By R.K. From the minute guests walked into the Crown Plaza in Stamford Connecticut, it was obvious that this was going to be a Shabbos to remember forever – and so it was.

From the delicious and artistically presented pre-Shabbos fare, to the welcoming sounds of Shabbos songs playing in the lobby, the entire hotel took on a Shabbos persona that seemed to embrace every guest in its grasp.

Arachim is an outreach organization that operates around the globe and the professionalism and attention to detail displayed throughout the weekend were staggering. The result – a sold out Shabbos retreat that satisfied the senses both physically and spiritually. Looking around the shul that Friday night, one saw an eclectic crowd comprising every type of Jew eagerly awaiting the uplifting speeches, davening, singing and festive meals that were sure to come.

And they were not disappointed.

Rabbi Nachman Seltzer, noted author and lecturer, addressed the packed Beis Medresh between Kabalos Shabbos and Maariv, weaving an intricate web of Torah thoughts, personal stories and powerful anecdotes through which to illustrate the concept of Gadlus Ha-odom, (the greatness of man.)

“With thirty five branches in five continents worldwide,” he concluded, “the Arachim organization is in the unique position to help every single Jew discover their very own personal sense of mission and greatness within.”

The audience was electrified, and the stage was set for what promised to be an incredible Shabbos!

The guests took their places around round tables throughout the ballroom, family and friends having the opportunity to enjoy the delectable cuisine and melodious zemiros of The Traveling Chassidim, who regaled their audience with a wide range of stirring nigunim that touched everyone’s neshoma.

By the time the meal had wound its way to an end, people were tired and ready for sleep, but how could anyone retire for the night, when Rabbi Yosef Wallis – CEO of Arachim was about to stand up and share the fascinating story of his life! The room was packed despite the lateness of the hour and Rabbi Wallis didn’t disappoint. The rabbi told the story of a young newsboy from The Bronx…. and about the Mafia….. and the Marines. He discussed his personal journey to Arachim and credited the mesiras nefesh his grandfather displayed on the final day of the war with having saved his entire family for all eternity. The story was extremely compelling and Rabbi Wallis told it in his inimitable style, with humor, compassion and humility.

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Moment to remember – While the aliyos were being auctioned off, Rabbi Wallis rose and mentioned that at that very moment, an Arachim seminar for non-religious people was taking place in Israel and that he could personally guarantee a fifty to sixty success rate from the people attending.

“By this time next week,” he said, “the majority of those people will have become Shomer Shabbos. Arachim knows what to do. It is just a question of funding our operation.”

Moment to remember – Reb Moshe Hauben – a composer of many music hits, most notably the famous Yom Zeh Mechubad that was featured on JEP, was a guest along with his wife at the Shabbos retreat. During the morning suedah, the entire dining room joined together in a rousing rendition of his classic song.

Moment to remember – Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, one of today’s prominent international speakers, was at his most eloquent as he wowed the audience with a host of timeless messages proving the chain of tradition from Mount Sinai until today.

There was an oneg Shabbos that lasted well into the night, spirited singing with The Traveling Chassidim, swimming in the pool, hearing lectures from today’s most celebrated speakers, being mesmerized by the inspirational musical havdala, enjoying a delicious Melava Malka/kumsitz, and the opportunity to hear a speech from the one and only Rabbi Yinon Kalazan, esteemed Arachim lecturer and Kiruv expert.

During the later Shabbos afternoon a panel was formed comprised of Rabbis Wallis, Rietti and Kalazan, with Rabbi Seltzer serving as moderator. The audience was able to ask any question pertaining to Kiruv, which was then answered by the experts in residence. It was during the panel that the full scope of Arachim activities was made clear to the participants. Suddenly people began to understand the efforts being made by Arachim’s hundreds of devoted staff, who work tirelessly towards their goals.

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Nobody wanted to leave the hotel and return to everyday life, but as Sunday morning (including two incredible shiurim by Rabbis Rietti Kalazan) and wound its way towards afternoon, people returned to their rooms to pack, then back to the dining room for one more memorable meal. At 2:15 Rabbi Seltzer gave the final speech of the weekend, entitled “The Expiration Date of Inspiration,” which sought to provide the audience with tangible ways to hold on to the inspiration they had gleaned over the last two days.

And then, it was finally time to day goodbye.

Until next time, that is.

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