Shabbaton

IKAR’S ANNUAL SHABBATON

Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2025
Where to?
  • Camp Ramah: 385 Fairview Road, Ojai, CA 93023 (follow the signs toward Camp Ramah Road)
When should we arrive and depart?
  • Please arrive between 3pm and 6pm (before Shabbat). Traffic will get worse as it gets later in the day, so be sure to plan your drive accordingly. And hallah making will be from 3-4pm.
  • We’ll finish our program around 10:30am.
Where should I go when I arrive?
  • If security doesn’t have your name at check-in, text X
  • Follow the signs to the new library so we can welcome you with open arms! Coming after 6pm? Make your way to the dining hall and find one of our team members.
  • After checking in at the new library, kids staying in the bunks will be directed to drop off their bags up the hill.

Get ready to enjoy one big wonderful weekend of wellness, relaxation, and community.

FAQ 
 What is included? 2-night lodging, 5 meals + snacks, and all activities. Please note, that we never want the cost to be a barrier to attendance. If the cost is not accessible to you, please reach out to us at [email protected].  
What is the cancellation policy? 100% refund if canceled by April 11th; 50% refund if canceled by April 18th and no refund if canceled from April 19th on.
What will we eat? Friday night dinner, 3 full meals on Saturday, Sunday breakfast + snacks throughout the weekend. All items served are Kosher-certified, and nut-free, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. Please note that Camp Ramah does not have dedicated Celiac/gluten-free cooking spaces. 
Can I bring my own food? Due to Kashrut rules, Camp Ramah does not allow outside food. We do our best to have a range of options, but may not be able to accommodate severe allergies.
Can kids go alone? We require all children to be registered and accompanied by an adult and registered together. Our programming for children is designed for children 2 years old-7th grade.
Can I request to room with someone? Yes! If you choose to register as an individual but would like to room with a roommate, please pay the double-occupancy rate, and complete the “Wanting to room with a specific person” section below and we will do our best to accommodate. If you do not have a preferred roommate, we will pair you with someone.
Will there be childcare? In addition to our children’s programming for two-year-olds through 7th graders, parent volunteers will sign up for roving childcare shifts each night for children in hotel-style rooms. More information to come. Have questions? Please reach out to [email protected]

Friday afternoon:
-Road trip to Ojai, light candles, do some learning with your rabbis, and take a deep breath.

Saturday:
-Wake up early on Shabbat morning to enjoy yoga or hiking, or roll out of bed just in time for the breakfast buffet.
-Enjoy services and spend the afternoon indulging in some much deserved chill time. Feel like taking a swim? A nap? Engaging in some community learning? Writing some poetry? Getting a massage? Your options are endless.
-In the evening, get a second dose of learning with IKAR rabbis, then stroll into dinner and out to Havdallah. Enjoy some scrumptious s’mores by the fire, followed by an evening program, or just share a moment in time with your community.

Sunday morning:
-Wrap up the weekend with a meditative walk, one last buffet, and beautiful closing ceremonies – with plenty of time to make it back down the hill to prepare for the week ahead.

The WHAT:
A relaxing weekend of prayer, music, hiking, meditation, learning and meaningful community bonding. We’ll focus on wellness, self-care,  and of course… s’mores.

The WHY:
It’s summer camp – IKAR-style. We’re leaving the city behind and heading to the tranquil, beautiful outdoors for our annual community Shabbaton. If you’re a lover of relaxation, rejuvenation and inspiration, you won’t want to miss it.

The WHEN:
Friday, April 25 (afternoon) through Sunday, April 27 (morning)

The WHERE:
Camp Ramah in Ojai, California

The WHO:
IKAR members of all ages! Kids are welcome – and encouraged – to come. 2nd-7th are invited to stay in bunks. Eighth grade and older- reach out to Rebecca if you’re interested in being a (paid) counselor for the weekend. This program is family-friendly, but for you TRIBErs (20’s-30’s), Sababa-ites (35-50), Boomers (55+), and anything in between, there will be plenty of programming geared towards you as well.

What you can expect:

Meet fellow IKARites: Dine, daven, and adventure with friends old and new. Joined IKAR during the pandemic? This is a great opportunity to meet other IKARites in 3D.

Get Unstuck: Let the great outdoors recharge your spiritual battery.

Kids & Family Programming: We’ll have activities that are educational and fun for IKAR kids age 2 years old through 7th grade.

Text Study & Discussion: Dialogue, debate and dig in to Torah with our beloved rabbis. It’s everything you love about learning together but in nature.

The per-person rates below are all-inclusive: 2 nights, 5 meals, and all activities, including children’s programming.

Hotel style room = Room with closet, private bathroom, and either two twin beds or one full-size bed. Linens provided. (Preferences will be considered but not guaranteed. First come, first served.)

*LIMITED AVAILABILITY* Levine Center Premium Hotel style room = Slightly nicer hotel style with two full-size beds. Linens provided.

Bunk = Children or Adult Camp style with many bunk mates. Linens provided

Children Bunk = 2nd-7th grade

*NEW* TRIBE (20s-30s) Bunk = Adult Camp style with other 20-30-year-olds. Linens provided.

Children Aged 0 – First Grade can sleep with their parents on a mattress in the hotel-style room.

Children 2nd-7th can choose to sleep in the bunk or in a cabin with other similarly aged children. Includes linens.