The autumn Shabbaton, which was held by the Khmelnytskyi Charitable Foundation "Hesed Besht" on the last weekend of October, gave the joy of a joint Sabbath meeting to Jewish families from Khmelnytskyi, Shepetivka, Izyaslav, Derazhnya, Kamianets-Podilskyi and Ternopil. Such a large geography of participants made it possible to bring together people who had not previously known each other at all, or knew each other poorly, and there were also those who participated in the Shabbaton for the first time. Therefore, the Foundation's employees were doubly pleased to hear thanks and positive feedback at the end of this "Jewish weekend."
The theme of the Shabbaton was based on the issues of relationships in the Jewish family, the relationship between parents and children. Many families came to the event with representatives of three generations: the eldest, middle and youngest. This continuity of generations allowed the organizers to better implement the Shabbaton program.
Prayer and Kiddush.
It all started with lighting candles, reciting prayers and blessings. Both the organizers and the participants took Shabbat prohibitions and dress code extremely seriously. Children took an active part, leaving their usual games and antics for Shabbat, immersing themselves with their parents in the atmosphere of the spirituality of their people. Kiddush for wine and challah was performed by the Head of the Ternopil Jewish Religious Community, Igor Banzeruk (Itshak Katzner). An important part of the event was the participants getting to know each other. Everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their family, to briefly talk about their expectations from the meeting. During the acquaintance, it turned out that almost every family has a certain reason for a separate celebration on this day, such as a wedding anniversary or a relative's birthday.
But Liza Nesterenko was even luckier – she herself celebrated her seventeenth birthday that day! All the Shabbaton participants wished her “Mazl-Tov” and “To a hundred and twenty!”
There were also many thanks addressed to the Khmelnytskyi Charitable Foundation “Hesed Besht” for its active participation in the life of members of Jewish communities, assistance and support. During the meeting, the participants enjoyed rehearsing a joint performance of several Shabbat songs, the texts of which were distributed in advance, and it turned out very cohesive. This was followed by informal communication of the participants and a leisurely walk through the evening city.
The second day began with a joint prayer of Shacharit. After breakfast, the “Thia” Community Center opened its doors wide, where the theoretical and practical part of the Shabbaton took place. Before lunch, they talked about the relationship between parents and children, and a psychological training on the same topic was held. The Weekly Torah Chapter “Hayei Sara” was also read here. The participants got acquainted with the work of the Khmelnytskyi Charitable Foundation “Hesed Besht” and its individual programs, creative workshops and a playroom of the Child Development Center worked. The Shabbaton participants met with the director of the Foundation and the head of the regional Jewish community, Igor Ratushny, who spoke about the importance of the organization’s work, plans and prospects, and also answered questions that interested people.
The Shabbaton was concluded with a joint Avdala meeting, after which the participants read the Mincha prayer together and went home. This meeting was filled with meaning, family warmth and goodwill. Such events are extremely important for the Jewish community. Unfortunately, the cost of such meetings does not allow gathering a large number of participants. The Khmelnytskyi Charitable Foundation “Hesed Besht” and the MHO “Joint” manage to hold Shabbatons without payment from the participants. But without reliable sponsorship, this opportunity may soon be lost. 
