The Polak Shabbat Program(in lev isreal)
Inspire keeping Shabbat and a Meaningful Jewishing teenage boys Life
The Polak Shabbat Program works with post-high school young men, primarily from New York, London, and Miami, who come to Israel for a year for yeshivah. Many of them arrive with little background in Jewish observance, and even those who grew up religious may be struggling after having “fallen off the path.”
At the same time, they face the many challenges of today’s world: addictions to phones, social media, vaping, and especially marijuana, which has sadly become normalised in today’s society.
Rav Polaks Shabbat program offers exactly that — a warm, safe, non-judgmental space to rediscover not only Shabbat, but themselves.
Every Shabbat, we host a two and a half hour learning session, where the boys are constantly engaged in learning. The class is always served with smoked meats, jerky’s, drinks, snacks and so much more just to add joy and flavor to the experience, and make Shabbat something they are waiting for the whole week.
Voices from the Boys
“Now I look forward to Shabbat all week.”
“I never knew Shabbat could be so enjoyable.”
“If I can disconnect from all my addictions once a week, I know I can beat them for good.”
“This was my gateway into the religious world.”
“Since I started keeping Shabbat, my entire week feels better.”
Parents also report seeing dramatic changes. Some even begin keeping Shabbat themselves after seeing the transformation in their sons.
Years later, many of these boys go on to build strong Jewish homes, grounded in Torah, warmth, and Shabbat.
A Great Merit – A Lasting Impact
The Polak Shabbat Program is more than just a class — it’s a life-changing experience.
In a generation full of noise, confusion, and distraction, this program gives young men one day of peace, depth, and connection.
From there, they build a foundation for a life of meaning, direction, and Jewish pride.
The Polak Shabbat program Fund is a program of Rekonect, a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Organization.
Donate to The Polak Shabbat program Fund