SARAH BENUN
OVER SHABBAT, DECEMBER 16 AND 17, KESHER, AN ORGANIZATION WHICH ADDRESSES THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF POST-HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS FROM OUR COMMUNITY, HOSTED ITS FIRST ANNUAL GIRL’S RETREAT IN EDISON, NJ. THE WEEKEND WAS DIRECTED BY KESHER RABBINICAL LEADER, RABBI JOEY HABER. HE WAS JOINED BY KESHER TEACHERS, MRS. MOLLY HABER AND GUEST SPEAKER RABBI MOSHE MALKA.
Over the course of two days, 150 girls from different community schools, and varied religious backgrounds, came together to learn and be inspired. The theme of the weekend was “Step Up.” The retreat focused on reaching your greatest potential and striving to be a better you.
Kesher, meaning connection in Hebrew, was founded in 2011 to help college students stay connected to Jewish learning and Torah studies. It has grown tremendously over the last couple of years, under the leadership of Rabbi Joey Haber. The organization is currently active on multiple campuses servicing the young adults of our community, while transforming and building relationships between the students and their teachers and rabbis. Kesher decided to cultivate these new relationships with a weekend dedicated to encouraging religious growth and strengthening faith. It was sponsored in memory of Estelle Hedaya A”H.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect out of the weekend; however, my expectations were far exceeded. Kesher thought of every little detail from the mazza giveaways to the game show on Saturday night. It was a memorable experience,” remarked one participant.
The weekend was filled with panels and speeches from eight different Kesher teachers that act as relatable mentors and role models who offer advice and guidance to the girls. Each woman shared her personal experiences; they all had a different emotional journey that was moving and touching for everyone to hear. Their path to who they became was not easy but they all had one thing in common—the best way to step up is to step down and allow Hashem to step in. Sharing in their individualized journeys was one of the most special parts of the retreat.
“Things don’t happen to you, they happen for you.” Rabbi Malka expanded on this quote with many inspiring stories, and explained to the girls that in order to notice the bigger picture in life, they must shift their mindset to see the result of their actions.
Rabbi Haber spoke about taking the next step in life. We cannot be afraid to grow and become better, the results that follow will continue to move and push us forward. Judaism is not about focusing on the things we are prohibited to do. It is about changing our perspectives to say yes to all the good and positive that the Torah observant lifestyle makes available to us.
I most enjoyed the time spent talking with the other girls on the trip and getting to know the teachers. The retreat away from home gave us the opportunity to bond and create relationships that are sure to last. Connecting with them outside of the classroom in a less formal setting created the perfect environment for all of the participants to share their experiences and allowed for the Kesher teachers to offer guidance on how to step up, grow spiritually, and take on more mitzvot.
“These girls are devoted to learning and growing. Even past midnight after all the speeches, they blew every stop sign and just wanted to keep learning. They stayed up until 4 A.M. forming connections with everyone around them,” said Rabbi Haber after the two long nights.
The girls also had the privilege of hearing from the community-renowned Mrs. Molly Haber during a marriage panel. The Q&A allowed the girls to gain the clarity and understanding they were looking for.
One memorable highlight that moved the attendees was hearing from Charlene Aminoff. On Motzei Shabbat she spoke about her daughter’s near death experience. This traumatic event was the springboard for lasting change. In Charlene’s words, she “snoozed growth and change,” and she waited until she received a “blasting alarm” in order to step up. A quote that resonated with the audience was “man plans and Hashem plans better.” The takeaway was that we should all be sensitive to the miracles all around us and commit to “stepping up,” committing to small changes in our service of Hashem.
“After all the hard work and planning there is no greater feeling than seeing it all come together. The love and warmth was felt all around, throughout the weekend by both the Kesher team and the girls,” said committee member Tina Kassab. The weekend was inspiring in more ways than one and helped each and every girl tap into her best potential.
Sarah Benun is one of girls who attended this weekend. Sarah is a Flatbush 2021 graduate and is currently a sophomore in FIT College. She attends both Kesher class on campus as well as night classes.
