Tikvah Family Shabbaton
Experience an accepting, supportive, fun-filled Shabbat retreat designed for parents, siblings, and children with disabilities.
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.
Articles written about the Tikvah Family Shabbaton:
- How My Son Finally Opened Up About His Little Brother With Special Needs by Leah Sugarman
- Sitting Alone in the Hallway by Alison Lobron
- A Safe Place by Benay Josselson
- Not Merely Accommodated, But Accepted and Nurtured by Tali Cohen
- 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.”
Questions? Contact Bonnie Schwartz, Tikvah Program Director, at bonnies@campramahne.org or 781-400-0204.