Trips & Shabbatons
Trips & Shabbatons
Retreats That Inspire.
Adventures You’ll Never Forget.
JYN Shabbatons and Retreats are where Judaism becomes explosively alive for today’s Jewish teenager. Our trips provide an unforgettable opportunity to live and love our heritage through an incredibly awesome experience!
Grade 9
New York Shabbaton
- Nov 20–23, 2025
This retreat offers an incredible experience to meet fellow Jewish teens and spend an unforgettable weekend together!
Grade 10
Israel Experience
- Coming soon
Get your passport ready. Info coming soon…
Grade 10/11
New York Shabbaton
- Coming soon
This retreat offers an incredible experience to meet fellow Jewish teens and spend an unforgettable weekend together!
Grade 12
Montreal Shabbaton
- May 1-3, 2026
Get ready for a weekend filled with adventure – from exploring Old Montreal and enjoying delicious foods to experiencing Shabbat like never before.
Grade 9
New York Shabbaton
- Nov 20–23, 2025
This retreat offers an incredible experience to meet fellow Jewish teens and spend an unforgettable weekend together!
Grade 10
Israel Experience
- Coming soon
Get your passport ready. Info coming soon…
Grade 10/11
New York Shabbaton
- Coming soon
This retreat offers an incredible experience to meet fellow Jewish teens and spend an unforgettable weekend together!
Grade 12
Montreal Shabbaton
- May 1-3, 2026
Get ready for a weekend filled with adventure – from exploring Old Montreal and enjoying delicious foods to experiencing Shabbat like never before.
From packing lists to pick-up times, it's all here
When will I get a full itinerary?
Once your application forms have been received and processed, you’ll receive an email with the detailed trip itinerary and packing list. Tip: Be sure to add our email addresses to your main inbox and check that our messages aren’t going to junk or promotions folders.
What are the dates?
Most JYN Shabbatons and Retreats depart Thursday am and return Sunday pm, to minimize missed school days. However, each trip may differ based on travel time and destination, so please refer to your specific trip itinerary for exact dates and times.
How do I reserve a spot?
When registration opens, JYN students will be notified first and offered an early-bird discount. If space remains, we may open registration to friends of JYN participants. To confirm your spot, please complete all registration components:
- Application Form
- Code of Conduct
- Health & Emergency Information
- Disclaimer of Liability
When is the deadline for applications?
Group rates and accommodations must be booked well in advance. Late registrations (if space is still available) may incur additional costs. Only applications submitted with payment will be processed. Payments may be made online by credit card or delivered directly to JYN.
What about supervision?
Participants will not be permitted to tour or wander independently during any part of the retreat. For most activities, the group will stay together. In limited cases (such as short shopping or sightseeing blocks), participants may be divided into smaller groups — each supervised by a JYN chaperone — and must remain with that chaperone at all times.
Who are the chaperones?
All chaperones are JYN alumni carefully selected by Rabbi Shmuli for their sense of responsibility, maturity, and ability to provide a safe, positive, and caring environment for our teens.
How much does the retreat cost?
Each JYN Retreat/Shabbaton is non-profit, meaning we charge only what the trip costs. If you require financial assistance, please reach out — we will do everything possible to help. Likewise, if you are in a position to sponsor or offset the cost for another teen, that would be a beautiful mitzvah. In over 23 years of youth programs and retreats, no teen has ever been turned away due to lack of funds. Subsidies and scholarships are available upon request.
What is the itinerary?
A detailed itinerary will be emailed once your application and deposit have been processed.
Who are the retreats For?
Each retreat is open first to active JYN participants, and then (if space allows) to their friends. Every trip will clearly indicate the intended grade(s) or age group. Past destinations have included New York, Montreal, Washington, Israel, and more!
Tell me about transportation.
For North American trips, we travel by private coach bus for all transportation needs, including departure, return, and local travel during the trip.
Can I request to stay with friends?
Yes! You may request to room with specific friends. The earlier you register, the greater the likelihood that we can accommodate your rooming preferences.
How much spending money should I bring?
All major expenses — including accommodations, transportation, and Shabbat meals — are covered by your registration fee. Spending money is only needed for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, or souvenirs.
What should I pack?
A full packing list will be sent with your itinerary. In general, please bring modest, weather-appropriate clothing and dressy attire for Shabbat. Pack smartly and be ready for fun, adventure, and inspiration!
Where will we be staying?
Accommodations are always within walking distance of the local Jewish community, so we can attend Shabbat meals and services conveniently. We typically stay in dorm-style or group accommodations (such as the Eshel Chabad Hospitality Center or similar), which also host our Shabbat meals in a banquet setting.
Do I need to bring food?
No need to worry! During weekday travel, we are near Kosher cafés and restaurants for flexibility. As this is a Kosher trip, please ensure that any snacks you bring are certified Kosher.
What is the refund policy?
A full refund (minus a $100 deposit) is available up to two weeks before departure. No refunds will be given within two weeks of departure unless a valid medical note or emergency situation arises. Except in the case of full trip cancellation, refunds will not be issued due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
