Winter Shabbaton 2005

This past week, Valley NCSY had their annual winter Shabbaton in Oxnard. With close to 100 high school teens from throughout the Valley and Los Angeles, the Shabbaton was fun, exciting, and inspirational for all those in attendance. The theme for the weekend was “Passion” in life and in Judaism. This theme was beautifully discussed and presented by the Shabbatons guest lecturers who came all the way from Israel and the remote Postville, Iowa. As one freshman from Taft high school said, “The speakers were great, the Shabbaton was awesome, and I had a great time. Most importantly, I have decided to keep Shabbos and learn more about my heritage.” The amazing Shabbos was completed with beautiful singing where the teens asked to continue far past the end of Shabbos, as well a breathtaking Havdalah service on a private yacht, and an exciting night of ice-skating, broomball, pizza, and fries. It was a Shabbaton that will never be forgotten and exemplifies the amazing growth and “passion” of Valley NCSY.