Sababa-Hebrew for Cool + Shabbat-The Jewish Sabbath= ShabbabaFest
January 31st-February 1st 2025
Welcome to ShabbabaFest: An Unforgettable Shabbat Experience for Jewish 5th-7th Graders!
Join us for ShabbabaFest, a brand-new immersive weekend designed to make Shabbat meaningful and fun for Jewish students in grades 5-7. Taking place at the beautiful Camp Nageela Midwest, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow through the joy of Shabbat.
This incredible event is a collaboration of CHUSY, the Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA), and several leading congregations, including Congregation Beth Judea, Moriah Congregation, Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation, Temple Har Zion, Congregation B’nai Amoona, Beth Hillel B’nai Emunah Conservative Synagogue, and North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Youth.
What Makes ShabbabaFest Special?
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Interactive Learning: Discover Shabbat customs and traditions through hands-on workshops, creative activities, and engaging discussions.
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Social Connection: Meet Jewish students from across Chicagoland and St. Louis, make new friends, and strengthen community bonds.
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Fun and Adventure: Enjoy exciting games, sports, and immersive experiences tailored for 5th-7th graders.
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Delicious Kosher Food: Savor meals prepared with care, celebrating the joy of Shabbat together.
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Exceptional Leadership: Learn and grow with education directors, clergy, synagogue youth professionals, and your favorite madrichim.
ShabbabaFest is more than a weekend—it’s a chance to explore your Jewish identity, build lasting friendships, and experience the magic of Shabbat in a whole new way.
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot at this unforgettable Shabbat adventure!
An Incredible Weekend at an Unbeatable Price—Just $99!
Register now to take advantage of our early bird price of only $99, available until January 3rd! This heavily subsidized rate is made possible by generous grants from the Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA), the USY Michael Hoffman Fund Grant, and Springboard, Chicago’s hub for Jewish teen programs powered by the Jewish United Fund (JUF).
Financial Assistance Available
We believe cost should never be a barrier to participation. CHUSY scholarships are available to ensure every student can join this unforgettable experience.
Convenient Transportation Options
Transportation will be provided from Temple West Suburban Har Zion, the Northwest Suburbs, and Congregation Beth Judea. For those who prefer, you can also drop off your child directly at Camp Nageela Midwest.
ShabbabaFest FAQ
General Information
Q: What is ShabbabaFest?
A: ShabbabaFest is an immersive Shabbat weekend for Jewish 5th-7th graders designed to explore the meaning of Shabbat through fun, engaging, and educational activities.
Q: When and where is ShabbabaFest?
A: ShabbabaFest will take place from January 31st to February 1st, 2025, at Camp Nageela Midwest, a beautiful and welcoming venue perfect for this experience.
Q: Who is organizing ShabbabaFest?
A: ShabbabaFest is a collaboration between CHUSY, the Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA), and several Chicagoland congregations, as well as with a St. Louis congregation. It is planned and staffed by professional educators, clergy, synagogue youth professionals, and madrichim (youth leaders).
Q: How much does it cost to attend?
A: Early bird registration is $99 until January 3rd. After that, the price will increase to $124.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Yes! CHUSY offers scholarships to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Contact us at pweber@uscj.org for more information.
Transportation & Logistics
Q: How will my child get to Camp Nageela Midwest?
A: Transportation will be provided from Temple West Suburban Har Zion, the Northwest Suburbs, and Congregation Beth Judea. Families also have the option to drop off participants directly at Camp Nageela Midwest.
Q: What time does the program start and end?
A: Programming begins at 2:30 PM on January 31st and ends around 9 PM on February 1st. Please note that transportation departure times will be earlier to ensure participants arrive on time.
Q: What should participants bring?
A: A packing list will be provided after registration. Participants should pack comfortable clothing, Shabbat-appropriate attire, toiletries, and any personal items they may need for the weekend.
Q: Will meals be provided?
A: Yes, all meals and snacks will be provided. All food served will be kosher and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Programming & Supervision
Q: What kind of activities will take place at ShabbabaFest?
A: Participants will engage in fun, interactive workshops, games, sports, and Shabbat-themed activities, all designed to deepen their connection to Jewish traditions. There will also be plenty of opportunities to socialize and build friendships.
Q: Who will supervise the participants?
A: The program is staffed by experienced education directors, clergy, youth professionals, and madrichim, all of whom are committed to ensuring a safe, engaging, and enriching experience for every participant. There will be at least 1 staff member for every 8 participants.
Registration & Policies
Q: How do I register my child?
A: Registration is easy! Click here to secure your spot. Early bird registration ends on January 3rd.
Q: Can I cancel my registration?
A: Yes, cancellations are accepted up to [cancellation deadline], though a cancellation fee of [fee amount] may apply. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations after the deadline.
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: Feel free to reach out to pweber@uscj.org or call 847-714-9130-103. We’re happy to help!