This past Shabbos - Parshas Ki-Savo, a Shabbaton
for ‘Lone Soldiers’ serving in the IDF was held at Ascent of Safed. Organized
by Mordechai Botnick of Chayal El Chayal (an organization that endeavors to
provide a home away from home for ‘lone soldiers’) collaborated with
Rabbi Eli Naiditch of Ascent, Twenty Five ‘Lone Soldiers’ attended in the fun
packed Shabbaton that was generously sponsored by a group of students from
Technion University of Haifa.
The program commenced with a Friday afternoon
learning seminar arranged by Ezzy Morgenstern concerning ‘what lessons a
soldier can take from their training in the army and apply to their everyday
life’. Afterwards the girls had the opportunity to bake Challah while the boys
visited the Arizal's Mikvah. After candle lighting an inspirational Kabbalat
Shabbat was held on the roof overlooking the scenic mountains of the Galil. For
the Friday night meal soldiers were sent out to a variety of host families.
A highlight of the evening was that one of our
soldiers happened to be stuck on base the previous week and was unable to
attend his cousins wedding. The soldier was luck enough to be set up with a
host family unbeknown to him, where his cousin and new wife had also arranged
to attend a meal, surprising him with the opportunity to see the new couple
before they returned back home.
Afterwards everyone rejoined at Ascent for a Farbrengen
(inspirational gathering) marking the celebration of Chai Elul and preparations
for Rosh Hashonah, lasting long into the night.
Shabbos day the soldiers visited numerous synagogues
around the old city to experience the different cultures that the city has to
offer with a beautiful meal provided by Ascent for all involved.
A historical tour of Safed was given by Ezzy Morgenstern
that wound through the different points of where and how the city was conquered,
ending at the stronghold of Metsudah – located at the peak of the city.
Soldiers were so inspired by the day that an
impromptu Kumzits began in one of the caves with Nigunim being sung until sunset.
A musical havdalah capped off the evening and a ceremony was held where
Rabbi Mordechai Siev presented each soldier with their very own Tanya to inspire
them throughout the rest of their service.
