A school year that began with the the customary day-to-day routine of learning and extra-curricular activities received quite the jolt this past Shabbos on YUHSB's Annual Shabbaton. In what was deemed "a weekend to deepen the roots of our relationships with friends and Rebbeim" by Rabbi Richter in his pre-Shabbaton address, all four grades bonded in a spiritual and enjoyable way.

After jumping to new heights in a literal and physical sense on Thursday evening at Bounce, the students arrived at the Raleigh Hotel and were treated to a late night barbecue. On Friday morning, students participated in one of three activities - hiking, football, or bowling. The hikers got the earliest start, leaving after an early Shacharis. The football players were welcomed to a snow-covered field, and enjoyed slipping and sliding their way to the end zone. The bowlers headed to the bowling alley just a short while later.

After lunch and a few more activities, members of all four grades prepared forShabbos. Kabbolas Shabbos, led by Rabbi Axelrod, ended with lively singing and dancing by everyone in the Beis Medrash. A Dvar Torah from Rabbi Soniker andMaariv were followed by a delicious meal, including zemiros and student Divrei Torah, Shiurim with individual Rebbeim, grade activities, and an uplifting Tisch. A voluntary "Ask the Rabbi" session featuring Rabbi Schiller and Rabbi Taubes attracted many students and lasted well into the night.

There was no letdown on Shabbos day, as a beautiful davening which included aDvar Torah from Rabbi Taubes was followed by lunch, learning, bonding time, and a spiritual Seudah Shlishis, at which Rabbi Schenker presented an inspiring Dvar Torah.

After Havdalah, the students packed quickly and returned for the much anticipated melaveh malka. The senior video drew laughs from the crowd, after which Mr. Yosef Gillers announced the arrival of MTA Spirit Month! The extended version of Spirit Week began with dancing and singing led by Rabbi Taubes, Rabbio Cohen and a keyboard player, while pizza and ice cream were served on the side.

A weekend that was filled with Ruach, learning, lots of fun activities and bonding time and ended with singing and dancing and the exciting announcement of Spirit Month was indeed the ultimate tool to help the students "deepen their roots".