A Unique Sabbath Adventure

Picture this: a group of young students, who typically don’t observe the Sabbath, decide to give it a try. The prospect of spending this day of rest with friends seemed exciting and novel to them. While they weren’t obligated to observe it at their Sabbath camp, they chose to do so out of respect for others.

Now, imagine a day without electricity, phones, or any distractions – just the pure essence of the Sabbath. It was both fun and strange but in a good way. These kids used to spending Saturdays with their families, found themselves part of a collective experience that felt powerful and different.

The Unexpected Impact

As Saturday night rolled around, marking the end of the Sabbath, an overwhelming joy swept through the group. News broke that hostages had been safely returned, and remarkably, they were from the same town as our young protagonists – Beer Sheva. Was it a mere coincidence? The students couldn’t help but feel a strong connection, wondering if their observance had played a part in this miracle.

A Teacher’s Perspective

Rabbi Yanii Kellet, a dedicated seventh-grade teacher at the school, shared his experience of this transformative event. His students, coming from homes that don’t strictly observe biblical commandments, were about to transition to junior high. The school administration decided to organize a Sabbath camp for them.

Setting the Stage

Before the Sabbath began, the children watched a video about the tragic events of October 7th, highlighting how Sabbath observance had saved entire settlements and families. The principal then spoke about the importance of the Sabbath, encouraging students to hand over their phones and try observing just this one Sabbath.

A Magical Experience

The pre-Sabbath prayers, known as Kabbalat Shabbat, were a beautiful start. The children sang songs they had learned during the week, and for many, it was their first time in a synagogue for evening prayers. The Sabbath dinner was special, featuring a complex song called “Ka” that the children had learned and performed beautifully.

Learning and Discovery

The next morning, after prayers and lunch, the students engaged in study sessions about the Shavuot holiday. Rabbi Yanii watched from the back, moved to tears by the joy and discovery he witnessed. This was a different kind of learning, filled with enthusiasm and connection.

A Heavenly Connection

Rabbi Yanii shared a story with the children about how their actions could have far-reaching effects, even potentially saving lives or bringing hostages home. As if on cue, when the Sabbath ended, news broke that four hostages had been released, coinciding with their study session earlier that day.

The Ripple Effect

The excitement was palpable as students called home, proudly sharing the news with their parents. Even families who didn’t normally observe the Sabbath felt the impact of this special day.