In what was a unique and extraordinary experience, over 50 Stern College students had the opportunity to spend Shabbat with Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, and his wife, Rebbetzin Shoshana Schachter. The special Shabbaton took place on April 12-13 at the home of Shoshana Schechter, associate dean of Torah and Spiritual Life at Stern College for Women, and her husband, Dr. Yitzchak Schechter.

Rabbi Schachter and Rebbetzin Schachter joined the students at the Shabbat meals, giving the women a chance to interact with the couple and get to know them. In addition to offering words of Torah throughout Shabbat, the rabbi and rebbetzin participated in a question-and-answer session that offered a glimpse into their personal lives – sharing their thoughts on such topics as who their mentors have been and what inspires them. A special treat for everyone  was when Rabbi Schachter beautifully sang the niggun, “Haben Yakir Li,” while Rebbetzin Schachter accompanied him on the piano after Havdalah. It was the tune that accompanied them down the aisle at their wedding.

“The Shabbaton was incredibly meaningful and filled with Torah and warmth, with the students getting to see the personal side of a true Gadol Hador and his remarkable wife,” said Dean Schechter. “Where else can you spend an up-close-and-personal Shabbat with such a special couple than as a student at Stern College. It was an experience none of the students will ever forget.”

Added Dina Schiowitz, a junior from Teaneck, New Jersey, “I have so much Hakaras Hatov to Stern for providing us with so many incredible and meaningful opportunities, such as spending Shabbos with Rav and Rebbetzin Schachter.”