A Shabbaton That Left No One On The Sidelines
Yachad Shabbaton
More than 270 teens, young adults with disabilities, Yachad staff, and student volunteers from New York, New Jersey, and Baltimore came together at Camp Kaylie for Yachad’s Spring Leadership Shabbaton, a weekend centered on inclusion, friendship, and Jewish leadership. Yachad, the Orthodox Union’s international organization for individuals with disabilities, creates opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in Jewish life and community.
The weekend is a highlight of the year, and a powerful reminder of what inclusion looks like when lived, not just taught. As Rocky Selevan, Director of Yachad New Jersey, shared, “The Yachad Spring Leadership Shabbaton is one of the most impactful programs we run at Yachad, and it is certainly a personal highlight. Beyond serving as an entry point into the Yachad universe, it offers an unforgettable Shabbat experience. It is where we see inclusion at its best—not just taught but truly lived.” Shabbat was full of ruach; every meal ended with a classic Yachad circle, with everyone up on their chairs singing and celebrating together. Yachad participants, eighth-grade volunteers, and eleventh-grade chaperones shared divrei Torah, stories, learning, hands-on experiences, and reflections, creating an atmosphere where every voice mattered and every person felt valued. “Even though the Yachad Spring Leadership Shabbaton was my first official experience with Yachad, I felt at home the first second I got there,” said Kayla, an eighth grader who attends Rosenbaum Yeshiva of New Jersey. “From circle time to games of rock paper scissors, I loved how no one was ever left out and everyone was able to be themselves.”
The Shabbaton was designed to give Yachad participants a fun and meaningful Shabbat while also teaching eighth and eleventh graders what leadership looks like within the Jewish community. Rebecca Mayer, Yachad Managing Director of Communal Engagement, explained that at the Shabbaton, “Our hope is that the energy, inspiration, and meaningful relationships formed over the weekend will encourage teens with and without disabilities to stay involved in future Yachad programs, while also building their confidence and strengthening their leadership abilities.” That focus guided the structure of the weekend and its programming. As staff member Micah Pickett explained, “The goal of the Spring Leadership Shabbaton was to help students experience the beauty of inclusion firsthand and understand the profound impact Yachad has on individuals with disabilities and their families. Through sensitivity training, discussions, and meaningful interactions, students learned that even small acts of kindness and awareness can help create environments where everyone truly belongs.” The eighth graders, nominated by their schools, including Moriah, BPY, Yeshivat He’Atid, Yavneh, RYNJ, HALB, North Shore Hebrew Academy Middle School, HAFTR, Ohr Chadash Academy, SAR, and Westchester Day School, had opportunities throughout the weekend to lead and connect with their Yachad peers. At the same time, the eleventh graders from The Frisch School, Ma’ayanot, Naaleh, TABC, Berman Hebrew Academy, Beth Tfiloh, YUHSG, SKA, DRS, MTA, and SAR modeled leadership in real time, showing the younger students what leadership looks like in practice. Together, these layered relationships were built between participants from varied states and backgrounds. It also gave the eighth graders a chance to bond with Yachad leaders who attend the schools they will be matriculating into next fall.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a talk by Hillel Kornwasser, a 16-year-old who describes himself as “an Israel and Jewish activist and a social media content creator.” Hillel shared how his leadership journey began as an eighth‑grade Yachad volunteer. His message about advocacy, courage, and standing up for others resonated deeply with the teens. The students enjoyed many additional sessions throughout the weekend, such as the “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” sensitivity workshop, which helped students better understand the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Students also participated in icebreakers, learning programs, and a siblings’ panel discussion that offered a deeper look at inclusion within families. Creativity came alive during a Shark Tank-style program where everyone teamed up to brainstorm new ideas for Yachad programming. Together, these experiences gave students practical leadership skills and the confidence to see themselves as contributors to the Jewish community.
By Sunday morning, no one wanted to leave. Students gathered for a final wrap‑up session where they explored how to stay involved with Yachad through leadership, volunteering, and inclusion opportunities. For many of them, this weekend was not the start of their Yachad journey. Leadership development, sensitivity training, and volunteer involvement often begin years earlier, with some girls first connecting to Yachad through bat mitzvah projects and community programs as early as sixth grade. This final conversation wasn’t only about the next steps; it was about carrying the spirit of the Shabbaton forward. Students left feeling proud of their growth; Yachad participants left knowing they were truly valued, and everyone walked away with new friendships and the best memories. The Shabbaton may have ended, but its impact is just beginning.
If this Shabbaton resonated with you or someone you know, Yachad would love to help you take the next step. Whether you are interested in becoming a Yachad participant, joining as a volunteer, or exploring leadership opportunities, there are countless ways to get involved. Programs run year-round and welcome individuals of all abilities. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more. Yachad is always excited to welcome new faces into the family.
