EndTheMadness Lawrence Shabbaton Aug 19-20 | |
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AT BETH SHOLOM IN LAWRENCE, NY EndtheMadness, in association with Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, NY, is sponsoring a “Two b’Av” Summer Shabbaton the weekend of August 19-20, for single men and women up to 30 years old. Why is it being called a “Two b’Av” Summer Shabbaton? Because unlike the usual Shabbos Nachamu singles weekends, this Shabbaton plans to pair a wonderful and hospitable community with a group of great singles – and create an enjoyable experience for the two . “Families in the community are graciously opening their homes for accommodations and meals,” said Michael Feldstein, who is organizing the event. “But unlike most singles weekends, the activities being offered to singles will be integrated into the regularly planned programs already going on in the community—and the programs being planned for the Shabbaton will be open to married people in the community as well.” On Friday night, participants will daven Kabbalat Shabbat services at the shul, and eat meals at host homes. On Shabbat morning, participants will daven at the regular services at the shul. After eating lunch at hosts’ homes (six singles at each meal), participants will spend a leisurely summer Shabbos afternoon together. The group will join back together with community members at shul for mincha, shalosh seudot, and maariv. A Saturday night activity will also be planned to close the Shabbaton festivities. “Most singles events are very high-priced, high-pressure, and low-fun affairs, with the sole focus being on finding a mate,” said Feldstein, who has planned three similar and hugely successful Shabbatons in Stamford, West Hempstead, and Teaneck that all sold out. “What we are trying to provide is a more natural way for singles to meet and mingle, without the pressures that are normally associated with a typical singles weekend. This way, singles will hopefully have a good time—and if they also happen to meet someone, even better.” Singles will be carefully screened by EndtheMadness, and the number of participants is intentionally being limited to about 50 people. The cost for the entire weekend is only $25, an incredibly reasonable price compared to the hundreds of dollars that many singles pay for other weekend get-togethers. For those who wish to attend the Saturday night activity only, the cost is only $10. The organizers of the event are making an extra effort to attract singles from outside the New York metro area, to provide a different kind of mix for this Shabbaton. “We are very pleased to be working with EndtheMadness on this unique Shabbaton,” said Aviva Golombeck, the point person in the Lawrence community for organizing the program. ”It’s a great opportunity for our community to do something tangible to help singles meet other singles in a relaxed and comfortable Shabbos environment.” If you're interested in attending the “Two b’Av” Summer Shabbaton, please e-mail Batya at salk1111@aol.com with your name, age, and contact information. | |