DRS does Shabbaton in Pennsylvania

Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys sophomores, juniors and seniors, along with rabbis and their families took part in the Woodmere school’s annual Shabbaton at the Mountain Laurel Hotel in White Haven, Pennsylvania, Nov. 21 to 24. 

After the Thursday bus ride students ate what was described as a “lavish barbecue” and then went to the H2OOO! Indoor Water Park. Then the boys took part in a Torah trivia Contest. The winners received beef jerky platters. Everyone at the contest indulged in the smorgasbord.

On Friday morning, after prayer, the rabbis delivered lessons. After breakfast, the students played in the annual Shabbaton Flag Football Tournament, where 15 flag football games were played simultaneously.

Play was followed by preparing for Shabbat, singing during dinner, Torah commentary and a comedy skit performed by some of the rabbis.

The Shabbaton theme was “Seeing Hashem (God) in Our Lives.” The featured speaker was Rabbi Daniel Braun, who lost a leg to cancer, and taught the seniors to see and appreciate God despite experiencing obstacles and struggles. The sophomores and juniors took part in a session entitled “Hashem Said Hello!” They heard from the rabbis in their grade, who shared personal stories of times where they felt God orchestrating events in their lives. 

Friday Night DRS Tish led by Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky had students and rabbis packed into a section of the ballroom and singing late into the night. Then smaller groups of students and rabbis continued their discussions.

On Shabbat Day, students had Torah time with thee rabbis. DRS officials believe that the Shabbaton “was a great way for students of different ages to strengthen friendships, as well as their relationships with their rabbeim.”