Intercultural Shabbaton Weekend: Building Bridges in Belgrade - World Jewish Congress

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Intercultural Shabbaton Weekend: Building Bridges in Belgrade

Initiated by Ognjena Ratković, a Lauder Fellow from the Belgrade Jewish Community, the Intercultural Shabbaton Weekend took place on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, 2025, bringing together participants from diverse cultural backgrounds for two days of Jewish learning, dialogue, and connection. The event was organized in partnership with WJC NextGen, OlamAid, the Jewish Youth Club of Belgrade, and MEM Global, with the goal of using Jewish tradition as a platform for meaningful intercultural exchange and long-term collaboration.

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Over the course of the weekend, they welcomed around 30 participants, including members of the Jewish and Roma communities, as well as allies and partners from across Belgrade. The experience began on Friday evening with a Shabbat dinner and service held in the synagogue’s social hall, where participants were introduced to Jewish customs, blessings, and song. The evening fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged deep conversation and mutual understanding.

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On Saturday, programming continued in the Jewish Youth Club’s space, starting with a team-building tour of Jewish Belgrade. This interactive experience gave participants the chance to explore the city’s Jewish heritage in a fun and meaningful way. After returning to the club for lunch, we engaged in a creative activity making hand-decorated Havdalah candles, which led to open discussions about connection, spirituality, and personal identity.

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Later in the day, in partnership with Mem Global, we hosted a 4HQ workshop focused on identity, peoplehood, and belonging. The Shabbaton concluded with heartfelt reflections and a beautiful Havdalah ceremony, marking not just the end of Shabbat, but the beginning of new relationships and shared plans for the future.

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Reflecting on the weekend, Ognjena said that it was much more than an introduction to Jewish tradition - it was a space for intercultural learning, bridge-building, and community connection. It laid strong foundations for continued collaboration and meaningful partnerships between communities in Belgrade and beyond.