From November 8-10, Yavneh, a program of JLIC, held three dynamic Shabbat events across the United States, each designed to inspire, connect, and empower Jewish college students. With a unique lineup that included the a Long Beach Shabbaton, the inaugural Michigan Football Shabbaton, and the Southeast Torah Bowl, Yavneh showcased its commitment to Jewish growth, community, and leadership for students around the country.
Michigan Football Shabbaton: Game On for Jewish College Students
Meanwhile, the University of Michigan held its inaugural Yavneh Football Tournament, attracting 125 students from ten universities for a memorable weekend of football, fellowship, and Shabbat joy. Planned by two dedicated students, Josh Katz and Lila Ellman, the tournament featured eight boys’ teams and four girls’ teams competing in flag football, alongside impactful Shabbat programming, including lively tfilot, a Yavneh Fellow-led Tisch, and an enthusiastic Shabbat dinner.
Two standout moments included JLIC Michigan director, Abby Lorkis’ quarterback debut and the spirited camaraderie of the Brown-YU team, who, despite their tournament ranking, led chaburot (study sessions) over Shabbat and modeled dedication by showing up to davening on time. The Michigan Football Shabbaton exemplified how Jewish students, with the right support, can blend competition, community, and commitment to their Jewish identity.
NYC Yavneh Long Beach Shabbaton: Building Community and Leadership
Yavneh NYC hosted a Long Beach Shabbaton at the BACH Shul, gathering 39 students from ten colleges for an uplifting weekend of Torah, ruach, and rejuvenation. Designed to create a strong community among Jewish students in New York City, the Shabbaton featured inspiring divrei Torah, heartfelt singing, and sessions focused on leadership development. With participants from Columbia, NYU, Queens College, and other NYC campuses, the weekend embodied Yavneh NYC’s vision of warm, welcoming spaces where Jewish college students can grow together in their commitment to Jewish life.
Southeast Torah Bowl: A Weekend of Torah Learning and Fun Competition
The University of Florida, Gainesville, hosted the Southeast Torah Bowl, where over 30 students from campuses across the Southeast came together to compete, study, and celebrate Shabbat. Entirely organized by students, the event was a winning idea from Yavneh’s Shtark Tank program, created to provide grants and guidance for student-led initiatives. The Southeast Torah Bowl encouraged spirited Torah learning through a student-designed question pool and included a Shabbaton filled with inspiring discussions and camaraderie. This incredible gathering demonstrated the power of student initiative and showcased Yavneh’s dedication to building strong Jewish networks in every region.
Yavneh’s Vision of Student-Led Innovation: Shtark Tank
At the heart of these events is Yavneh’s Shtark Tank, a platform offering up to $25,000 in funding for students to pitch initiatives that will enhance Jewish life on campus. Through Shtark Tank, students can transform their vision into reality with the guidance and support of fellow student leaders, “Shtarks,” who provide feedback and funding to make impactful ideas come to life. This weekend’s Southeast Torah Bowl and Michigan Football Shabbaton both began as Shtark Tank projects, now inspiring hundreds of students and building enduring Jewish communities nationwide.
With Thanks to JNF-USA
These inspiring events, and indeed all Yavneh programming, would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners. We extend our gratitude to JNF-USA, a Yavneh on Campus partner, for their ongoing partnership and dedication to nurturing Jewish student leadership. Their commitment to our mission has been instrumental in creating impactful experiences like these Shabbatons, fostering a strong, thriving Jewish future on college campuses across the country.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about and to support JLIC and our programming.
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