Fifteen Yavneh fellows recently gathered in New York City for a special reunion Shabbaton following their transformative JNF-USA Alternative Winter Break trip to Israel earlier this year. The student-initiated gathering, held on March 28-29, provided participants with an opportunity to reconnect, reflect on their experiences, and further develop their leadership skills.
Building on a Foundation of Service and Connection
The Shabbaton served as a meaningful follow-up to the impactful week-long journey through Israel’s southern communities that Yavneh fellows experienced in December 2024. During that trip, participants had engaged in hands-on service projects, visited communities affected by the October conflict, and formed deep bonds with each other and with the people of Israel.
“After our experience in Israel, many of us felt a strong desire to maintain the connections we’d built and continue developing as Jewish leaders,” shared Jonah from Washington University in St. Louis, who delivered a D’var Torah during Friday night dinner. “The Shabbaton gave us that opportunity in a meaningful Jewish context.”
A Weekend of Learning and Community
The weekend began with participants joining Columbia University’s JLIC community for Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Kraft Center, highlighting the strong connection between Yavneh and its parent organization, JLIC. This integration exemplifies how Yavneh, as JLIC’s prestigious leadership development program, creates pathways for emerging Jewish leaders to engage with broader campus communities.
Following services, the group gathered at the home of Tal Ershler and Leora Geralnik for Shabbat dinner, where they participated in their first session, “Reflecting on my semester so far.” This intimate setting allowed fellows to share personal challenges and triumphs from their campus leadership roles since returning from Israel.
Saturday’s programming continued with a Parsha Shiur, a D’var Torah by Kayla a Barnard College student, and an engaging session on “How should we approach Tzedaka as Jewish leaders?” The day concluded with Mincha at Ohab Zedek, followed by Seudat Shlishit featuring a D’var Torah and a meaningful slow shira experience.
Continuing the Journey of Leadership Development
Throughout the Shabbaton, fellows discussed how their Winter Break experiences had influenced their approaches to Jewish leadership on campus.
“Our time in Israel with JNF-USA showed us what resilience truly looks like,” reflected one participant. “Bringing those lessons back to our campuses has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This Shabbaton helped us process our ongoing journeys as leaders.”
The gathering reinforced the core mission of Yavneh as JLIC’s flagship leadership development program — creating spaces for Jewish students to grow personally, spiritually, and as community builders on their respective campuses.
Gratitude and Partnership
The Yavneh fellows and staff extend their heartfelt appreciation to Jewish National Fund-USA for their continued partnership and support. Through JNF-USA’s dedication to Israel and its people, these students were able to experience a life-changing journey that continues to shape their leadership development and commitment to Jewish communal service.
“The impact of our Alternative Winter Break trip with JNF-USA continues to ripple through our lives months later,” shared a participant. “This Shabbaton was a testament to how deeply that experience affected us and our commitment to Jewish leadership.”
For more information about JLIC and the Yavneh Fellowship program, please reach out to any of our Directors.
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