Ezra Academy Seniors Experience A Shabbat Of Inspiration, Achdut, And Community

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A Shabbat of growth, connection, and inspiration in Kew Gardens Hills!

For Shabbat Parashat Vayera, 21 seniors from Ezra Academy enjoyed a Leadership Shabbaton in the warm and welcoming Kew Gardens Hills community. Many stayed with Ezra Academy alumni who opened their homes to the next generation of Ezra students.

Friday night began with a Shabbat seudah at Od Yosef Chai, where more than 50 students, staff members, and family members gathered for an evening of singing, inspiring divrei Torah, and thought-provoking games. Following the meal, the senior girls enjoyed an oneg featuring an address by Rebbetzin Ora Nisanov. Meanwhile, the senior boys gathered at the home of Ezra alumnus Elan Shamsiev, where the singing, delicious food, and lively atmosphere continued late into the night.

 

Shabbat morning continued with meaningful moments that our seniors will carry with them well beyond graduation.

On Shabbat morning, the students joined the community for t'filah at Rabbi Elbaz’s shul, followed by kiddush. Rabbi Elbaz delivered a heartfelt message to the seniors, emphasizing that 12th grade marks a major crossroads in their lives. Rabbi Elbaz encouraged them to consider spending a year learning in Israel—an opportunity to better understand themselves, strengthen their connection to Torah, and lay the foundation for the people they aspire to become. The message reflected the purpose of the Shabbaton: to encourage our seniors to think seriously about their futures while strengthening their Jewish identity and connection to one another.

 

As Shabbat drew to a close, the inspiration only grew stronger.

After Shabbat, the students gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Zev Aeder for a musical havdalah. With three guitars playing and voices raised together in song, the house seemed to shake! The weekend concluded with a Motza’ei Shabbat bowling outing at JIB Lanes, giving the seniors one more opportunity to enjoy time together.

The yeshivah extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kew Gardens Hills community, Ezra alumni, and all the families who welcomed Ezra students. Their hospitality gave the seniors a firsthand experience of the care and connection that make a Jewish community strong. The yeshivah looks forward to building on those connections at our upcoming full-school Shabbaton!