Families enjoy Shabbat in the mountains

A GROUP of 32 Melbourne families, with children ranging from two years of age to teenagers, recently enjoyed a snow weekend organised by Chabad Sparks.

Chabad Sparks, a division of Chabad Youth is so named because its core aim is to reveal the G–dly spark within every Jewish youth.

Organiser Rabbi Yossi Smoller said the group’s mission is to bring Judaism to children who do not have a Jewish education.

“We aim to introduce and share the Jewish experience and build relationships,” Rabbi Smoller said.

A long way to the top.

“Ninety per cent of the children in the group attend non-Jewish schools.

“Importantly, our program instils children with both knowledge and a sense of cultural pride.”

Feathertop Chalet, the venue for the weekend, kept everyone engaged and excited with activities ranging from hanging from a giant swing, tree climbing, trying out their skills at archery and splashing around in the pool.

“There was never a dull moment,” Rabbi Smoller said.

“The children had a blast with arts and crafts and even had a lively Zumba session.”

The alpine scenery and the rain did not dampen the spirits of some of the group who joined in on a hike through the forest.

As Shabbat came to a close, a special Havdalah ceremony was celebrated followed by a barbecue dinner and a cozy bonfire with toasted marshmallows.

The snowfields were the favourite destination on Sunday, where some of the families spent time enjoying and playing with snow balls while trying to remain dry, before heading home after what was a very special weekend.

Chabad Sparks is a Melbourne-based extra curricular educational organisation. The Chabad Sparks program targets both primary and secondary aged school children.

Their activities have been carefully and creatively developed for the purpose of teaching children about the traditional and moral elements of the Jewish religion.

A long way to the top.

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