Singing in the Rain at Shabbaton

Rain or shine, nothing could dampen the joy, energy, and community that filled this first-ever Shabbaton for fifth graders from three Jewish day schools across the Pacific Northwest.

Throughout the weekend, students hiked through forest and bog, spotting newts, deer, and birds along the way. They took on the ropes course with courage and teamwork, and played gaga and 9 Square with laughter echoing through the camp.

Shabbat at Schechter was especially meaningful. We welcomed Shabbat with lively tefillah overlooking beautiful Lake Stampfer and joyful Shabbat morning services, highlighted by a hilarious Noah’s Ark skit performed by teachers and chaperones. We closed Shabbat with Havdallah, savoring the long sizzle of the candle as it was dipped into grape juice—following the camp’s beloved tradition that says, “the longer the sizzle, the sweeter the week.” 

Our theme of kehila (community) shone throughout the weekend as students from Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver connected with kindness, curiosity, and laughter. In true PNW spirit, some even went boating—and swimming—in the rain!

We’re deeply grateful to the Kostiner Cultural Education Fund, and local donors in both Richmond, BC and Seattle, Washington, who helped make this Shabbaton possible. Our students returned home tired, happy, and full of pride in their kehillah and themselves.