Ninth graders have a lot of firsts. It’s their first year of high school. For some, it’s their first year of new responsibilities. In the Bnei Akiva Midwest region, it’s their first year where students go from chanich (youth) to manhig (leader). On March 8-10, Bnei Akiva of Chicago hosted this year’s Midwest Manhigut Shabbaton (leadership weekend) for 9th graders. We were joined by over 120 participants from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Toronto.
Like any Shabbaton, Manhigut is a great way to meet people from other cities, see old friends and experience Bnei Akiva traditions. This past Shabbaton was no different, but It also provided an opportunity for true leadership skill building. Most of the weekend took place at the “Lishka,” as well as some activities at Kehilat Chovevei Torah and the Devonshire Minyan. Like most Bnei Akiva Shabbatonim, it began with Mifkad, singing the Bnei Akiva anthem, Hatikvah and discussing the goals of the Shabbaton. With a strong emphasis on empowerment and leadership training, the 9th graders were also preparing to become counselors and active participants in Bnei Akiva and the community at large.
Throughout Shabbat, whether it was Friday night davening, zemirot or ice breakers – there was an incredible atmosphere of excitement and positivity. The peulot (activities) were run by our 12th grade leaders and our college bogrim. Additionally, Rav Shaul Feldman, Executive Director of Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada, came for a “Shabbat Bnei Akiva” and invited the entire community to join in some of his shiurim and learning. There, all participants learned b’chavruta dealing with ideas about living a Torah V’Avodah lifestyle. We ended Shabbat with a beautiful Bnei Akiva style musical havdalah also opened to the community. From there the 9th graders ended an inspiring Shabbaton with some fun at bowling and pizza. We can’t wait to see the leaders our unbelievable 9th graders turn into!
For more information about shabbatonim and Bnei Akiva of Chicago programming, visit www.bneiakivachicago.org.
