By Netta Ben-Hashal, Southern Region – Atlanta Council
The Havdallah service at IC was an experience to be remembered by all. As you may have read, the Shabbat atmosphere at BBYO’s International Convention is always very relaxed and respectful. Participants have time to slow down and reflect upon their week. However, when one enters the room where Havdallah is being held, you immediately feel something different. It is a feeling of warmth, of excitement, and of new beginnings. Rebecca Ungerman, one of BBYO’s most respected and esteemed song leaders and Judaic educators attributes the reason for Havdallah’s sweetness to “walking through the gateway to the week and opening oneself up to all of the new opportunities it brings.” In all of the different Havdallah services, there was one common thread: the sense of unity and openness.
At tonight’s Havdallah, participants were enouraged to think about how they felt about Judiasm before they became involved with BBYO and how they feel now. They were asked to not let BBYO be the peak of their Jewish involvement, and they were encouraged to never give up on Judaism becasue Judaism will never give up on them. Havdallah gives all teens the chance to come together and foster a sense of community while still having the ability to be open and completely themselves. As the blessings are said to praise god for his gifts of wine and spices and light, and to welcome the new week, each and every person feels the warmth, love, community and sense of opportunity. Through that, they gain the strength to begin what is sure to be an amazing new week. `
Watch a video excerpt of Senior Havdallah:
