Fostering a Greater Sense of Inclusion and Community across the South Florida Region
The vibrant atmosphere of Eden Gardens in Orlando, Florida, buzzed with excitement as Yachad South Florida hosted its first ever junior Shabbaton for boys aged 8 to 18. For many of these participants, it was not just a weekend getaway, but a unique experience to connect with peers and the local Jewish community.
Yachad, an international organization run through the Orthodox Union, serves individuals with emotional, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals, regardless of their abilities, via social, recreational, educational, and vocational programs in 10 regions across the United States, Israel, and Canada.
With boys from across South Florida, including Boca and Miami, and as far as Gainesville and Maitland joining together, it was a resounding success. Yachad partnered with a local organization, Yeled Hashem, which provides programs to individuals with neurological disabilities in Boca, to help make this event possible. Organizers involved from Yeled Hashem included co-boys program directors Yonatan Markewitz and Simcha Bock. Many of the volunteers and participants at the Shabbaton shared that it was an unforgettable experience of connection and belonging. Schools participating included Ohr Hatorah Yeshiva in Hollywood, Yeshivas Lev Simcha, Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton. 
“From the moment you got to the Shabbaton, you could feel the energy, and the excitement was in the air to start Shabbos,” shared Talia Mizrahi, a supervisor and advisor from Yeled Hashem. “It was the most ruach-filled Friday night dinner. You really felt achdus [unity] between the volunteers and participants. It was very inclusive and special to see.”
For some boys, this was their very first Shabbaton, and it provided an essential opportunity to strengthen social skills and foster a sense of belonging. One participant noted to Tzippy Richmond, the regional director of Yachad South Florida, that they had never been to a Shabbaton or any similar event before. Moshe Stuart, Program Director at Yachad Hollywood also helped to run the shabbaton.
Many of the attendees had participated in Yachad’s summer camps, making this Shabbaton a joyful reunion while simultaneously introducing newer friends to the community experience. The connection among participants was further enriched by the involvement of high school boys from three local yeshivas, who served as inspiring volunteers through the program Yeled Hashem. Their dedication was evident, and together with advisors from Yeshiva Toras Chaim in Miami, they created a supportive environment that encouraged engagement and friendship.
“This Shabbaton was a fantastic way to get the younger boys connected and involved,” said Tzippy. “We wanted to show them that th
ere’s a vibrant community waiting for them.”
The Shabbaton schedule was packed with interactive activities, including Shabbos davening, cheers, and a delicious communal meal filled with laughter and songs. “After the meal, we went to the park, which was a perfect outlet for everyone,” one participant described. They celebrated the conclusion of Shabbos with circle time filled with music and cheers and havdalah.
Parents have already expressed their enthusiasm, by inquiring about future events. There are already plans on the table to host a similar Shabbaton for girls in the same age range, to further expand Yachad’s reach and impact.
The success of this event signifies a turning point for Yachad South Florida, which has primarily focused on adult programming in Boca. With hopes to amplify youth engagement and foster a more inclusive environment, Yachad is on a mission to create more opportunities for connection and growth and the South Florida region is a growing family that hopes to continue to strengthen its range of programming.