SHABBAT RETREAT

Help younger students prep for Hebrew language reading, prayers, and their Bar/Bat Mitzvah portions.

Join us for fresh kosher pizza and a modern debate regarding Jewish law in the digital world.

A short evening service followed by quiet, partner-based learning (Chavrusa) on Jewish history.

Practice choral harmonies for upcoming synagogue services and community outreach performances.

Weekly practice and friendly tournaments. Bring athletic gear and water bottles.

Exploring Jewish ethical responses to modern situations, social responsibility, and tech habits.

Prepare holiday packages, decorate shelter boxes, and participate in social action (Tikun Olam) projects.

Watch classic documentaries and cinematic representations of Jewish historical figures, with popcorn and discussions.

Learn to knead, braid, and bake delicious traditional Challah breads to take home for your family's Shabbat table.

Examine ancient logic and debates in the Talmud. We'll argue current issues using legal arguments derived from the Gemara.

Conclude the weekday programs with evening services before the weekend transition.

Welcome to Camp Ahavah! Check in at the main office to receive your cabin assignments, room keys, and retreat welcome packets.

Kickstart the weekend with fun, interactive team-building games. Meet your bunkmates, advisors, and counselors!

Sartorial prep and candle lighting. We will gather to light Shabbat candles together, bringing warmth and peace into our camp environment.

A spirited and musical Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with singing, harmonies, and dancing to welcome the Shabbat Queen.

Enjoy a multi-course Shabbat dinner accompanied by table songs (Zemirot), words of Torah, and good conversation.

Grab a light bite (pastries, fruit, yogurt) and coffee/tea before morning services begin.

Traditional morning prayers featuring a youth-led Torah reading and sermon by our youth leaders.

A hot Shabbat lunch including traditional cholent, salads, and delicacies, followed by guest speeches.

Choose between a scenic nature hike, a basketball tournament, or board games in the lounge.

Interactive discussion about Torah, communication, and modern tech. Scroll to the "Study Sheet" section of this page to view the source text.

Afternoon prayers followed by the traditional third meal of Shabbat. Singing, slow melodies, and words of inspiration as Shabbat winds down.

A beautiful Havdalah ceremony under the stars with guitar, followed by a bonfire, toasted marshmallows, and a musical Melaveh Malka.

Morning service followed by a hands-on Tefillin workshop. Learn the meaning, history, and practice of wrapping Tefillin.

A hearty breakfast featuring waffles, hashbrowns, and eggs. We will present awards for retreat leadership, sports tournaments, and counselors.

Clear cabins, pack up personal items, and return room keys to the advisors.

A final retreat circle to reflect on the weekend, share memories, and board the buses home.