Retreating away to become closer

The youth and teaching staff of Congregation Ohev Shalom held their annual Shabbat retreat Dec. 19 and 20 at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, Fla. Shown here are (standing, l-r), Rebecca Geboff, Eric Geboff, Isaac Berger, Judy Shujman, Marla Rosen, Rob Slavkin, Shoshana Vigorito, and Sivan Goldberg; (sitting, l-r), John Goez, Dori Wolgel,  Sindi Ackman, Rachel Slavkin, and Michele Davidson Bunce. (Not everyone who attended the retreat is pictured). They also exchanged Chanukah presents during their stay. The puzzle held by John Goez, and the blanket covering the ladies in the front row were part of a Chanukah gift exchange.

The retreat allows the staff to evaluate, plan, update, pray, play, eat and schmooze together, creating a unified community. The impact of connections and the work of the staff trickles down to the students, Madrichim (teaching assistants) and youth in the programs and makes them want to be at COS. 

The retreat is underwritten by a generous grant from the Hornik Family Foundation in memory of Joseph and Frieda Ross.