Tikvah Spring Shabbaton 2017

Camp Ramah held its Annual Spring Tikvah Family Shabbaton at camp, May 19-21. It was an incredible weekend for our participating families and staff. On Friday afternoon, as cars pulled up and families arrived, children and adults were excited to embrace old friends and to welcome new ones.

After dropping off their belongings, families were quickly ushered to our new chadar ochel (dining hall) to take a tour and make challah and challah covers for Shabbat!  We enjoyed tefillot (prayers) outside as we watched the sun set and were privileged to hear from Rabbi Fel of Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA, who was our Rabbi-in-Residence for Shabbat.  Afterwards, we became the very first Ramah program to eat in the new chadar ochel! We enjoyed a scrumptious Shabbat dinner complete with singing and spirit! Shabbat was beautiful and the remainder of the weekend included a myriad of activities for our children, teens, and young adults with disabilities, as well as for their siblings and parents.

Highlights included: Moon Bounce, a petting zoo, Sibshops, a bonfire with smores, a talent show, a painting night for the parents, and so much more!  Parents also enjoyed opportunities to share their own experiences and learn from each other, during facilitated sessions and discussions led by Dr. Amanda Platner, Dr. Bonnie Schwartz, and, parent coach, Cindy Kaplan.

We are thankful to our Shabbaton coordinators, Elisheva Layman and Adina Golob, who did an amazing job.  It was truly a weekend of community – connecting, relaxing, sharing, playing, developing friendships, and making memories together at Ramah!

For more information or to register for Tikvah Spring Shabbaton 2018, please visit our website at: https://www.campramahne.org/prospective-families/tikvah-camp-for-campers-with-disabilities/tikvah-family-shabbaton/  Families do not need to have a previous affiliation with Ramah to attend. We hope you’ll join us!