70 Classmates. 50 Hours. One Unforgettable Shabbos
It All Began on a Corner in Crown Heights
On the corner of Kingston and President this past Friday morning, a bus pulled up—and with it, the beginning of something special. What followed was a Shabbos of true achdus, as the Oholei Torah class of ל״ח–נ״ה, together with their Lubavitcher Yeshiva brothers, embarked on a journey that would span the next 50 hours. The first stop: the Ohel, where a heartfelt Pan Klali was written on behalf of the class. But more than a schedule or itinerary, this was the start of a powerful reconnection—with each other, with our past, and with the Rebbe’s vision for chassidim ba’achdus.
As the bus pulled up to the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center, the scene was striking. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the hotel offered a clean, beautiful, and rich baalebatish environment—elegant yet comfortable, serene yet welcoming. The staff, led by Mendy Fischer of Kingston, PA (now under new management), went above and beyond to accommodate every need, setting the tone for what would be a truly elevated Shabbos experience. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear: this was going to be something special.
כְּעֵין אַיִן הָרָעָה, over 70 חברים came together for the weekend. After settling in, everyone was welcomed with a beautifully arranged טעימע, prepared by Yitz Silver of Silverline Catering together with Holsom Bagels. The spread featured an abundance of delicious food, elegant carving stations, and a warm yet upscale atmosphere that set the tone for everything that followed. It was clear this would be a weekend where גשמיות and רוחניות would complement each other in perfect harmony.
Beyond the food and setting, the true highlight was the people. It was a chance to reunite with old friends many hadn’t seen in many years, to strengthen bonds with those they’ve grown closer to, and—of course—for some, to meet for the very first time. As the classes spanned across a wide range of years, and with new faces joining while others moved on, the reunion reflected a living, evolving brotherhood—decades in the making and still going strong.
Shabbos
Friday night began with a heartfelt מעריב and a spirited קבלת שבת, setting the tone for what would become a night to remember. The meal itself quickly transformed into a vibrant farbrengen, stretching well past 3:00 a.m. Around the table, דברי תורה were shared, and speakers offered heartfelt reflections that touched everyone present.
Shabbos day started early with חסידות and a light breakfast, followed by שחרית and קריאת התורה. The רוחניות of the morning gave way to a festive קידוש and a lunch that—true to form—lasted over six hours. Sitting around a long square table, the meal flowed effortlessly as everyone felt comfortable to share. People spoke from the heart—telling stories, recalling old memories, and reflecting on family triumphs and tragedies. The hours slipped by in a warm, relaxed atmosphere filled with food, song, and meaningful conversation. It wasn’t just lunch—it was an experience that deepened the sense of brotherhood in a way only Shabbos can.
Motzei Shabbos: Camp Night Reimagined
Motzei Shabbos will go down as one of the best “camp night activities” many of us have ever experienced—brilliantly led by Rabbi Meir Geisinsky. Through laughter and creativity, he reminded us that when you work hard and prepare, your efforts are rewarded. The night featured 19 hilarious prank calls, a wildly edited video that put unexpected words into many of our mouths, a mock Lag B’Omer parade, and a spirited game of Kugulack between United Lubavitcher Yeshiva and Oholei Torah alumni. And that was just the beginning. One skit after another had the room in stitches, and the laughter didn’t stop until well past midnight.
Sunday: Closing with Connection and Clarity
Sunday morning began the same way the rest of the weekend had flowed—with purpose and depth. We started with חסידות, followed by davening and a delicious breakfast. Then came the final wrap-up session: an open and honest conversation around shidduchim for our children. It was a space to share thoughts, raise questions, and offer each other support—one more reminder that the achdus we experienced this weekend wasn’t just nostalgic, but forward-facing and practical. May each of us be זוכה to make שמחות with ease, and may we all be there to share in each other’s joy.
After breakfast and the session, the group boarded the bus back to Crown Heights. The last stop on this unforgettable journey was a special tour of the Rebbe’s library, followed by מנחה—closing the circle with the same רוחניות with which we began.
This year’s Achdus Reunion 50 wasn’t just a gathering. It was a milestone. It was a moment. And for the 70 families who took part, it was a Shabbos that will echo for years to come.
