Nearly 250 teens and staff attended Midwest NCSY’s Regional Fall Shabbaton in Racine, WI, in late November, making it the largest Shabbaton in nearly a decade.

But the sheer size of the Shabbaton wasn’t the only thing that set it apart. Participants say it had a completely different feel.

“This Shabbaton really focused on how you should be proud of your Judaism,” says Zehava Piltz, a senior at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago, IL. “Especially nowadays, with all the antisemitism, we need to be proud to be Jewish.”

And not just proud – but happy and excited – to be Jewish, as was evident in the Shabbaton theme, “It’s Geshmak [pleasurable] to be a Yid.”

Ethan Hobbs, a junior at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy in Overland Park, KS, says the theme resonated with him.

“I learned that being Jewish isn’t a hobby on the side; it’s something that we carry with us and ‘practice’ every day,” he says. “[I learned] that it is important to embrace Judaism… and find meaning and joy in it.”

The theme was further developed by guest musician L’Chaim OG, a rapper and observant Jew who shared his inspirational life story.

His main message to the teens was that there are no shortcuts in life, and “you need to put in the work,” he said.

At the same time, L’Chaim OG urged the teens to recognize how special it is to be a part of the Jewish people, and the great opportunity they have to study Torah and do mitzvot.

“[As Jews,] you guys are the most wealthy people in the world,” he said.

For Toby Gescheit, a junior at Houston High School in Memphis, L’Chaim OG was a Shabbaton highlight.

“His raps and speeches were amazing and inspiring,” she says.

Another highlight was the chaburas, or education sessions. “I think the chabura [about Jewish identity] left me more confident in my Jewish identity moving forward.

“I loved Shabbos as well,” Toby concludes. “NCSY makes it so special.”