A Shabbos of Achdus, Inspiration, and Lasting Impact
On Shabbos Parshas Pekudei, Pirchei Agudas Yisroel hosted its highly anticipated 3rd Annual Shabbos of Achdus at Camp Nageela Midwest in Ingleside, Illinois. The event, led by Rabbi Yehuda Kohn, National Director of Pirchei Agudas Yisroel, brought together hundreds of boys from 11 cities across the country for a powerful weekend of camaraderie, hisorerus, and genuine inspiration.
Participants traveled from Columbus, OH; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; North Miami Beach, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Savannah, GA; South Bend, IN; and St. Louis, MO for what proved to be a truly unforgettable and uplifting Shabbos. With close to 300 participants in attendance, the ruach and achdus felt throughout the weekend will surely remain with them for a lifetime.
Adding to the energy and excitement, 40 bochurim from Yeshiva Bais Shraga in Monsey served as madrichim and mashpi’im, engaging the boys in learning, singing, and meaningful interactions. The program began Thursday night with a warm bonfire kumzitz, setting the tone for a weekend filled with focused hasmadah sedarim, uplifting zemiros, thought-provoking shiurim, and personal growth.
Pirchei was privileged to welcome Harav Henoch Plotnik, Rosh Mesivta of Yeshivas Kesser Yonah in Chicago, and Rabbi Heshy Forster, Menahel of Veitzner Cheder in Chicago, as the esteemed Rabbanim of the Shabbos. Their inspiring shiurim and heartfelt hashpa’ah left a lasting impression on every participant. A special Q&A session with both Rabbanim gave the boys a valuable opportunity to seek guidance on the challenges they face in their daily lives.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Melave Malka, which featured a grand Siyum on Mishnayos Seder Moed. Under the leadership of the Yeshiva Bais Shraga madrichim and organized by Rabbi Eli Gonter, the boys collectively completed the entire Seder Moed during the Shabbos learning sedarim. The celebration continued with spirited singing and dancing, led by the talented YC Schur and Sholom Karash. The joy in the room was palpable as the boys sang and danced together in true achdus, celebrating their Torah learning and accomplishments.
The incredible energy of the Shabbos was further enhanced by Rabbi Simi Hollander, who led the uplifting zemiros and engaging programming throughout the weekend, and by Rabbi Tzvi Rifkind, Shabbos of Achdus coordinator, whose dedication and meticulous planning ensured the event’s tremendous success.
Seeing so many boys from across the country unite for a Shabbos filled with Torah, tefillah, and achdus was truly inspiring. The impact of this experience will continue to resonate within them, strengthening their commitment to Yiddishkeit and their connection to one another for years to come.