Shabbat Retreat October '09

We left on Friday afternoon and headed toward the Sacramento mountains for a fun filled weekend and Shabbat with our family and friends.  This is the 3rd year that TMS has done this, and every time it seems better than the last.  The drive through the desert, then over the mountains, and through the tunnel into the Alpine forest is almost sereal.  One minute you have desert, and the next minute you have forest!  A wonderful way to leave everything behind and prepare for a special weekend just Shabbating.

The sun is beginning to set as we roll into the campgrounds and find our warm cabin waiting just for us.  The night brings in Shabbat with a short service, some singing, games, and the plan for the weekend.  We visit with friends, stay up late, then hit the sack in anticipation of what the next day will bring.

The cold morning air, and bright sunshine brings everybody over to the dining hall, where we enjoy a roaring fireplace while we eat a hearty breakfast, and start the day.  We have a time of Torah study, a time of activities, some yoga, a nap, a hike, eat some more, sing, watch Jewish films, make campfires, make new friends, stay up late, and sleep in the next day.  It's really a special time of learning, growing, playing, and relaxing.

Heading home is the sad part, so a stop at Whitesands eases the pain a little, then it's back home to our own beds.  All in all, a great time, and I'll do it again next year.  I hope you'll join us!

Here are some pictures of our fun this year.