Tikvah Family Shabbaton
Experience an accepting, supportive, fun-filled Shabbat retreat designed for parents, siblings, and children with learning, social and developmental differences.
March 6-8, 2026
“Before the Shabbaton, I’d never really visualized what it would be like if, instead of trying to mold our family to fit a mainstream environment, the environment was molded to us. At Ramah, I didn’t need to be my son’s personal interpreter, referee or advocate because the culture supported him. He could participate fully without me. And while my son was off with his peers, I was able to enjoy the adult programming without feeling anxious. For one weekend, my family learned what it felt like to be, not merely accommodated, but truly accepted and nurtured by a community.”
Where: Camp Ramah in New England, in Palmer, MA
Who: Families with children who have learning, social, and developmental differences and siblings.(no previous Ramah affiliation required)
Contact Bonnie Schwartz, Tikvah Program Director, at bonnies@campramahne.org or 781-400-0204.
What you can look forward to at the Tikvah Shabbaton:
- A Ramah style Shabbat, including ruach-filled t’fillot (prayers) and festive Shabbat meals
- Innovative Jewish learning
- Camp adventures, sports, fitness, art and more.
- Special family activities and programs
- High staff to participant ratio
- Day time and evening supervision for all children
- Healthy, delicious and kosher chef-prepared meals.
- Open to families with children who have learning, social, and developmental differences.
- We invite all immediate family members to attend.
- This program is designed for families with children and teenagers ages 6-15.
- Completed applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Families will be contacted by a Ramah New England staff member for a follow-up meeting to discuss this opportunity and complete registration.
- Parents/Guardians will have the opportunity to relax, celebrate Shabbat, and meet other families with similar experiences and exchange ideas and resources.
- Siblings will participate in group activities together, developing bonds in a safe and supportive environment.
- Children with differences will enjoy a variety of activities and opportunities for socialization with experienced Ramah staff.
All families will be housed in rustic but fully winterized and heated accommodations. Housing will be assigned to best meet the needs of each family and allow Camp Ramah to include as many families as possible.
All-inclusive rates are per person and include comfortable accommodations, delicious kosher meals, snacks and beverages, and all activities. BEDDING AND TOWELS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
All Inclusive Rates for Tikvah Family Shabbaton:
2026 Rates
- Adult $345
- Youth (3-15) $265
- Babies (0-2) $170
- Maximum Family registration charge $1370 (Maximum Family Base registration applies for up to 2 adults and the children who live in their house)
Limited need-based financial assistance is available.
DISCOUNTS
Special 10% off base registration discount available for:
- 2026 Campers: Families with a camper registered for Camp Ramah New England, Ramah Day Camp Greater DC or Ramah Day Camp Greater Boston during summer 2025.
- Returning Tikvah Family Shabbaton Families: Families that have attended Tikvah Family Shabbaton in the past
- Discount For MD, VA and DC families: To help defray travel costs
***Families may use up to two discounts
2026 PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- Due at registration: A $400 non-refundable deposit per family will be processed with the registration application.
- January 7: Full payment due
2026 CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made by:
- January 7 are eligible for a full refund, minus non-refundable deposit
- February 4 are eligible for a 50% refund, minus non-refundable deposit
No refunds will be made on or after February 4, 2026.
Articles written about the Tikvah Family Shabbaton:
- How My Son Finally Opened Up About His Little Brother With Special Needs by Leah Sugarman
- A Safe Place by Benay Josselson
- Reflections of the Tikvah Family Shabbaton by Emma Gelb
- My Happiest Place on Earth by Leah Sugarman
“The Tikvah Family Shabbaton was a wonderful opportunity to spend a weekend with other Jewish families with children with special needs. It was a weekend where we didn’t have to explain or apologize for our children’s behaviors, where a community was built very quickly and we were disappointed to leave, and where the staff thought about everything and really did an extraordinary job planning for everyone’s needs.”
After submitting your application you will be contacted by a Ramah New England staff member to schedule a follow-up meeting to complete your registration.
Questions? Contact Bonnie Schwartz, Tikvah Program Director, at bonnies@campramahne.org or 781-400-0204.