Bringing Jewish Students Together from Across Canada for the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton
This past weekend, 350 Jewish students, staff, and guests from more than 25 campuses across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia gathered for the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton, a cross-regional experience powered by Hillel Ontario. At the center of the weekend was Shabbat, a shared moment of rest, connection, learning, and joy that brought students together across geography, backgrounds, and campus cultures.
From the opening moments through havdalah, ELEVATE created space for students to show up fully and unapologetically in their Jewish identities. The Shabbaton blended pluralistic prayer, spirited singing, dancing, and shared meals with student-led learning, peer connection, and opportunities to explore complex ideas in meaningful ways.
“The LEV conference experience was truly one of a kind,” said Jordan, a student at the University of Guelph. “The opportunity to make new connections with students from Hillels across Canada, to sing, dance, learn, grow, and pray together, created a level of unity that I never knew I needed.”
Grounded in the idea of lev, Hebrew for “heart,” the Shabbaton focused on building deep relationships and strengthening students’ sense of belonging to a broader Jewish community. Throughout the weekend, students engaged not only with peers from their own campuses, but also with Jewish life beyond campus through the LEV Connect Shuk. There, representatives from local and national Jewish organizations helped students better understand the wider ecosystem of Jewish communal life available to them.
“At the Shabbaton, I connected with students across Canada who embrace Jewish joy and our shared values,” shared Caitlin, a student from Toronto. “Running a busy table at the Shuk about Hillel’s partnership with Ve’Ahavta sparked new ideas for cross-campus collaboration. It was inspiring to see our joy turn into impact we’ll carry forward.”
Students were deeply involved in shaping the experience from start to finish. Planning committees provided input on programming, ritual, logistics, marketing, wellness, and swag, ensuring the Shabbaton reflected student priorities and voices. That sense of ownership was palpable throughout the weekend.
“I really appreciated how involved students were in planning every part of the experience,” said Ryan, a student from York University. “Highlights for me were the party, havdalah with fellow York students, meeting other student leaders, and even meeting the CEO.”
As Hillel Ontario Chief Advancement Officer Jay Solomon wrote in eJewish Philanthropy in an opinion piece entitled, “A National Student Shabbaton 20 Years in the Making,” campus is where Jewish identity often crystallizes. “It is where values shift from inheritance to ownership and empowerment, and where students decide whether Judaism and Zionism will remain central in their lives long after graduation,” Solomon wrote.
“The friendships formed over Shabbat dinner, the confidence gained by standing publicly as a Zionist, the experience of being seen and supported as a Jew, these are not fleeting moments. They are foundations. This Shabbaton reinforced a truth we both know well: Investing in Jewish campus life is not about four years. It is about the next 40,” he added.
In addition to Shabbat celebrations, the Shabbaton featured four session blocks that allowed students to customize their learning. The first, “LEV-EL Up!”, focused on big ideas connected to Jewish history, culture, Israel, and community. Sessions ranged from examining how maps shape conversations about Israel to exploring unexpected perspectives in Torah study, led by educators and partner organizations from across the Jewish community.
“The LEV Elevate Shabbaton was so much fun,” said Eve, a student from Vancouver. “There was something for everyone: Israeli dancing, games, singing, and art.”
Later sessions emphasized creativity and self-expression through “LEV Learning Labs,” including Jewish improv, Hebrew slang, digital storytelling, and Israeli street art. Afternoon conversations invited students to engage with diversity within the Jewish community, with each session co-facilitated by a Hillel staff member and a student. Some students chose to dive into conversations about Zionism, while others found meaning in affinity spaces centered on shared identities and experiences.
As another student shared, “Through the sessions and workshops, I gained new perspectives on Jewish identity, Zionism, and leadership on campus. I left feeling more grounded in my values and inspired to become more engaged in Jewish life.”
The final session block, “Mind, Body & LEV,” offered students space to recharge before the close of the weekend. Rather than tackling heavy topics or building skills, students relaxed through aromatherapy, movement, music, and friendly competition, a reminder that joy, rest, and play are essential parts of Jewish life.
Hillel International was proud to support ELEVATE through a Regional Student Gatherings Grant, helping empower campus Hillels to design student-led, cross-regional experiences that foster Jewish joy and belonging. Building strong regional and national connections is a critical part of strengthening Jewish student life across the world.
Students returned home energized and grateful. “This Shabbat was one of the best experiences of my life,” said David from Montreal. “Everyone made connections. I met so many people. The vibe was incredible.”
As Jordan reflected, “This Shabbaton shows how much growth and meaning can come from a single weekend when we fully immerse ourselves in Jewish community.”
Congratulations to everyone who helped make the ELEVATE Conference & Shabbaton such a success.