I’m sitting at home now, reflecting on the powerful journey that was Yarchei Kallah. The final run of the trip took place in Teaneck New Jersey, where I was able to stay with an incredible family. Yarchei Kallah Shabbat was like no other Shabbat I experienced. Firstly, I’ve only even celebrated Shabbat three times prior in my life, and none of those times kept to the rules of Shabbat. However, this Shabbat I will remember for a very long time.
Five guys including me on the trip stayed at an orthodox family’s house, the Stromer family. Throughout our entire stay, every possible discomfort I had was addressed before it arose. Not one moment in that house did I feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, left out, or unfulfilled. Being an orthodox family, the Stromer’s were able to help facilitate a Shabbat that was spiritual and connect me to the community in the home. When we were at the shul, the services were very accommodating to me being reform in the sense that I was taught what I did not know. Members of the community, people who I had not known prior to the services, asked me if I had any questions with anything going on and were very willing to answer every question I posed to them.
“Through the unique NCSY celebration of Shabbos, I was able to rekindle much interest in the day of rest and the connection our people share on that day.”
Through the unique NCSY celebration of Shabbos, I was able to rekindle much interest in the day of rest and the connection our people share on that day. I’m intrigued to see and understand how different congregations and groups of Jews celebrate Shabbat differently, and hope to be able to pursue that knowledge. It makes me sad to think that Yarchei Kallah is at an end. But although I may be fatigued physically and mentally, I hope to continue my learning of what it means to be born a Jew, and be a part of such an amazing people. Thank you Yarchei Kallah and everybody involved in the program, for giving me a reinstated connection to my religion, and my people.
Jackson Nemeth,
Senior, Shaker Heights High School, Cleveland