Hillel Poland Hosts a Shabbaton Across Borders
Jewish young adults across the world are seeking connection and belonging in their lives. And that’s where global Hillels like Hillel Poland come in. In addition to their regular programming supporting Jewish young adults in cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, and Lodz, Hillel Poland hosted a “Shabbaton Across Borders,” welcoming nearly 100 Hillel participants and staff from Poland, Ukraine, and Germany for a weekend of Jewish learning, community building, and shared sacred time.
With the support of Hillel International’s regional student gathering grant program, Shabbaton Across Borders aimed to foster Jewish identity, belonging, and leadership through peer-led workshops, speakers, and immersive activities. Additionally — and meaningfully — it also offered relief and connection for Ukrainian participants away from the ongoing war zone.
Director of Hillel Poland Magda Dorosz shared, “The strength of the participants and the Shabbaton was shown at every moment of the Shabbaton. In times where it might be easier not to mention your Jewish identity, the pride and joy of being Jewish was felt at every moment of this experience.”
Learning was a big part of the Shabbaton, the theme of which was “A Path to Wisdom.” Daria Kataeva, a participant from Hillel Deutschland said, “It was such an incredible experience to be part of this Shabbaton! I’m so grateful for the chance to learn, connect, and celebrate together with both the Polish and Ukrainian Hillel communities.”
In addition to a Friday evening storytelling workshop, the Shabbaton also included Saturday morning discussion of the weekly Torah portion, partnered text study, religious and leadership breakout sessions, and multiple opportunities for fun and community-building. On Sunday, students were able to take part in breakout discussion and learning groups. Options included philosophical conversations with topics such as “Yeshiva GPT,” which focused on the role of artificial intelligence in Jewish learning and religious life. Other options included a session on music called, “Chasid Techno,” which looked at the unexpected intersection between Hasidic trance traditions and contemporary techno music, and a number of options for arts and crafts.
“Learning new things is a true Jewish value,” said Urszula Calów, Hillel Wrocław’s program and engagement coordinator. “[The Shabbaton allowed students] to actively and freely discover their Jewish identity in a safe space. Our participants can show who they are and what’s important to them.”
The leadership portions of the program also covered a range of topics, designed to give participants a chance to engage in areas of meaning to them. Workshops included “Courageous Conversations,” which focused on how to advocate for Jewish issues online and offline, and “What We Can Learn From Our Foremothers,” a discussion section about the values and stories that the current generation of Jewish students can learn from the Jewish women in our history and tradition. There was also a gratitude circle, which focused on approaches to gratitude through the lenses of science, psychology, and Torah.
“We’re deeply grateful for this Shabbaton,” shared Viktoriia Venher, a participant from Hillel CASE. “The opportunity to connect with the Polish Jewish community and experience such a warm and meaningful Shabbat together…was truly special – the atmosphere, the melodies, the feeling of unity.”
“We hope participants take home a deeper understanding of themselves, their heritage, and the power of community knowledge,” said Marta Toborek, Hillel Krakow’s program and engagement coordinator. “The theme of the Shabbaton — the path to wisdom — will inspire everyone to keep exploring, questioning, and growing, both as individuals and as part of the Jewish community.”
“Programs such as the Shabbaton Across Borders are the embodiment of what Jewish joy means for us in a global context – full of life, energy, and spirit,” added Josh Hartman, Hillel International’s associate vice president of immersive experiences and global operations. “The event would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the student coordinating committee and the staff of Hillel Poland, Hillel CASE, and Hillel Deutschland!”
Congratulations to Hillel Poland (including Hillel Warsaw, Hillel Krakow, Hillel Lodz, and Hillel Wroclaw), Hillel CASE, and Hillel Deutschland on this incredible event.