By Mitch Cohen
Going into our Shabbaton in Tzfat, the cohort had already prepared for the mindset by beginning our conversations about Kidusha by starting the tenuous process of creating our very own tfillin from scratch. Rabbi Noah Greenberg, leading us through this creation, taught us about the idea of L’shem Kidusha Tfillin; acting with intention. And with that mindset, of not just going through the motions and with purpose, we set out to Tzfat. As we arrived, our view from our hostel was a beautiful one. We overlooked the valley below us, as we were on top of this beautiful mountain. The sun was setting and it filled the sky with warm yellows and reds, fusing with the dark blues of the nights, setting the mood for a weekend of spirituality and Kidusha.
After a night of tfillin making, the cohort found themselves in a room with Asher Kruger, a musician, leading us in song and dance throughout the night. Members of the cohort would take turns suggesting songs and telling stories of what was Kidusha in our life. As the night went on, our voices got louder. At one point, people who were passing by in the street peaked their heads in to see where all this ruach was coming from. We ended the night dancing with one another, boys one side of the room and girls on the other; a true moment of brotherhood and sisterhood. Eventually, we came together as one cohort dancing under one roof and singing as loud as we physically could.
Friday was another long day of tffilin making with Rabbi Noah but when it was time for Shabbat, Rabbi Noah invited the entire cohort over for Shabbat. All of us crammed into the den of his house at various tables. It was so nice to meet the rest of his family. Some of us played with his grandkids while the Shabbat meal was being served. It’s usually amazing to spend Shabbat together as the cohort but it was even more beautiful to add Rabbi Noah and his family to the Nachshon family for the weekend.
Tzfat was a magical place. Yes, it is the home of Jewish Mysticism, Kaballah, but you could truly feel the energy when walking around the city. Locals greeted you with a genuine smile, vendors sold beautiful depictions of Jewish art in various mediums and the views from the city were breathtaking. It was a spiritual place to learn about kidusha, intention, and what is truly special in our day to day lives.
