SAMi Hub at UCSB Presents: A Groundbreaking Leadership Summit in L.A.
Written by Shirly Shenas (originally published in the Bukharian Times)
On May 25, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA, the SAMi Hub at UCSB presented a groundbreaking Shabbat leadership experience to celebrate the Shavuot holiday. This inspiring event brought together 40 Sephardi and Mizrahi college students in a demonstration of unity and collective empowerment. Traditionally, students at the University of Santa Barbara, California faced a difficult choice between celebrating Shavuot properly and returning home or missing finals that typically followed the holiday. However, after attending the SAMi Leadership Summit in Miami, UCSB students were deeply inspired and committed themselves to organizing a Leadership Summit in Los Angeles over Shavuot. They aimed to create an unforgettable experience centered on learning and spirituality throughout the Shavuot holiday weekend. And unforgettable it was.
The participants included students from UCSB, USC, UCLA, and Berkeley, who came together to engage in a wide range of activities. One of the highlights of the event was an enactment of Moses giving the 10 Commandments, which added a dynamic element to the leadership experience. The program also included all-night learning sessions, separate for men and women, allowing participants to delve into the depths of Jewish knowledge while gaining essential leadership skills. One student, Nicholas Tassinari, expressed his newfound understanding that "a true leader doesn't have to fit a set cutout" and that "anyone from any background can apply their unique perspectives and ideas to their leadership."
The atmosphere throughout the event was vibrant and infused with spirituality and connection. The participants formed meaningful friendships and engaged in heartfelt discussions, sharing personal experiences and insights as Sephardi and Mizrahi students on campus. As a result, they developed a deeper appreciation for their traditions and values that will continue to resonate in their lives long after the Shabbaton concluded.
Ron Nodel, the student leading this effort, emphasized the twofold goal of the weekend: “to provide a route for students to learn about Sephardic Judaism, as well as to promote the student leaders who are making a positive impact on their local communities.” Moreover, this was the first time that students had a genuine Shavuot experience with a minyan on a college campus.
The resounding success of this student-hosted Shabbaton has opened doors for future events. Both the participants and organizers have high hopes of building upon this experience and hosting similar gatherings in the near future. In addition to acquiring valuable leadership skills, the students expressed their eagerness to bring back what they have learned to their respective campuses. Rachel Mavavi, a dental student from USC, encapsulated her sentiment by saying, "I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our heritage together and forming stronger bonds with my peers."
The inaugural Shabbat leadership experience organized by UCSB students during the Shavuot holiday in 2023 proved to be an inspiring and unifying event. This leadership experience serves as a shining example of the power of unity and the resilience of students when provided with proper support from an organization like SAMi.
The SAMi HUB at the University of California is proudly supported by The Covenant Foundation
