Testimonials
What Rabbis, chaplains, principals, and participants have said after a Shabbos with The Traveling Chassidim.
“No one expected that the experience would be so enticing and consuming. Yet on Friday night and Shabbos day, we witnessed people of all ages singing and dancing with unbridled joy and inspiration... I cannot think of another time in my career, now approaching 25 years, that I have seen such eager anticipation for a return engagement...”
“The event provided a true connection and bonding experience between West Point and the regional ultra-orthodox Jewish community, with the experience being mutually beneficial for both groups... The admiration and even affection shown by members of the Traveling Chassidim toward our cadets was quite heart-warming, and I'm sure it impacted them in a most positive manner...”
“One of the most beautiful, satisfying and outstanding Shabbosim in my 27 years as a Rabbi... Telling you that you have changed the lives of scores of Jews would be a gross understatement! You have allowed them to experience Yiddishkeit with enthusiasm and joy... I can firmly state that it is because of people such as yourself that there is great cause for optimism for the future of American Jewry.”
“Far exceeded the expectation. You inspired the entire kehila with the davening, the words, the singing, the dancing, and perhaps most important, your genuine warmth and friendship. Without exaggeration, everyone who was there for the Shabbos and the Havdalah was uplifted and deeply grateful to all of you.”
“To tell you the truth, we're not religious... This was my first Shabbat experience... We had SO MUCH fun with you guys, we sang a lot of Shabbat songs... All I can say is thanks very much. Thanks for your support. I hope you're gonna come to Israel to celebrate with us! ... Now I need to have this experience every week!”
“I just wanted to thank you for coming to Norfolk. It was a beautiful Shabbos of unity and music. Especially during this time, you really infused a feeling of connection of all Jews in this area. I personally am grateful you came. It was especially meaningful to meet your wives and children. I hope you will come back again.”
“I just watched some videos you have put on your website — you are doing great things and bringing klal yisroel closer together. What a zechus, continue doing great things!”
In Their Own Words
Mrs. Yocheved Fischer — Judaic Studies Principal, Be'er Hagolah Institutes
Dear Rabbi Royde, this is Mrs. Yocheved Fischer, the principal of Be'er Hagolah Institutes. When Esty Schwartz reached out to me about making a shabbaton, I really didn't know what to expect. I have to say it was truly a pleasure to work with her the whole time. The seven lucky students and two chaperones that were lucky enough to go to Monsey and be with the Schwartz family have not stopped telling me what an uplifting and amazing Shabbos they had. Each part of Shabbos was warm, plentiful and wholesome. I look forward to partnering with The Traveling Chassidim in the future, both with the girls and boys departments.
Ms. Zak and the senior girls of Ezra Academy
We would like to thank The Traveling Chassidim for creating a truly magical Shabbaton in Monsey for the senior girls of Ezra Academy. The girls were so inspired by their host, Mrs. Esty Schwartz and her family, who treated each and every girl with so much warmth and acceptance from the moment they arrived until the moment they departed. A true highlight of the Shabbos was being able to hear Havdalah and receive personal brachos from the Nikolsburg Rebbe, thanks to the involvement of Rabbi Royde who facilitated the meeting. As one girl said in tears on her way out, “this Shabbos has been the highlight of my life!”