay, described a shift in perspective that came from hearing Rabbi Simon Jacobson speak at one of the powerful workshops throughout Shabbat. “I’ve always believed that life is a game, where parents are the coaches and children are the dedicated players striving to win,” she reflected. “But after hearing Rabbi Jacobson, I started seeing it differently. ‘We are the gardeners of a garden—of a child.’ And this weekend, I saw my children bloom.”
The concert transitioned into a sit-down melaveh malka meal and the much-anticipated mitzvah auction, where children and parents pledged to take on meaningful mitzvahs—from lighting Shabbat candles and wearing tefillin to giving tzedakah and keeping kosher.
In a heartwarming twist, the winner of a pair of tefillin—sponsored by Tefillin Connection and Dan’s Deals—had bid his mitzvah pledge on behalf of a friend who wasn’t in a position to purchase a pair of his own.
Other prizes included jewelry from Tzfasman Jewelers, pairs of mezuzahs and a scholarship to CKids Gan Israel camp this summer.
“This year’s experience left our hearts overflowing with joy and pride,” Maya added. “Every year, Shabbaton leaves a special memory in our family’s heart. But this one? This was truly unforgettable.”
