This year’s Yachad Leadership Shabbaton was a powerful gathering that united teens with and without disabilities from across the country. The event focused on teaching participants how to build effective leadership skills and serve as role models within participants’ very own schools and communities. Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, attendees deepened their understanding and sensitivity towards individuals with disabilities and how impactful it is to create inclusive opportunities for everyone in the Jewish community.
Yachad is an international organization run through the Orthodox Union that’s dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with special needs and their families, via social, recreational, educational and vocational programs in 10 regions across the United States, Israel and Canada.
The annual leadership Shabbaton, held this year at Delta Hotels Woodbridge in Iselin, N.J., offers a unique opportunity for ninth- and 10th-grade students to engage with individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusion among all Jews. In addition, there was a 12th-grade track for club presidents who are active leaders for Yachad within their schools. After Shabbat, they took part in a leadership training workshop, where together with Yachad participants, they participated in educational games and exercises utilizing teamwork to help foster the next generation of leaders.
Through thought-provoking sessions, a Friday-night oneg, Shabbat services, fun activities, leadership-training sessions, singing and dancing, it was a spirited and impactful weekend.
More than 120 participants and 90 staff members spent the entire Shabbat bonding together. After Shabbat ended, everyone enjoyed a musical Havdalah, a melaveh malkah (post-Shabbat dinner), photo booth and silent dance party, listening to music through headphones and dancing the night away.
“We brought together student leaders and young adults with disabilities from more than 20 communities for a Shabbat of connection and leadership development,” said Rebecca Schrag Mayer, director of talent development and volunteer engagement at Yachad.
The Shabbaton included students and Yachad participants from New Jersey, New York, Florida, New England, and from Chicago, Cleveland, Baltimore and Los Angeles.
“We hope that every future leader walks away with a deeper understanding of inclusion, and the tools necessary to advocate for others,” says Chani Herrmann, associate director of Yachad.
The Yachad Leadership Shabbaton serves as a pivotal experience for students to learn, grow and foster a culture of inclusion. It’s just one of Yachad’s many events to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and promote a more inclusive Jewish community.
