The 16th International Russian Jewish Shabbaton: A Shabbaton That Changes Lives
For sixteen consecutive years, the International Russian Jewish Shabbaton has been led and directed by Rabbi Benzion Laskin, Shabbaton Director, whose vision and tireless dedication have shaped it into a landmark of Jewish life. More than just a weekend, this Shabbaton has become a transformational experience that truly changes lives.
The Shabbaton is a project of, and co-sponsored by, the Lubavitch Youth Organization, led by Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, Program Director; Chamah, led by Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman (President), Rabbi Moshiach Chudaitov (Executive Vice-President), Rabbi Binyomin Malachovski, and Rabbi Barry Spitecki (Development Director); and the Jewish Soul Organization — with the support of the World Zionist Organization.
Over the years, countless participants have taken on new mitzvot as a direct result of the Shabbaton. Families who once lit candles only occasionally now keep Shabbat fully. Parents who struggled with Jewish identity now send their children to Jewish schools. Young people who attended as singles are now married, building Jewish homes and returning with children of their own. Grandparents, children, and grandchildren have celebrated Shabbos together at the Shabbaton — three generations rediscovering Judaism in one weekend.
The 16th annual Shabbaton, held at the beautiful Armon Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, brought together more than a thousand participants, including hundreds of children and singles, and shluchim with their communities from across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Friday: Entering Shabbos Together
The official opening of the Shabbaton was hosted by Rabbi Laskin, who welcomed the participants, shared inspirational stories, and led a unique pre-Shabbat meditation accompanied by music. The meditation set the entire crowd into a special atmosphere of anticipation, unity, and reflection.
Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, Program Director of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, then delivered a heartfelt address that set the tone for the entire weekend, speaking about the importance of Jewish unity and purpose. Following him, Rebbetzin Slovie Jungreis-Wolff spoke with passion, moving the audience with her words of faith and Jewish pride, reminding everyone that each Jew has a vital role to play in the destiny of the Jewish people.
The program was further enriched by the music of shofar virtuoso Danny Flam, Israeli composer and singer Zlata Razdolina, and Cantor Moshe Shur, whose powerful voice inspired throughout the Shabbaton.
Guests also enjoyed a lavish buffet prepared by Nesher Catering, which provided eight festive meals and a 24-hour tea room throughout the weekend — ensuring that both body and soul were nourished.
Shabbos: Torah, Song, and Crossfire
Shabbos was filled with spirited davening, joyous zemiros, and shiurim in both Russian and English.
The centerpiece of the day was the famous Crossfire: Challenge the Rabbis, which drew a packed audience and gave participants the chance to ask any question — no matter how challenging. The distinguished panel included:
- Rabbi Manis Friedman, world-renowned thinker and author
- Rebbetzin Slovie Jungreis-Wolff, noted teacher and author
- Rabbi Zushe (Zushi) Wiener, Rosh Yeshiva of Chovevei Torah and member of the Lubavitch Beis Din
- Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, head of the Rabbinical Court of Sydney, Australia
The panel was moderated by Rebbetzin Sara Rodkin of Boston, who kept the exchange lively and sharp. For many, this session was life-changing, as they finally received answers to questions that had been troubling them for years.
Beyond Crossfire, the Shabbaton offered a dazzling variety of lectures. Every hour, five or six sessions were running simultaneously — on halacha, Jewish philosophy, history, personal growth, family life, health, and current events.
From Israel came Rabbi Alex Pruchansky and Rabbi Dov Ber Baitman, whose classes blended deep Torah insights with a strong Israeli spirit. The respected Israeli journalist Ezra Mor addressed the situation in Israel, showing how the Rebbe’s vision remains timeless and prophetic.
From the medical field, participants were inspired by internationally respected specialists. Dr. Marina Yuabova of Boca Raton, Florida, a leading functional medicine expert, has helped countless couples have babies through her revolutionary system and has guided many patients to heal from autoimmune diseases. Dr. Marika Cherfas, MD, a respected New York physician and holistic doctor, shared powerful insights for living healthier, fuller lives.
Together they gave life-changing knowledge on how to live with maximum energy — reminding everyone that our body is a vessel, a temple, through which we can serve Hashem to the fullest.
Motzei Shabbos: Havdalah, Concerts, and the Grand Melave Malka
Motzei Shabbos began with a grand Havdalah ceremony, featuring two moving renditions: one led by Cantor Moshe Shur, and another in the Sephardic tradition by Rabbi Baruch Babaev, Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Jewish community in the USA and Canada.
After Havdalah, women enjoyed a special concert by Israeli composer and singer Zlata Razdolina and her all-women Jewish band, performing inspirational songs and Chabad nigunim in unique jazz arrangements.
