On a brisk November weekend, nearly 250 people gathered on the campus of Colby College for the annual fall Shabbaton—a weekend of learning, singing and community experiences hosted by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life. For nearly a decade, the center has brought together people across lines of difference who reflect significant viewpoint, geographic and socioeconomic diversity. The annual event was no exception, featuring prayers for peace and joy recited in Hebrew, Arabic and English by community members of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
“At a moment with so much loneliness and division, many people are searching for a community that provides joy, grounding and a unifying sense of purpose,” said Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, executive director of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life. “Our center offers this vital space, and I’m proud that the fall Shabbaton brought together participants from every generation to celebrate, to learn, and to teach.”
Nearly 100 college students from seven colleges and universities in Maine helped facilitate intergenerational and multicultural connections in the heart of this purple political landscape. Students representing five of those colleges co-led Shabbat services at the gathering with guest leaders Rabbi Ben Spratt and cantor Shayna De Lowe of New York City. There were intergenerational programs for college students, children, teens and adults, including Torah study and other learning, outdoor recreation, soulful music, Shabbat meals and other inspiring ways to connect.
“It was a transformative weekend that came at the exact right time for us,” said Shabbaton attendee Whitney H. of Falmouth, Maine. “We felt so welcome and included, such a deep sense of belonging and purpose, inspired and uplifted. And the closing ceremony with everyone dancing the hora summarized it all—joyful!”
Past Shabbaton guests have included Nefesh Mountain, Deborah Sacks Mintz, Neshama Carlebach and the Glory to God gospel singers, Joey Weisenberg and Talmud scholar Ruth Calderon.
