Brandeis joyfully celebrated a meaningful “Shabbat Across Brandeis,” uniting students from Nursery through 8th grade, along with faculty and families, for a week of Torah learning, hands-on experiences, and deepened connection to Shabbat.
The week opened with a shiur from Rabbi Bain on preparing for Shabbat with intention. Middle school students enjoyed chulent-prep and a Shabbat scavenger hunt, leading into the annual Chulent Cookoff. Families gathered for the beloved BPA Challah Bake, filling the school with achdut and ruach.
On Friday, Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz shared an inspiring message about shemiras Shabbos and visited classrooms. Early childhood students celebrated a joyful Shabbat Oneg, and lower and middle schoolers came together for a schoolwide Erev Shabbat Oneg and seudah featuring student divrei Torah and creative skits.
The week concluded with a musical Melaveh Malka and Havdalah led by Rabbi Josh Alpert (“Mr. Shabbos”), alongside Shabbat-themed art projects and crafts.
Throughout the week, students explored the halachot, rituals, and songs of Shabbat, creating meaningful items such as challah covers, Havdalah sets, challah boards, and artwork.
“Shabbat Across Brandeis” was a beautiful celebration of Torah, community, and the kedushah of Shabbos, an uplifting and unforgettable experience for the entire Brandeis family.
Shabbat Across Brandeis week: common questions
What was the Shabbat Across Brandeis week?
Shabbat Across Brandeis was a week that brought together students from Nursery through 8th grade, along with faculty and families, for Torah learning, hands-on experiences, and a deeper connection to Shabbat. Students explored the halachot, rituals, and songs of Shabbat and made challah covers, Havdalah sets, challah boards, and artwork.
What activities took place during the week?
Middle school students did chulent prep and a Shabbat scavenger hunt that led into the annual Chulent Cookoff, and families gathered for the BPA Challah Bake. Early childhood students held a Shabbat Oneg, while lower and middle schoolers shared a schoolwide Erev Shabbat Oneg and seudah with student divrei Torah and skits.
Which rabbis led programs during the week?
Rabbi Bain opened the week with a shiur on preparing for Shabbat with intention, and on Friday Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz shared a message about shemiras Shabbos and visited classrooms. Rabbi Josh Alpert, known as Mr. Shabbos, led the musical Melaveh Malka and Havdalah that concluded the week.