The evening continued with the Grand Melave Malka, guided by Rabbi Laskin, who led the program with warmth and energy, carrying the inspiration of Shabbos into the new week. Before the main program, Rabbi Moshiach Chudaitov, Vice-President of Chamah, greeted the audience warmly and spoke about the uniqueness of Melave Malka — a sacred time and a special opportunity to carry the spirit of Shabbos into the coming days.
A highlight of the evening was the unforgettable appearance of Dudu Fisher, the world-renowned chazzan and singer. He shared how his very birth came about through a blessing of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Rayatz, and how the Lubavitcher Rebbe later blessed him in his career, on the condition that he never perform on Shabbos or Yom Tov — a principle that has guided his life ever since.
He then sang Bring Him Home, transforming the ballad into a heartfelt Jewish prayer for the safe return of the hostages. Fisher encouraged the audience to strengthen themselves with another mitzvah, turning the moment into a spiritual call to action — in the Rebbe’s spirit of always translating inspiration into practical mitzvos. The refrain “Bring him home, bring him home, bring him home” echoed through the room, moving many to tears and resolutions.
Fisher then invited his nine-year-old son, Shmeichel, on stage for a touching duet of My Yiddishe Mama, with the young boy adding a playful verse of My Yiddishe Tata, to the delight of the audience.
The evening concluded with a spirited performance by rising young singer Moish, whose upbeat music brought the entire hall to its feet, dancing in circles of joy.
Sunday: Stories of Courage
The Shabbaton ended with a keynote address that will not soon be forgotten. Judith Ra’anan, freed from Hamas captivity, shared her harrowing story of survival in the tunnels of Gaza and the faith that carried her through. The audience sat in complete silence, many with tears streaming down their faces, before rising in a standing ovation. Her courage and resilience deeply inspired all who attended.
Programs for Every Generation
The children’s program ran from morning until evening like a full camp, complete with circus and clown shows, interactive activities, and devoted counselors from Beis Rivka. It was directed by Ms. Shterna Levin and Ms. Shayna Wilhelm, with Mrs. Sima Vernick and Mrs. Ruchama Baum heading the babysitting program for the youngest participants. Parents were able to attend lectures and davening with peace of mind, knowing their children were cared for and happy.
The singles program, led by the renowned shadchan Baila Sebrow, was another cornerstone of the weekend. With her expertise, she organized an incredible speed-dating program and workshops. More than 150 singles participated, and the energy was palpable. Already, new couples have formed, while families who first met at previous Shabbatonim returned this year with their children — a living testimony to the Shabbaton’s role in building Jewish homes.
Special thanks go to the Shabbaton Program Committee, chaired by Rabbi Laskin together with Rabbis Moshe Chaim Levin, Baruch Lepkivker, Eli Kogan, Itzhak Wolowik, and Zalman Zvulunov, whose tireless efforts and vision brought together such a broad and diverse program — from Torah to medicine, from Israel to America, from family life to current events.
A heartfelt acknowledgment also goes to Ms. Chani Weichelbaum, who served as the Shabbaton’s registration coordinator, together with Ms. Shayna Rivkin. Their dedicated work ensured smooth registration for all participants.
A Global Gathering and Lasting Impact
Participants came from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Haven, Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Maine, North Carolina, Florida, California, Texas, and more, as well as from Europe and beyond. With more than 70 lectures and workshops, including cooking demonstrations, challah-baking, and even Krav Maga self-defense, there was truly something for everyone.
For many, the Shabbaton marked a turning point. As one participant shared: “Three generations came together — my parents, myself, and my children. For us, this Shabbaton is a family reunion in the deepest Jewish sense.” Another added: “We first met here as singles, and now we’re back with our kids. This Shabbaton gave us our family.”
Throughout the weekend, circles of spontaneous dancing broke out, and voices rose in Am Yisrael Chai. Families who once hid their Jewish identity in the Soviet Union now kept Shabbos proudly with their children and grandchildren, declaring not only Am Yisrael Chai but also Am Yisrael Echad.
As the program drew to a close, shluchim and their communities joined in an emotional roll call, rising together in unity, singing and dancing to Am Yisrael Chai.
The truest measure of the Shabbaton’s success was not only the oft-heard question —
“When is next year’s Shabbaton?” —
but also the countless lives that have been forever changed.
For sixteen years, the International Russian Jewish Shabbaton has been a beacon of inspiration, transformation, and Jewish pride. Year after year, it touches souls, strengthens communities, builds Jewish homes, and unites generations. Above all, it is known as a Shabbaton that truly changes lives.
Photos by Alex Rosenfeld and Alex Gorokhov.
